Gramophone Reproduction (Indian)

[gramophone-georg]

Sometimes there is a pin, or some other kind of indexing device that has to fit into a slot on the bottom of the turntable. If so, lift the turntable up a little, start the motor and gently release the turntable downwards. If it seats lower, you're in.

As mentioned by "Startgroove", there should be a drive pin in the spindle shaft, located beneath the turntable. Since the turntable is sitting so high off the cabinet, maybe you can look under it and see if, in fact, there is a pin, going horizontally into the spindle shaft. This pin should fit into a notch, or groove, on the bottom side of the turntable. The function of the pin is to engage and drive the turntable so that it doesn't slip on the spindle shaft, but instead rotates as it should. Very often, during assembly, the pin is not aligned & engaged with the slot/notch/groove in the turntable. The effect is to make the turntable sit too high on the shaft, which may explain why the shaft is not protruding enough to make it though your record.

If you need to remove the turntable in order to make these inspections, simply grab the turntable at its edges and pull up, while with one thumb, press down on the spindle shaft. Unless it's really pressed on tight, the table should lift off.

It looks to me as if the edge band on the turntable is up so high the record isn't even touching the felt.

[chunnybh]

Be warned. This "crapophone" will totally destroy your records.

[OrthoFan]

It looks to me as if the edge band on the turntable is up so high the record isn't even touching the felt.

That's exactly what I was thinking. If you click on the photo and view it full size, you can see how high the edge band is in places.

As for removing the turntable, if it doesn't easily pull off, it may be mounted on with a screw on the shaft visible on the underside. Shine a flashlight around the space between the turntable and cabinet. You'd need a long screwdriver to get at it.

The turntable could also be held in place with a spindle clip, which might have been covered up when the new velvet was put in place. In that case, you'll have to remove the velvet.

But, even if you're able to position the record on the turntable properly, what you will probably hear will, IN NO WAY, come close to what an authentic acoustic phonograph is capable of. Even a (good condition/quality) portable wind-up suitcase model would be miles ahead. -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUz_sVPYdMU -- If you decide you want one, at some point, this forum is a good place to start for information and suggestions.

HTH,
OrthoFan

[VanEpsFan1914]

Get to the Yankee Trader and put out a Wanted ad. You'll have a genuine phonograph (and more than likely records too!) in a hurry.

Someone came on here asking for records for his wife's new Victrola VIII and someone mailed him 35 pounds of old 78s, 1910s to 1940s copies.

There is so much of the old antique stuff out there that you can find just about whatever you want with a little inquiry, and do your ears and your records a favor by not having to use a cheap tin-pot replica.

[gramophone-georg]

Well, this was a gift from the OP's sister and she did mean well, so let's not be too harsh here.

[tomb]

It also possible that either the brake or speed control shaft is up to high keeping the platter from going down enough. Does it rub and make a noise when it spins ?? I see aprox. a ¼ inch of the shaft sticking thru the platter. If there is that much showing a record should go on it. Tom

[epigramophone]

HMV and (I assume) Victor motors have the horizontal locating pin mentioned, but Garrard and most others do not. They are simply an interference fit, and if the turntable is stuck on it can be removed by gripping the edges firmly whilst an assistant gives the spindle a sharp tap with a small hammer.

[Garret]

Bob,

I really respect your sister's desire to find you a phonograph, but I'd really encourage you to explore some other option if you want to play records. These Indian gizmos are poorly made, and would take more work to get them working well than they are worth. All of the machines below are in driving distance of Washington, and very reasonably priced.

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva ... 34276.html

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc ... 89748.html

https://pennstate.craigslist.org/atq/d/ ... 85504.html

Otherwise, feel free to send me a private message. I used to live in Vienna, VA, just west of Washington, DC. While I don't live there anymore, I know a number of collectors who would probably be more than happy to find a good, original machine just to get you started in the hobby.

Sincerely,

Garret

P.S.

If you want to play records from the time of Glenn Miller and newer, you are better of buying an electric turntable. All the machines I showed are only designed to play records from about 1933 and older.