Bad sounding player?

[QuickDog]

I have a Silvertone portable phonograph. Don't know too much about it, other then it sounds bad. Not that music doesn't play properly, but it has background noise to it. It sounds like the audio is a bit "tinny".

I got "The Teddy Bear's Picnic", a song which only has some distortion, to show what the player sounds like compared to an electronic one:
Crank Phonograph Audio: https://soundcloud.com/bob-derps/phonograph
Electric Phonograph Audio: https://soundcloud.com/bob-derps/the-te ... s-picnic-2

The screws to the reproducer's lid were loose, and before closing it I opened it up. Inside, was a piece of what looked like tin, with a hole in it that looked like someone just make it using their finger, and, if I recall correctly, a wire coming from that come to the are where the needle is. Is this normal?

[Joe_DS]

It would be great if you could post a photo or two, at least one of the reproducer, or "sound box."

Neither audio file sounded that great. The first, the crank phonograph audio, has a lot of distortion or blasting, possibly due to the reproducer being slightly out of whack, or record wear, or a worn needle. I'd say that that reproducer could probably stand a complete overhaul, if this has never been done. The second, played on the electric phonograph, sounds too fast, unless the vocal part was distorted to sound "munchkin-like." (To confirm, this is a 78 rpm record you're playing?)

Normally, there will be some background noise when playing 78s on an acoustic phonograph. How much you'll hear depends on the condition of the record, and the reproducer.

Joe

[estott]

I have a Silvertone portable phonograph. Don't know too much about it, other then it sounds bad. Not that music doesn't play properly, but it has background noise to it. It sounds like the audio is a bit "tinny".

I got "The Teddy Bear's Picnic", a song which only has some distortion, to show what the player sounds like compared to an electronic one:
Crank Phonograph Audio: https://soundcloud.com/bob-derps/phonograph
Electric Phonograph Audio: https://soundcloud.com/bob-derps/the-te ... s-picnic-2

The screws to the reproducer's lid were loose, and before closing it I opened it up. Inside, was a piece of what looked like tin, with a hole in it that looked like someone just make it using their finger, and, if I recall correctly, a wire coming from that come to the are where the needle is. Is this normal?

That's the diaphragm, and if it has a hole poked in it then it won't work properly. You need a new one. If you're serious about playing records on this you'll need to give it an overhaul or send the parts out to someone to do the job.

[Phonofreak]

Your reproducer needs a rebuild. I suggest that you get the Complete Talking Machine by Eric Reiss. It is chock full of information of collecting and restoration. There is a chapter on rebuilding reproducers.
Harvey Kravitz

[QuickDog]

The record should be 78, but, for some reason, it seems a bit too fast. Nothing wrong with the player. Who knows.

Anyway, I got the pics. From looking at reproducers, I think something is wrong here. Hopefully it's not hard to fix, if there is.

[epigramophone]

The bent stylus bar and the large hole in the diaprhagm are signs of rough handling in the past. As others have already said, the soundbox needs a complete rebuild. If for any reason this proves difficult, replacement with a better soundbox might be an alternative option.

[estott]

Your best bet is to check with George Vollema: [email protected].

It might be simplest to replace the whole reproducer, though matching the brown painted finish would be tricky. Replacing the pieces yourself is not too difficult, but great care must be taken as the thin aluminum tears easily, and even a kink or wrinkle can cause distortion. George would have the parts and can do the work if needed, but you might be looking at an investment of money that is more than the machine is worth. He'll give you the costs and options, and he's very trustworthy.

His website: http://www.victroladoctor.com/

[QuickDog]

Your best bet is to check with George Vollema: [email protected].

It might be simplest to replace the whole reproducer, though matching the brown painted finish would be tricky. Replacing the pieces yourself is not too difficult, but great care must be taken as the thin aluminum tears easily, and even a kink or wrinkle can cause distortion. George would have the parts and can do the work if needed, but you might be looking at an investment of money that is more than the machine is worth. He'll give you the costs and options, and he's very trustworthy.

His website: http://www.victroladoctor.com/

I emailed him the pictures to see what he has to say on the matter as far as repairs go.