Columbia Grafonola Question

[XCaptBill]

Nice! I'm getting ready to restore a "Favorite". I hope it comes out as nice as yours. I'm curious, did you replace the decal on the lid or is it original? I'm waiting to get a decal from Gregg Cline at Phono Decal before I start.

Bill

[mattrx]

It's original. Once I applied a little clear shellac it was clearer and stood out fairly well. Good luck!!

[XCaptBill]

I was debating doing that as well. Did you strip the old finish around the decal leaving only the decal area untouched? I was considering leaving the entire underside of the lid original as it is not in bad shape. The decal does have a couple of scratches. I was thinking I could strip and sand the outside up to the nearest edge and then just refinish the entire lid with shellac. The finish on the outside is rough and has a couple of veneer chips and water damage I want to repair.

Bill

[mattrx]

The new shellac, thinned a bit with alcohol, should smooth out the finish. At least it did mine. I did not sand at all inside the lid.

[Norfolkguy]

I'm the lucky new owner of the Columbia, couldn't be happier. I've always had Victor's, which are great, but have wanted a Columbia for years. I must say that Matt did an awesome restoration on the machine, and I'll be watching his sales like a hawk for future finds. Also, his packing is over the top secure, able to stand up to the abuse packages go through. Thanks Matt!

[mattrx]

That is nice to hear! Thanks again. If you want to rebuild the repro, contact Walt Sommers(cyber_tigger on eBay). I think he has the parts. I contacted him for them, and was going to order them if the machine did not sell the first go 'round. He helped me get the repro loose (advice) and a on a couple of other matters. I am glad you like it. I was really impressed with how it turned out, given what I started with. I'll send you pics if you want them. Just pm me.

[Norfolkguy]

I was getting ready to rebuild the reproducer when I read a post here on tightening the two screws by the needle. I'm blown away at the difference it makes! Sounds as good as the rebuilt no.2 on my Victor. I can even play Orthophonic records on it now! It always sounded nice, but had a bit of a rattle when playing anything recorded after 1920 or so. I have handled this with kid gloves after hearing how delicate the pot metal is, so I'm thrilled to discover this. Many thanks to this awesome forum, it is my required reading nightly after work. I'm up to page 40 in the "machines" section!

[edisonrestorer64]

Nice I have this same case in first pic. I will selling my case soon here on yankee trader.