A few questions

[gramophone78]

I think you started a thread on this machine on the forum already and should it not be in the UK / Euro section...??.
http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... =2&t=15305

[GrafonolaG50]

Sorry, it was originally a question about the latch and reproducer, it spiralled out of control from there, if needed I will see if I can delete the thread.

[GrafonolaG50]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKYBcdnhMAc[/youtube]
Here is a video of this machine playing, does this sound right for a viva tonal portable, and please tell me what is wrong if you notice anything. Thanks again Grafonola G50.

[GrafonolaG50]

What's on the small rectangular transfer underneath the Columbia trade mark? Might be a clue there.

It's a great little machine, and I've never seen another like it. It's not the only small machine that Columbia made. The 100, known as the Cadet, was even smaller. (see enclosed photo) Pre-war, so nothing to do with shortage of materials.

Yours seems to be a mixture of British and American components. The arm, autobrake, and speed control are typical of the type fitted to a range of British models, but the turntable is distinctly American, so presumably the motor is as well.The winding handle, it's escutcheon, and the lid fastener are all typical of these "export" machines. This would indicate that the parts were sourced from England and America, and assembled abroad, probably Japan.

Whatever it is, I'm envious!

The transfer says "G-50"

[Phono48]

Then that's the model number!

The tone and volume seem fine, but it sounds as though the motor could do with an overhaul, as there is a lot of fluctuation in the speed.

[GrafonolaG50]

I searched and searched on the Internet for Columbia G50 portable brought up nothing. Also I am a full time high school student, I cannot afford a motor overhaul unfortunately. Is playing it damaging the machine?

[Uncle Vanya]

I searched and searched on the Internet for Columbia G50 portable brought up nothing. Also I am a full time high school student, I cannot afford a motor overhaul unfortunately. Is playing it damaging the machine?

It might, but you are, I am sure, quite capable of doing it yourself. The main thing that this machine needs is lubrication. A couple of drops of light oil (NOT "3-in-1"! It gets gummy.) on each pivot and on the governor friction leather, and a very little light grease or heavy gear oil on the gear teeth are all at this machine probably needs to perform beautifully. I usually use either light sewing machine oil or the "turbine oil" which comes in that "Zoom Spout Oiler" which is sold at so many hardware stores. Many folks use a light. (say NLGI No. 1 or No. 2 grade) Lithium grease for the gear teeth, which works well, but I prefer to use a gear oil of 95 or 140 viscosity which can be found in the auto department at 'most any big discount store for a couple of bucks a quart.

[GrafonolaG50]

I searched and searched on the Internet for Columbia G50 portable brought up nothing. Also I am a full time high school student, I cannot afford a motor overhaul unfortunately. Is playing it damaging the machine?

It might, but you are, I am sure, quite capable of doing it yourself. The main thing that this machine needs is lubrication. A couple of drops of light oil (NOT "3-in-1"! It gets gummy.) on each pivot and on the governor friction leather, and a very little light grease or heavy gear oil on the gear teeth are all at this machine probably needs to perform beautifully. I usually use either light sewing machine oil or the "turbine oil" which comes in that "Zoom Spout Oiler" which is sold at so many hardware stores. Many folks use a light. (say NLGI No. 1 or No. 2 grade) Lithium grease for the gear teeth, which works well, but I prefer to use a gear oil of 95 or 140 viscosity which can be found in the auto department at 'most any big discount store for a couple of bucks a quart.

Light oil, would something like gun or fishing reel oil work? I don't want to damage it with the wrong oil.

[Uncle Vanya]

I searched and searched on the Internet for Columbia G50 portable brought up nothing. Also I am a full time high school student, I cannot afford a motor overhaul unfortunately. Is playing it damaging the machine?

It might, but you are, I am sure, quite capable of doing it yourself. The main thing that this machine needs is lubrication. A couple of drops of light oil (NOT "3-in-1"! It gets gummy.) on each pivot and on the governor friction leather, and a very little light grease or heavy gear oil on the gear teeth are all at this machine probably needs to perform beautifully. I usually use either light sewing machine oil or the "turbine oil" which comes in that "Zoom Spout Oiler" which is sold at so many hardware stores. Many folks use a light. (say NLGI No. 1 or No. 2 grade) Lithium grease for the gear teeth, which works well, but I prefer to use a gear oil of 95 or 140 viscosity which can be found in the auto department at 'most any big discount store for a couple of bucks a quart.

Light oil, would something like gun or fishing reel oil work? I don't want to damage it with the wrong oil.

It is not at all critical, as long as the oil doesn't quickly gum with exposure to oxygen, as does "3-in-1". Gun oil, fishing reel oil air tool oil or "Marvel Mystery Oil" will all work splendidly. Use whichever of these that you have around the house.

[Phono48]

I searched and searched on the Internet for Columbia G50 portable brought up nothing.

There are many, many gramophones that have no reference to them on the Internet, unfortunately! What information is available is also frequently incorrect.