Credenza

[Alpine]

I sold my Credenza 5 years ago and have regreted it since. I found this one but it has a few issues.
The spring has a hump to it on wind up and a bump on playback, the brake does not work, and the top drops with no resistance. I thought I would make an offer but would like some opinions on the cost to repair(estimate of course) Canadian Model
http://kamloops.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sel ... Z548236891

Thanks in advance for time/opinion

[gramophone78]

Best to contact George Vollema at Great Lakes Phonograph for the cost to repair.

http://www.victroladoctor.com/

[Torjazzer]

It still has the things intact that are sometimes difficult to replace: grille and cloth and bun feet. The brake and lid supports are things that you could probably fix yourself with a little reading on the forum. The bumping springs are definitely a re-grease job but I'd be more concerned about that very odd looking back bracket: it looks like the original pot metal has broken and someone has fabricated a replacement.

[FloridaClay]

As mentioned, the bumps are par for the course with machines whose motors have not been serviced. Caused by deterioration of the spring lubricant. So that is a take it apart, clean everything thoroughly and lubricate the springs, and put it all back together job. Assuming no surprises (broken springs, bad gears needing replacement, etc.) you should be able to get that done for somewhere in the $200-$250 range if you don't want to take it on yourself. (It is a very dirty job and these powerful springs can do you some damage.)

Often the lid damper problem is easily solved by putting about half a thimble full of oil down the tops of the tubes. That is what Victor recommended in the original instruction manual that came with them and, on mine, it worked like a charm. Victor recommended Neat's-foot oil, but clock or sewing machine oil will work. These are not hard to get at once the motor board is removed. There is also a closure speed adjustment knob on the bottom of the tubes. (You can find copies of that manual on-line to provide detailed how-to instructions.)

Those @#$%^ potmetal tone arm support brackets regularly break apart and it does look like the one on this machine has had a sloppy home-brew repair. Good replacements, NOT made out of potmetal, are readily available. Looks like Wyatt's is currently charging $30 for them.

The other common issue is the reproducers. The cases on all but the earliest Credenzas is made of potmetal and want to crack and crumble. And it is not uncommon to find them in a state that would make them fall apart if you tried to take them apart to replace gaskets, etc. So make sure it sounds OK.

Clay

[Alpine]

Thank you for the information, I guess if I can get it for the right price it may be worth it.

[mattrx]

I would add a couple of comments to the very good info listed above. The oil in the dash pots fixed mine perfectly. Sometimes a needle or some other trash gets in the top. If there is a grinding sound at all, take apart and check for this-found an old needle in one of mine. Tim Gracyk's site has the manual available to view I think. The brake will usually work with just a lite cleaning and oil. The back bracket can be purchased from Ron Sitko for around $65 plus shipping-I got one from him this year for that. I was told Ron would clean and regrease springs as well, but I have not used him for that.

Good Luck!

Matt

[De Soto Frank]

It looks like the cabinet is in "nice" to "excellent" condition.

The issues you mentioned are all "par for the course" aging issues any piece of machinery that is over 80 years old.

And the repair suggestions are straightforward.


I wouldn't hesitate to pay $500 for this machine, if it is indeed as nice as it looks.

Finishes and cabinets are a LOT more difficult to make right than mechanicals, in my experience.

If you can get it cheaper, than that's an extra cherry on top of the sundae.


Good luck - keep us posted !

De Soto Frank

[Alpine]

Just an update to let you know that I did purchase the credenza. With the work required to fix this unit I offered $300.00 and it was accepted.
The only issue with the cabinet are a few marks and stains on the lid. I look forward to repairing this unit and adding it to my collection.
Thank you again for the information.

[Cody K]

Congratulations on an excellent purchase -- what wonderful condition! Do try oiling the dashpots, but don't get carried away (like, um, I did). A little at a time over a few days may be the best plan. You can get neatsfoot oil from most shoe repair shops. Get pure neatsfoot oil if you can find it. There's also a neatsfoot oil "compound" that's commonly sold. I understand it's just neatsfoot oil mixed with mineral oil, so there shouldn't be any harm in using it, but pure neatsfoot, at a couple dollars more, is no doubt what Victor meant, and hey...it's a Credenza -- royalty. (Also, with winter coming, you'll be able to use leftover neatsfoot oil on your boots -- it's great for that.)

If oiling doesn't bring back the leather, there's a very good video by chilldude2007 on YouTube, where he takes you through the steps of disassembling the dashpots, and flipping the leather parts over. Work on a tray, to keep an eye on those ball-bearings! If all else fails, the shoe repair shop should be able to make you new leather copies if you bring them the old ones to use as a template.

How is the soundbox? It has the same kind of circumferential crack that mine has. Mine plays adequately in its current condition, but it's certainly not up to Credenza standard.

[De Soto Frank]

Just an update to let you know that I did purchase the credenza. With the work required to fix this unit I offered $300.00 and it was accepted.
The only issue with the cabinet are a few marks and stains on the lid. I look forward to repairing this unit and adding it to my collection.
Thank you again for the information.

Sounds like you did pretty well !

Good luck getting it back up to snuff !