Fullotone Cabinet Gramophone Restoration

[LaoChe85]

As I said I would, this post is to share the restoration process of my newly acquired Fullotone Cabinet machine.

I bought this gramophone in a clock shop after having got into a conversation about gramophones and what not with the owner. I was intrigued because I haven't seen a longways cabinet gramophone in person until now, and I must say they have a grander feel to them, much more as if they are a piece of furniture rather than a record player.

In terms of condition, its in good nick! the soundbox may only need the gaskets replacing, the motor runs smoothly, the cabinet finish only has some scratches and scuffs (no delamination of veneer and what not) - overall the machine is going to be very easy to get up and running and looking good.

I say up and running because although it does work - and sounds quite good - there are some issues with the motor board, this being that the turn table is off balance and the speed dial is not correct and the lowest rpm it goes to is 82 rpm. I believe these are easy things to sort out but I'm looking for some advice here if that would be possible. I think it could be down to these perishing rubber spacers separating the motor from the motor board but I am not sure (I will replace these anyhow). If anyone believes it might not be down to this issue, then please let me know. I am still not sure about the speed issue though - is this a sperate issue or also because the motor is wonky and not secured properly?

As for the looks of the machine, I must say I really like difference it has with more mainstream models of the time such as that of HMV and Columbia. In some ways it's more simple, maybe cheaper and I am aware that these companies bought in parts to put into their own cabinets which is probably why. I know this is a long shot considering these machines somewhat varied in styles etc but cold anyone place an estimated date of when this machine was released - even the decade would be helpful. I don't know if these machines had names but if so what was this one called? I have looked extensively but I can't seem to find a similar Fullotone gramophone in this cabinet.

I've definitely posted too many pictures but there are lots of parts I wanted to show.

Thank you, and of course any restoration tips would be really appreciated as I am still very new to this hobby!

[jamiegramo]

If you look at the motor you will notice a hammer shaped lever that moves against the governor to reduce or increase the speed. The governor has 3 weights which spread out as the speed increases. This hammer has a felt pad which is almost certainly worn causing too much speed. If you can push the felt out a bit toward the governor plate, that it pushes against, you should be able to get a lower speed. If the felt is badly worn it may have to be replaced.

The soundbox may need the rubber gaskets replacing. These insulate the diaphragm. Thank you for posting your restoration! The internal horn looks more impressive than many others I have seen.

[JerryVan]

Most speed controls have a fine adjustment, or in other words, a way to calibrate them. This screw is likely intended for that exact purpose. Try firmly holding the speed control knob in the "78" position, while at the same time turning that screw either CW or CCW. See if there is a noticeable change in speed. If so, continue holding the control knob stationary whilst you further adjust the small screw, until the actual speed reaches 78 RPM.

(Do this only after you have replaced the rubber washers between the motor & motor board, as different thicknesses of washers will change the relationship between the speed control and the motor.)

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[LaoChe85]

Thank you for the tips, I will get round to looking at this. I had seen that the screw might have something to do with it so I'll try both your recommendations I will research myself but do you have any suggestions regarding what to replace the spacers with (what material etc as I have heard certain materials introduce resonance?)

I think the first port of call on this machine is to start with the motor board issues and then move onto the actual restoration of the cabinet.

I do realise this isn't as exciting as some of the machines you see on this forum but I find it enjoyable documenting and talking to others about the restoration process.

[JerryVan]

Thank you for the tips, I will get round to looking at this. I had seen that the screw might have something to do with it so I'll try both your recommendations I will research myself but do you have any suggestions regarding what to replace the spacers with (what material etc as I have heard certain materials introduce resonance?)

I think the first port of call on this machine is to start with the motor board issues and then move onto the actual restoration of the cabinet.

I do realise this isn't as exciting as some of the machines you see on this forum but I find it enjoyable documenting and talking to others about the restoration process.

I assume you have Amazon.com, or some similar in the U.K.? If so, search for "rubber washers" and purchase some of the correct diameter and with a thickness similar to the old ones, (it doesn't need to be exact). eBay in the U.K. may be a better option... https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw= ... _PrefLoc=1
Other options are to use felt washers, but your original rubber washers appear to be somewhat thick, so perhaps felt wouldn't quite do.

It may not be an "exciting" machine, but it appears to be of high quality. I would be very curious to hear how that horn performs once the reproducer is rebuilt. Orthophonic Credenzas are far from exciting as well, but I find them a pleasure to listen to.

[epigramophone]

Fullotone was established by Albert McDougal in 1919, trading as The Cabinet Gramophone Company at 229 Great College St, Camden. By 1926 the business had relocated to 73 Camden Road, London NW1. Fullotone claimed to be the largest mail order supplier of gramophones in the UK, and had a despatch address at 14 Miller St, London W1.

The company was renamed Fullotone Gramophones Ltd in about 1928, and in 1929 it was re-formed as Fullotone Gramophones (1929) Ltd. Fullotone record covers turn up from time to time, and can be dated according to which company details appear on them.

Fullotone survived the depression with a range of radios and radiograms, emerging after WW2 as "Puratone" at Fife Road, Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey. This new venture traded in a newfangled system called Television.

My Fullotone is of earlier date than yours. It has a simple plywood horn with record storage beneath, effectively a table model on legs. The double spring Paillard motor is of pillar and plate construction, and the soundbox is not the original.
The cabinet was probably made to special order, and would have been sent to specialist decorators to apply the Chinoiserie finish.
I purchased it in 2011 from a titled lady and spent several weeks restoring it. I wrote an article about the restoration which was published in the CLPGS magazine "For the Record" No.39. Autumn 2011.

[LaoChe85]

This is all very interesting and valuable information, thank you. I do really love the finish and design on your Fullotone machine - one of your most interesting machines I assume. So the company was a little bigger than I thought is regards to supply, and with your information this machine would be post 1928/9, perhaps the 30s?

[LaoChe85]

I have been looking at the Soundbox and tried to take it apart, to remove the hardened rubber spacers on the back of the soundbox, but I wasn't able to. I took the main back screws out of the back as well as the front ones but this did nothing - it could be where the metal has seized (that's if it is pot metal and it doesn't seem to be). I have looked on YouTube but I haven't found a way to properly dismantle it so I was wondering if anyone would have any suggestions? I can always upload some more images if that helps. The actual gaskets are still nice a flexible and I think they might have been replaced recently within the last decade or so.

Just a little update on the motor, after looking for some rubber washers for the motor I have quickly discovered the specific size isn't available anywhere. Because of this I am going to buy a sheet of rubber and then make washers out of this - I can also use the excess for other restorations in the future.

[JerryVan]

Chances are that the old, deteriorated gaskets have the reproducer "glued" together.

The motor mount washers do not have to be exact, but they should be close. It's okay to stack them up to build the proper thickness. No matter however, since you have the fix in place by making them from the rubber sheet. Good work!

[LaoChe85]

Would you think it is worth prying the soundbox apart then JerryVan? It doesn’t damage the mica as I can remove this first so it’s out of the way.

This soundbox looks like it has a lot of potential so I’d really like to replace those isolators if possible.