The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

JerryVan wrote:

brianu wrote:cognac? what did you want the color to be, and why wouldn't you have wanted it to be the correct mahogany to match the original finish on the interior???

I guess it's because he's not the expert that you guys are.

Sohny,

Yup, the color is off. If it bugs you then you should refinish it. A dark mahogany stain would be correct. There's a lot of nice dye stains available that will give you the deep mahogany shade that you need. Practice with dye stain first however and wear rubber gloves when you use it. It's not good to let it absorb into your skin.

I don't think it takes an expert to identify the correct original color of a machine based on the interior finish, to attempt to match that to replicate the original. Regardless, he asked for honest opinions, not just empty - hey, it looks great - flattery. In the room's context, given what he was trying to do, I think he matched the machie to his other furniture well and it appears to be a decent, even refinish job that took some time. Still, compared to an original mahogany finish, the color is nevertheless not right. Whether it's worth the time to redo it, whether he even wants to, is up to him. And color charts are helpful, but all you've got to do is look online to find some examples of a common, basic victor mahogany finish.


When people come here for opinions and feedback, and others take the time to provide it, what's the point in knocking that? And honestly, if you're seeking an honest and useful assessment, would you really prefer a banal hey it looks nice to a more candid critique, especially if you expressly asked for the latter?

Victrolacollector wrote:Hey:

It don't look bad. However, if you are like me, I would just restrip it and then do it in dark red mahogany.

I am not an expert, and have done refinishing which has turned out good. I say patience is the key.

You will learn alot on this forum
We have great helpful members.

I never redo the inside of the lid. I am cautious of damaging the decal. If worst came to worst, there are replacement decals.

I will surely restrip and make it in dark mahogany. But later

I stripped the interior and inside the lid because there was black mildew deep in the wood at certain places

Victrolaboy wrote:I still think it looks great even though it's not the original color.

Thank you

Sohny, The color may not be correct but it looks nice. You don't have to please anyone but yourself and if you're happy with it and it matches your furniture, enjoy it. Jerry Blais

I think the colour is fine. It's not an incredibly rare machine so I don't think it's harming anyone.
If you're even thinking about taking the time to redo it, I would instead use that time to try and fill the
grain and give it a piano finish.

Just my two cents though...

I am not particularly fond of so many modern finish colors, but then I don't need to be. The OP took a not terribly rare original machine which had an absolutely trashed finish and re-did it to match the furnishings in his home. Now in its surroundings the machine really looks nice. If the OP likes the color, then more power to him, I say. Leave the machine be and enjoy it! Why not put the effort that it would take to refinish it again into your next machine, which you may make as authentic as Eldridge Johnson's toe nails, should you wish.

Let's face it. A machine is only "original" once. Even the best, most authentic attempts at refinishing are but approximations.
Why complain when folks take common machines which have been painted and finish them to match their other furnishings? At least the machine was not parted out, and it is up in the living area of the house to be enjoyed.

I am not particularly fond of so many modern finish colors, but then I don't need to be. The OP took a not terribly rare original machine which had an absolutely trashed finish and re-did it to match the furnishings in his home. Now in its surroundings the machine really looks nice. If the OP likes the color, then more power to him, I say. Leave the machine be and enjoy it! Why not put the effort that it would take to refinish it again into your next machine, which you may make as authentic as Eldridge Johnson's toe nails, should you wish.

Let's face it. A machine is only "original" once. Even the best, most authentic attempts at refinishing are but approximations.
Why complain when folks take common machines which have been painted and finish them to match their other furnishings? At least the machine was not parted out, and it is up in the living area of the house to be enjoyed.

Victrolaboy wrote:I still think it looks great even though it's not the original color.

Ditto here! Hey, if it pleases you, don't touch it---it looks fine to me.

All that matters is if you like it. The hell with everyone else.

If YOU like it and you're happy,
Clap your hands!!