5 inch mandrel columbia cylinder phonographs

[ChuckA]

In 50 years of collecting I've never seen that happen with wax. It proves the old adage: you learn something new every day. Wow.

Sure wish I didn't have to learn it the hard way


Chuck

[obmcclintock]

I guess that there is no way to very gently ream out a little of the center surface of the cylinder, is there? They are probably so fragile that you would easily risk breakage. I claim to know nothing about such as this but what else can you do to play the cylinder? Dave

[ChuckA]

I guess that there is no way to very gently ream out a little of the center surface of the cylinder, is there? They are probably so fragile that you would easily risk breakage. I claim to know nothing about such as this but what else can you do to play the cylinder? Dave

Dave

I tried to shave the inside surface on an unplayable cylinder, but when I finally got to the point where it fit the mandrel
the gripping ridges were gone and the record won't stay on the mandrel. It appears the ridges create a slight vacuum effect to keep the record on the mandrel.

Chuck

[obmcclintock]

Chuck, that is a bummer for sure !!!! I am one of those weirdos but I would not really be interested in cylinders unless I could play them. My AB has only a small mandrel and I am inquiring about a new 5 inch one made by Jean-Paul in Canada. I found him thanks to this site and you guys. Thank you!!!!

I am somewhat mechanical in nature and in your case, as long as you have a machine with a removable 5 inch mandrel, I would try to make a slightly smaller one which I believe would not be too difficult. If your shrunken cylinders have appx. the same internal size one could take measurements and cut two pieces of circular wood for the end pieces, one slightly larger than the other, and galvanized metal for the actual cylinder base over the wood end caps. The wood circular ends would be cut slightly smaller than the internal cylinder size to compensate for the thickness of the sheet metal over them. The sheet metal would have to be slightly angle cut to fit evenly on the wooden end caps and then either contact cemented or tacked to them. The ends of the metal would simply meet each other being butted up against each other instead of overlapping for a snug cylinder fit.

For the cylinder that won't stay on the mandrel you could use a thickness or two of brown paper such as what grocery bags are made of. The ends of the paper could be taped together and easily removed when done. For that particular cylinder you could drill a small hole in the smaller end piece of your new mandrel, through the metal and into the wood affixing a little pin, the end wrapped with a small rubber band that will rest against it and keep the cylinder in place yet easily removed when done by simply pulling the pin.

I know that it would have the appearance of a Rube Goldberg but it would be readily removable and might allow you to play those records???? I hope that this is not too confusing, I may not have explained this so clearly?? Dave

[JerryVan]

Chuck,

Is it possible that your ill-fitting cylinder isn't shrunken at all but perhaps warped out-of-round? I'm wondering if sitting on its side for 100 years might not have that effect on such a large cylinder. (assuming it sat on its side for 100 years or so.) If stored that way in a warm/hot environment for some time, I would guess the effect would be accelerated.

[ChuckA]

Chuck,

Is it possible that your ill-fitting cylinder isn't shrunken at all but perhaps warped out-of-round? I'm wondering if sitting on its side for 100 years might not have that effect on such a large cylinder. (assuming it sat on its side for 100 years or so.) If stored that way in a warm/hot environment for some time, I would guess the effect would be accelerated.

Jerry,

Thought about that also, but looking at the cylinder it appears to be tight all the way around.
I can play these records on any of my Columbia machines. Some all the way through, others all except maybe the last few seconds.

Dave,

I bought one of Jean-Paul's mandrels a few years ago, excellent looking, but records wouldn't stay on. The mandrel had a very slight inward bow and the record wouldn't hold. He offered to refund my money, but I kept it as it looks good on the machine. If I want to play that machine I have another old repro mandrel that works fine although a bit heavy.



Chuck

[phonojim]

I have had 2 Columbia AGs, alas both are gone now. One had the nickeled brass bedplate and was a very attractive piece after a thorough cleaning. Most of the 25 5" cylinders I had fit the mandrel well, although 2 or 3 would not fit all the way on due to warpage, probably caused by the way they had been stored. The nice thing about the Columbia machines is that they don't have endgates that you can't close if the cylinder overhangs although the reproducer may not track the last few grooves. Columbia AGs are relatively common and not too expensive when compared to other Columbia 5" machines or the Edison Concert. I was quite happy with both of mine, but needed the money worse than I needed the machines and cylinders.

Jim

[obmcclintock]

Jim, the Columbia 5 inch mandrel machines are probably one of my favorite groupings of phonographs. I prefer them to any of the Edison concerts. I own only an AB McDonald but I will have a GG someday or one similar that is just as attractive. Also some nice cylinders. The cost of them is considerable but I believe that even with the semi recent downturn in prices they will probably maintain their value for at least a while. That way If I ever need the money, like we do at times, they can be readily sold.

I would like to see a clear pic of a GG, top and undercarriage, and hear from someone with one in their possession about their durability and aesthetics. They are quite beautiful from the few pics that I have seen!! Thanks guys, Dave

[TinfoilPhono]

Here are a few quick snapshots of mine. They definitely don't do it justice (crappy camera and bad lighting). It is a gorgeous machine.

This Graphophone Grand is one of my very favorite phonographs and I have no plans of ever selling it in my lifetime. This one stays with me to the end.

[obmcclintock]

You are right, it is a a gorgeous machine indeed !! Those are great pics !!What is your estimate of the number if GG's left in existence?? How about the AB McDonalds? Probably not many!!