Columbia Ooops

[Kevin Aschenmeier]

Hi. I accidentaly bought a Columbia.

I saw an add for some 78s for sale. It turns out the sale included a "gramophone".

The "gramophone" turned out to ba a Columbia Grafonola. It has a serial number No. C 78838.

The machine sounds good. The felt is a bit tattered, but serviceable. The cabinet has some of the veneer seperating and chipped/cracked on the lid. But, aside from that, it is in decent shape.

All I need is to find some information on it.

Is Grafonola the model? Any idea on what years it was produced in?

Thank you.

Kevin

[alang]

Hi Kevin. Congratulations to your purchase, it is not often that one buys a phonograph by accident
Grafonola was Columbia's name for internal horn disc phonographs, similar to Victor's Victrola. There are many different Grafonola models, from large uprights over consoles to table top models. There is no easy way to identify them by serial number, so your best bet would be to post some detailed pictures here, so the experts can try to narrow down to the model and approximate production date.
Good luck!
Andreas

[Kevin Aschenmeier]

Hi:
The machine seems to be the same as the one in the photos that darkwaterdevil posted.

This would make it a 50. It is complete, though. It has the three needle cups on the left, plus a covered one on the right for used needles. It also has two documents on the underside of it. One is a Columbia agreement nameing the patents etc. The second is a small paper stateing which Canadian plant it was built in and signed by the person who inspected it.

So, why did Columbia not put the model numbers on their machines?

Now, where can I find information on seviceing the machine? It plays alright, but when I remove the turntable, I can see part of the geartrain that looks a bit dirty and dry.

Thank you.

Kevin

[Brad]

Kevin,

A great place to start is to obtain a copy of "The Compleat Talking Machine" by Eric Reiss. The is a great source of information for pretty much all aspects of repair and restoral. That, coupled with the knowledge and help you will receive here , you will be in good shape.

One comment I would offer now: The tone arms on Columbia's were typically made from cheap pot metal which has a propensity to swell and crack. They will crumble in your hands if you try and force them. I speak from experience here as others have as well. If the tone arm does not move, or appears to bind and or be swollen or cracked, don't force anything until you know more.

Secondly, as you ask questions, it is always useful to post pictures of the item you are asking about. Attaching photo's is very easy and others will be to give you accurate advice since they can see the machine.

Good luck!

[Kevin Aschenmeier]

Brad:
Thank you for the warning on the tonearm. On this one it moves freely. It plays an entire record with no binding. The motor seems to be okay. I can play three sides wothout having to rewind it.I thought I should lubricate it, since I have to start it with a gentle nudge on the turntable.

All I have to do is figure out how to post a picture or two.

I will look into buying that book. Right now I am waiting for some needles from Wyatt's Musical Americana. I had ordered the needles in anticipation of the Victor Cictrolla 4-3 that I am buying. I believe he takes a few weeks off in June. I am sure he also has the book.

Kevin