Silvertone Tru-Phonic

[eighteenbelow]

Can anyone tell me anything about this Silvertone Tru-Phonic phonograph? I know they were sold by Sears, and were supposed to rival Victor Orthophonics and Columbia Viva-Tonals, but I have never owned one before. I'd like to know which model it is, when it was made, and any other information anyone might have about it. Thanks!

[CharliePhono]

It appears very similar to the "Parisian" Tru-Phonic model. This image is from a 1927 Sears catalog.

[gunnarthefeisty]

Yes, 1926-1928 production I'd say. Orthophonic clone, but a fairly good one at that. Should equal a 4-7.

[OrthoFan]

There have been quite a number of discussions on this forum about Tru-Phonic phonographs. For instance, see:


viewtopic.php?t=39612
viewtopic.php?t=34207
viewtopic.php?t=30795
viewtopic.php?t=6351
viewtopic.php?p=175258


Generally they were well-made and designed, and, while not quite up to the standards of an Orthophonic Victrola, can provide a remarkable performance, sounding more like an electrically amplified phonograph than an acoustic one. The main issue is, of course, the pot metal reproducer which will need an overhaul to provide optimal performance. Along this line, you also have to be careful with the tonearm if it is pot metal.

OrthoFan

[eighteenbelow]

To be clear, I was not searching for information on Silvertone Tru-Phonics in general, but on this specific model. While it is close to the one in the ad ("The Parisian"), there are some subtle differences; I believe it's a different model, though I don't know which one.