Is This A Graduola?

[phononut]

Hello
Saw this on Classifieds ad's. Please let me know if it is a Graduola. If this is a Graduola, is it an uncommon phonograph. My knowledge of Graduola's is limited. Any info appreciated.

Thanks
Brad

[OrthoFan]

The photo is so dark and blurry, I tried tweaking it using the free online photo editor at http://pixlr.com/ (I don't have PhotoShop) It looks like there are redundant slots on either side of the grille--don't know what to make of them--and I can't quite tell if that's a Graduola control knob on the left side of the grille.

Mystery Machine.JPG (33.95 KiB) Viewed 8777 times

It's hard to tell what model it may be, but it certainly bears a striking resemblance to the cabinet style Aeolian Vocalion used for their standard upright models.

For instance, see:

http://cgi.ebay.com/1916-AD-Aeolian-Voc ... 0535117654

http://www.phonoland.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=1713

The grille in your photo is very similar, in fact to this one:

http://pat.kagi.us/main.php?g2_itemId=15079

So far as I know, the term Graduola refers to the patented tone control device installed in the cabinets, and not the machine, itself.

I couldn't say how uncommon these are; I guess it depends where you live. In the Midwest, I used to see dozens in antiques stores and junk shops, but in the Bay area, I've only come across about three or four in the past 25 years.

Certainly, their sales did not approach those of the "Big Three" manufacturers--Victor, Columbia or Edison--but the basic upright models do surface on eBay and Craigslist quite often.


OF

[gramophoneshane]

The grille & lid both appear to be Aeolian Vocalion, but I've never seen one with openings either side of the grille before. It also looks like it might have some sort of dividers in the horn, which is another feature I've never seen on an AV, but it might be a very late model that attempted to improve horn design?
Normally the Graduola "control" would be visible somewhere next to the grille, but with the additional openings and possible horn improvements, this may have been moved to the side, or a graduola may not have been used on this model.
Then again, it may not be an Aeolian at all

If it is an Aeolian, the cabinets are usually well made, and the motors are a decent quality & made by Thorens of Switzerland. All the cabinet models I've seen have had double springs, but larger or smaller motors may have been used too. The mica soundboxes were also made by Thorens, and when restored will perform better than an Exhibition on acoustic & early electric recordings.
Their biggest downfall was the pot metal tonearm, and due to the design used where the arm joins together, they are very easily broken. For this reason I would highly recommend removing the tonearm from any Aeolian before transporting them.
On the up side, they are normally capable of playing both lateral & vertical recordings.

[OrthoFan]

After a little more image searching I came up with this one, which looks like a very close if not exact match, including the "side slats."

AV.JPG (23.22 KiB) Viewed 8751 times

http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/9250560

Wished they identified the model number.

[gramophoneshane]

What a difference a clear photo makes
You can even see the control clearly in this one. I wouldn't mind getting a closer look behind the grille at that horn, to see just what those 2 uprights are. The tonearm on this one doesn't appear to have capability to play vertical cut records from what I can see, so I guess it must be a late 20s model. The Aeolian I used to have was originally bought in late 1925 & it could play both types of discs.

[phononut]

Thanks for all the help
I currently don't own the machine, and the picture is not mine. I sure am curious to see behind the grille too. I am interested now to add this to my collection, and clean and restore it. I know replacment parts are actually hard to come by, so I will be careful when I examine it. What would be a fair price to pay for this machine? Lately, my last 2 phonographs I picked for less than 100 dollars, so I will try to steal this one also.

Thanks
Brad

[brianu]

noble endeavor.

[phononut]

noble endeavor.

!?????

[gramophoneshane]

I know replacment parts are actually hard to come by, so I will be careful when I examine it.

The only parts that would be hard to replace are the tonearms because they are pot metal & so easily broken.
Springs & motor parts are as common as mud. The springs are exactly the same as those used in many other Thorens motors, and complete motors are usually available quite cheaply should you ever need to replace any cogs or a fibre gear etc.
Unlike some of the smaller US off-brand manufacturers that made their own motors, Thorens supplied literally hundreds of manufacturers around the world for many years with motors, so parts are usually no harder to find than common Victrola parts. Those made for Aeolion Vocalion machines will be stamped "Aeolian- Swiss Made", and the No.7 was used in most cabinet models I've come across.
Even parts for the "push button" semi-auto brake turn up quite regularly.

[phononut]

Just phoned the guy. He says he will do 75 bucks !!! :):)