Credenza info

[muffinass]

Hi everyone,

I'm back for some more advice, this time regarding a Credenza that is available for $300.

I've attached the pictures I received of it, and I'm hoping some of you can shed light as to its true value.

Is the reproducer pot-metal or brass?

The only issue with it is that it will need a new spring. How much do they cost and is it something I could do myself?

The seller recommended a local person for repair, saying it would cost no more than $85 to fix the spring.

One thing I did forget to ask was whether it's electric or crank - but I assume, in my naivete, that since it has a spring, it's crank-operated, right?

One last thing - is the lacquer on it fresh? I've seen other Credenza's looking more weathered (something I prefer), but I'm not sure if it's simply in pristine condition or it's been refinished.

Thanks in advance!

[Victrolaman]

Hi,
To me 300 seems ok, but if the spring is broke then offer 250 and say you need the difference to get it repaird, he said " Spring is broke?" this machine has a 4 spring motor so it may still work but wont play as long. But it is a good idea to have the springs cleaned and redone and the repair person will replace the broken spring.
So this is not a Electric model but spring.
The reproduer looks like pot metal but looks very good, i cant see any cracks in the back or splits.

Have the reproducer rebuilt, new bearings Ect, get the spring fixed and you have one of the best sounding machines in the Orthophonic line. I have two in my collection, a Electric and Crank.

But 250 to 275 to me seems fair, or if he wont budge and has to have the 300 then to me 25 bucks isnt a big deal, see if any records come with it to!

[FloridaClay]

Looks to me as though it has the pot metal reproducer and that it has been sprayed with some sort of very shiny finish. The original would have been more of a satin finish.

This machine has a 4-spring motor. I would not have anybody touch it who doesn't know what they are doing. A motor rebuild by a competent restorer is probably going to be in the neighborhood of $200-$250.

$300 is not too bad a price, but there are a lot of Credenza's out there. You may want to wait for a better example.

Clay

[muffinass]

On the listing the seller said $300 was firm - yet it does come with records (didn't mention how many, but they're Kismet, Mercury, Victor, Apex, MGM).

The recommended repair-man was a local person in Toronto who seems to be a collector and maybe even a member here - somebody by the name of Don Woodrow. Apparently the seller and him had been in contact and even received e-mailed instructions on how to fix the spring(s). She had been quoted by him $75 for repairing a spring, back in 2009.

I will try to bring the price down, on account of the repairs needed and the lacquer finish - although I'm not sure if she will go for it.

Is there any way to 'remove' the shiny lacquer from the cabinet or am I better off leaving it as-is?

[Victrolaman]

you might try gently cleaning the cabinet with a nice wood cleaner? or Im not sure if gojo or Cotton Kleanser is a bit to much for it?
But to me 300 isnt a bad deal. I mean the broken spring is a easy fix, im sure that repair guy will do it for a good price. Not a huge job, but if he has it all apart id just have him clean and regrease all 4. all that old grease is dried and hard and sticky, and will cause even more damage of other springs to break

[gramophone78]

Patience is a Virtue

[FloridaClay]

Humm. If I bought it the first thing I would try with the cabinet is cleaning with GoJo or Cotton Kleanser. If you are really lucky it may be that the present owner has just slathered some oil on it that will come off. Worth a try anyhow.

Clay