Standard Phonograph Model A- Tech questions

[Tara M]

Hello!

I am definitely an amateur collector, I have a Victrola which I have rebuilt a motor for and I have done a lot of reading, of what little I can find. I know I still have more to learn! I have recently purchased my very first external horn phonograph, I opted for the Standard Model A because I couldn't afford a Victor I wanted, I was afraid to destroy a Victor, and I also liked that the Standard is essentially a Columbia so I could probably locate parts if needed.

I have two questions for all you fine folks out in TMF-land.

1) Does anyone know where I can purchase a reproduction copy of a user manual for the Standard? Or possibly willing to copy theirs and I can pay for it plus shipping?

2) I think I'm already in a pickle. I've discovered the speed control is relatively straightforward with the combined brake mechanism. However, when I wind and let the record get to speed and apply the needle it immediately goes "wwwrrroooooooow" and the record quits spinning. No sound has a chance to escape. In my copy of Compleat Talking Machine it suggests several reasons, one of which is a weak mainspring. Anyone have some insight that owns one of these? I've tried several kinds of needles, loud, soft, cactus... all the same result. I called the man I bought it from and he said it played several records before it was sent to me. Maybe I should take the tone arm off and grease the area? It swings but there's some drag.

Thank you all for reading and for any advice you send my way!

-Tara Milo

[phonogfp]

Tara,

If there's some drag to the tone arm, you'll definitely want to eliminate that, as it will wear out your records. However, it's unlikely that the tonearm is causing the motor to abruptly stop.

1) Be sure to wind the motor all the way. (The Standard Model A has a small single mainspring.) This may cause you some anxiety at first, but you'll quickly develop a "feel" for when the mainspring is fully wound up. If you slow down a bit as the resistance increases, you won't damage anything.

2) Take a look at the mainspring. You'll see the outer end where it is secured to a shaft. Is there any indication/discoloration that it has been repaired at the end? Back in the day, some "restorers" used to repair a break at the end by simply cutting the mainspring shorter, drilling a new hole in it, and calling it "fixed." That can work on larger motors (especially with multiple mainsprings) but not usually on a small mainspring that's over a century old.

3) Try a different record. Some very worn discs will cause perfectly healthy but underpowered machines to throw in the towel right away.

4) If you need a new mainspring, they are readily available at nominal cost. I recommend Ron Sitko, who communicates only via phone or snail mail. Just tell him you need a mainspring for a DISC machine Standard Model A and he'll know exactly what you need.

Good luck!

George P.

[StL Bill]

Tara;
I agree with George, I doubt that the tone arm is your problem. It has been my experience that many Columbia machines (including client machines)have this problem
along with a problem in trying to keep a steady R.P.M. I live in the St. Louis area and if I can help you in any way,just drop me a message through the Forum.

Bill

[tinovanderzwan]

hi tare a lot of the chicago machines like standard, harmony, busy bee, united, and aretino have weak main springs my busy bee grand had the same problem when i first got it it would play 2 seconds and grind to a hold the busy bee is a front mount so it needed quite some extra tork yours is a rear mount that needs just a little less so get yourself a new stiff spring and it will play once again
also a as-found machine always needs a good cleaning and re-greasing i have found that a chicago o'neal motor can be as stuck as a house after a 100 years of neglect

greetings
tino

[Le0]

the best I've been able to do with mine was a side and a half with the motor fully wound.
check the governor if it is restrained or anything as there might be something there... I remember digging a hair that got stuck in my Triumph's governor and it was enough to stop it.

[phonogfp]

Tara,

Since Bill has offered to help you personally, that's your best bet. Bill is extremely knowledgeable, well-known in our hobby, and a gentleman. He will have your machine diagnosed and fixed in short order.

George P.