Intro

[gramophoneshane]

BTW: Here's the patent info on your reproducer, made by Jewel Phonoparts Co of Chicago, Ill.
The description mentions a "chemical compound" diaphragm, so yours must either be a slightly earlier version using a mica diaphragm, or the diaphragm has been replaced at some stage.

http://www.google.com/patents?id=8qVoAA ... er&f=false

[Brinybay]

Looks the same except for the backside. Mine has only four screws and no markings.

If y'all don't mind, I want to print out your critiques and show him the photos. For future reference, does anybody know of an experienced repair person in the NW? I'm in Seattle, but I can go as far as Portland or an equivalent distance in another direction, as long as it doesn't take me into Canada.

[Brinybay]

Thats nice thanks for sharing, I want to find something like that.

Craigslist is your friend!

[Brinybay]

Your Avalon has a very nice cabinet design. I especially like the art nouveau faux grille on the volume doors. It really sets the machine off.
I watched your youtube videos, and it appears you have the speed control set too fast. If my count was accurate, it seems the turntable is rotating at around 90rpm instead of 78 so you might want to back that off a little
The easiest way to check the speed is to print out a 78 stroboscope. These should be easily found online- there may even be one here in the tech/tips section of the board?
Or you can do it the old fashioned way, by placing a thin strip of paper between a record & the turntable, allowing a couple cm's to hang over the edge. You set the turntable going, place your finger on the motor board close to the turntable, and count how many times the paper hits your finger in 60 secs. When you count 78 times in one minute, then the speed is correct.
It sounds like you might be getting a rattle (blasting)from the soundbox/reproducer. This is usually a sign that the soundbox needs an overhaul with new rubber gaskets. If this has been done, it could need adjustments made to the needle bar pivots, although the problem may not be so bad once the speed is corrected. (Or it may not be the machine at all but the mic in the camera?)
One last thing- winding the machine.
I'm not sure how other collectors feel about this, but personally I prefer to release the turntable brake before winding the main spring.
Most original instruction books tell you to wind the machine fully before releasing the brake, but I've always felt there's a greater chance of the spring breaking now that the motor & spring/s are 90 or 100 years old. I think by releasing the brake first, you're not building up all that power in the same way as when the motor is stationary. I could be wrong though lol.

I tried the stroboscope, but couldn't get the 78 part to "stand still". So I tried the other method. Somebody said it sounded like it was spinning at 90, and they were right! With the lever moved all the way to the left, which should slow it down, it still was spinning at 80 something. That's probably why I couldn't get a correct reading from the stroboscope. Between that and the sloppy reproducer overhaul, I'll be giving that repair guy a call.

Something interesting though. I played the "Old Kentucky Home" record at that slower speed, and I didn't hear any distortions. I only played it once because it was late at night and I didn't want to disturb the neighbors (I'm in an apartment), so I'll have to double-check it during the day.

[Brinybay]

Your Avalon has a very nice cabinet design. I especially like the art nouveau faux grille on the volume doors. It really sets the machine off.
I watched your youtube videos, and it appears you have the speed control set too fast. If my count was accurate, it seems the turntable is rotating at around 90rpm instead of 78 so you might want to back that off a little

You were correct, it was too fast. I adjusted the speed and re-recorded the videos.

[gramophoneshane]

That sounds much better
There's still a vibration is the soundbox, but hopefully your repair guy is willing to redo it properly?
It should have pretty good sound once that's done.

[Brinybay]

That sounds much better
There's still a vibration is the soundbox, but hopefully your repair guy is willing to redo it properly?
It should have pretty good sound once that's done.

Is it the soundbox or the record? I've played maybe a dozen or so records that I picked up from thrift stores, and I get a wide range of play-back quality.

[Phonofreak]

I live in Bremerton. Maybe we can hook up, and I can look at the machine. Send me a PM if you want to get together.
Harvey Kravitz

Looks the same except for the backside. Mine has only four screws and no markings.

If y'all don't mind, I want to print out your critiques and show him the photos. For future reference, does anybody know of an experienced repair person in the NW? I'm in Seattle, but I can go as far as Portland or an equivalent distance in another direction, as long as it doesn't take me into Canada.

[scullylathe]

Isn't that the same tonearm/repro used on 'Claxtonola' machines? Had one years ago and it looks familiar...

[pughphonos]

I just bought one of those Jewel reproducers/adapters that enables one to play Edisons and Pathés on a Victor. Decided to splurge--in original box, with original accompanying literature. A Chicago product from the early 1920s. I'm resurrecting an old thread where others said they also owned a Jewel. Any further comments, Brinybay, Gramophoneshane and others? How do yours perform for you?

Ralph