Pathé Actuelle Questions

[Williameledge]

I have a Pathé Actuelle that my father bought 30+ years ago that I would like to put back into working order but I am new to phonographs in general and I don’t want to screw This wonderful machine up!
I have looked here as well as online but I’ve not been able to find a “Owners manual” for this machine. Does one exist here?
As this phonograph sits right now, what type of records can I play with the existing reproducer?
And lastly, it is missing one door knob as seen in the photo. Anyone here make or sell replacements?
Thanks! Bill

[52089]

Congrats. The Pathé Actuelle is an unusual machine designed to play virtually all types of vintage disc records.

Right now it looks like you have a standard steel needle in the chuck. These needles are for playing conventional "78s" and need to be replaced after every record. Fortunately, these needles are still widely available. When playing a "78", be sure your cone speaker is rotated so that "Lateral" appears at the top of the cone.

The disc you have on there is now is not a regular "78". Pathé's first discs were vertically cut, meaning the grooves go up and down - on a "78" they go side-to-side. Also, the groove is unusually wide. To play these, you need a special stylus that has a ball-shaped sapphire stylus mounted to a shank. You may find this in the needle cups on your machine, or perhaps it's in a crevice somewhere. They are frequently lost, but can be purchased for $40-$50. The sapphire stylus is semi-permanent and should be good for hundreds if not thousands of plays. When playing these early Pathé discs, turn the cone speaker to the "Vertical" or "Pathé" setting.

You should also know that Pathé later made regular "78s". These are labeled "Actuelle" and are played with a steel needle like any other 78.

I don't recall seeing a user manual, but a board search and/or Google may help. I don't think anyone makes replacement knobs. I need 1 or 2 myself. There are parts suppliers listed in the Links section of the board who may be able to help.

Good luck with your machine and feel free to ask more questions.

[Williameledge]

Congrats. The Pathé Actuelle is an unusual machine designed to play virtually all types of vintage disc records.

Right now it looks like you have a standard steel needle in the chuck. These needles are for playing conventional "78s" and need to be replaced after every record. Fortunately, these are still widely available. When playing a "78", be sure your cone speaker is rotated to that "Lateral" appears at the top of the cone.

The disc you have on there is now is not a regular "78". Pathé's first discs were vertically cut, meaning the grooves up up and down - on a "78" they go side-to-side. Also, the groove is unusually wide. To play these, you need a special stylus that has a ball-shaped sapphire stylus mounted to a shank. You may find this in the needle cups on your machine, or perhaps it's in a crevice somewhere. They are frequently lost, but can be purchased for $40-$50. The sapphire stylus is semi-permanent and should be good for hundreds if not thousands of plays. When playing these early Pathé discs, turn the cone speaker to the "Vertical" or "Pathé" setting.

You should also know that Pathé later made regular "78s". These are labeled "Actuelle" and are played with a steel needle like any other 78.

I don't recall seeing a user manual, but a board search and/or Google may help. I don't think anyone makes replacement knobs. I need 1 or 2 myself. There are parts suppliers listed in the Links section of the board who may be able to help.

Good luck with your machine and feel free to ask more questions.

Thanks!!!

[Victrola-Monkey]

I have attached the Actuelle document that will provide you with even more info on your Model H. Enjoy, the Actuelles are unique and wonderful phonographs!

[vansteem78]

I hope it is okay to recommend a book. This has lots of information about Pathé and in

particular about the Actuelle machine. I have one of the machines and they are fantastic sounding. Congratulations on being an owner. This book is I think out of print but you may find a copy if you look. Neil

[Williameledge]

I have attached the Actuelle document that will provide you with even more info on your Model H. Enjoy, the Actuelles are unique and wonderful phonographs!

thank you so much!!!