Starr Phonograph Dilemma

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Phono-Phan
Victor V
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Starr Phonograph Dilemma

Post by Phono-Phan »

I have a Starr phonograph in walnut. The grain patterns are beautiful. The dilemma is that the short legs have been cut off. I am not much into wood working or cabinet repairs. The original single ball casters were with it. If there is anyone in the Central Wisconsin area that wants to take on a restoration project, I will give this away. I want to try this first before gutting the cabinet for parts. Please contact me if you want a gorgeous Starr phonograph.
Ken Brekke
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Inigo
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Re: Starr Phonograph Dilemma

Post by Inigo »

I agree with your sorrow.. it would be a pity to sacrifice this beauty for parts. It's worth the effort of trying to supply new legs to restore it to its former glory... Besides that, it has a convertible tonearm, and the soundbox seems similar to the HMV no4, looks as if It sounds pretty well..
Inigo

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dzavracky
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Re: Starr Phonograph Dilemma

Post by dzavracky »

Man if I wasn't moving and had a place to do woodworking I would totally want to take on this project.

Hope someone can take this on!

Cheers,

David

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PeterF
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Re: Starr Phonograph Dilemma

Post by PeterF »

Definitely must be saved. If you haven’t already, carefully remove the grille and feast your eyes on the beautiful spruce horn (that should be) behind it!

Lah Ca
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Re: Starr Phonograph Dilemma

Post by Lah Ca »

You might get some idea of the leg style that the machine once had by looking through the ads that have been collected here:

https://www.capsnews.org/capp/starr/starr.html

And if you scroll down to the end of the above link, you will see another Starr amputee.

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Phono-Phan
Victor V
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Re: Starr Phonograph Dilemma

Post by Phono-Phan »

Great link. I can't tell from my grill for sure but it looks like the style V model. The legs don't look that complicated. Tempting to have some made.
Thanks for the link!!!!
Ken Brekke

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Phono-Phan
Victor V
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Re: Starr Phonograph Dilemma

Post by Phono-Phan »

I believe I will look into having legs made. Does anyone have this model and can send me pictures of what the legs look like?

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Granby
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Re: Starr Phonograph Dilemma

Post by Granby »

If you find yourself out of options or finances are limited, I would consider the "something is better than nothing" method.... I have dabbled in furniture restoration and am almost certain that there are catalogs or websites that have "ready made" legs ready to attach to antique pieces in a variety of styles to choose from, whether it be a Queen Anne leg, Chippendale, straight, tapered, etc. If it came to that, you could find four that would be suitable in walnut, stain and finish them yourself, buy some furniture leg braces from the local hardware store, and attach them...

I know this method probably wouldn't qualify as a "museum worthy" restoration, but, the phonograph would be presentable to "most" observers and get it up off the ground.... I am just thinking out loud....

- Chris

edisonplayer
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Re: Starr Phonograph Dilemma

Post by edisonplayer »

That's a beautiful machine It'd be a pity to part it out.edisonplayer.

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Phono-Phan
Victor V
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Re: Starr Phonograph Dilemma

Post by Phono-Phan »

Granby wrote: Wed Jun 19, 2024 8:48 am If you find yourself out of options or finances are limited, I would consider the "something is better than nothing" method.... I have dabbled in furniture restoration and am almost certain that there are catalogs or websites that have "ready made" legs ready to attach to antique pieces in a variety of styles to choose from, whether it be a Queen Anne leg, Chippendale, straight, tapered, etc. If it came to that, you could find four that would be suitable in walnut, stain and finish them yourself, buy some furniture leg braces from the local hardware store, and attach them...

I know this method probably wouldn't qualify as a "museum worthy" restoration, but, the phonograph would be presentable to "most" observers and get it up off the ground.... I am just thinking out loud....

- Chris
Thanks for the recommendation. I will try to search for what the legs are supposed to look like and go from there. If you know of a website, please let me know. Thanks!!!!!

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