Great Grandma's Grafonola

[ElleDee]

Hi All,

I was searching for info on the internet for help in getting my great-grandmother's Grafonola working better and finding good needles for it. It's been in the family since they bought it, but it hasn't been run for at least 50 years, until now.

It runs okay...but there is a terrible buzzing if the music gets loud, and I am having trouble adjusting the speed to sound right.

Also, I was told the steel needles we have are really hard on the records, so I should look into bamboo? Are they sold anywhere in particular? I can't find them.

Any help getting started greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
LD

[Brad]

Hi LD,

Welcome to the group, you have come to the right place.

The loud buzzing noise is likely from hardened or dried seals around the mica diaphragm in the reproducer. If you are relatively handy, these can be easily rebuilt, or you can pay someone to do it.

I would highly recommend that you obtain the book "The Compleat Talking Machine" Which provides a wealth of information on restoral of talking machines.

As for needles, many opinions vary, however, most all agree that don't use a steel needle for more than one or two plays.

THere are several folks that sells needles and parts. Take a look at Wyatts Musical Americana (west coast) and APSCO (Antique Phonograph Supply Company)(east coast).

Others will chime in and keep asking questions.

[EdisonPhonographGuy]

Would love to see photos of the old grafonola. He pretty much narrowed your buzzing. A simple gasket change on reproducer should correct that. Steel needles, 1 play and toss. You can get 100 for $12.

[David Spanovich]

It pays to shop around for needles since prices vary -- as low as $3.50 per single pack (see: http://www.wyattsmusical.com/featureditems.html ) -- and they are normally cheaper when you buy them in larger quantities.

Copy and paste the following into your Google search box:

steel "Victrola Needles" OR "Gramophone Needles" OR "Phonograph needles"

[VintageTechnologies]

The reproducer (sound box) needs to be overhauled with new gaskets; that will cure the buzzing and increase the volume and fidelity. If you can't keep the speed regulated, a drop of light oil on the speed governor's friction pad might help. After 50+ years, the motor gears most likely need to be de-greased and re-lubricated. If you are hearing bumping and thumping while playing or winding, the mainspring needs to be completely cleaned and re-greased as well. Most people find it handier to pay an expert to do it. Preserving a family heirloom to be enjoyed is a worthwhile if not economic investment. Steel needles are cheap, certainly cheaper than records; replace one after each playing.