The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

JerryVan wrote:Kirk,

This is a very good phonograph, with some significant value. I would NOT refinish it. Instead, I would urge you to seek out the help of a professional restorer, to assure that this comes out right. I don't mean to question your abilities when I say this, so I'm hoping this doesn't come across wrong. The effort to have this done well, will pay off in the long run and help to preserve a pretty special machine.

Oh, I understand that, I have seen some real crap jobs from "restorers"... I have been restoring phonos, radios, and antique furniture since I was 15. I am not going to restore the cabinet but I will touch it up...

Here is one I did about 12 years ago...
No stripping but veneering and matching colors..

Kirk

This is an amazing find. It's well worth paying up to properly restore the grille and the cabinet, possibly sending it to a conservator or well known restoration facility. The cabinet should not, under any circumstances, be refinished. If you are looking to trade for an external horn tabletop, you could easily consider a Victor VI, Columbia BII, or similar machine.

Congratulations!

Garret

JerryVan wrote:Kirk,

This is a very good phonograph, with some significant value. I would NOT refinish it. Instead, I would urge you to seek out the help of a professional restorer, to assure that this comes out right. I don't mean to question your abilities when I say this, so I'm hoping this doesn't come across wrong. The effort to have this done well, will pay off in the long run and help to preserve a pretty special machine.

I would agree. This needs the services of an expert specializing in restoration. There are not many out there. I definitely would not refinish it.

Cleaning time...

Original finish is amazing... Lid done..
Arm tired, lol...

Thank you to all who helped me.
I finally got the springs out. As suspected, The spring is broken.

What a dirty job this must be..
It makes me want to dismantle the whole unit and soak it in brake cleaner..
Is this not a good idea? I work on electric record players and that is how I clean the parts...
Is there a special grease you guys use?

Thanks
Kirk

Kirk,

Wonderful find! Just wanted to comment on your nifty job of packing the 300 in your YJ and of course your fine choice in a vehicle!

Jake

long_island_phono wrote:Kirk,

Wonderful find! Just wanted to comment on your nifty job of packing the 300 in your YJ and of course your fine choice in a vehicle!

Jake

I love my baby.... I have had her since I drove her off the lot...
I have carried dining sets in her... I took out the backseat in 1994 and it is still in the shed,

Kirk

Words cannot describe how beautiful this machine is. The A-300 machines are rare indeed. There is something about Edisons that are special, not just the records being verically cut and thicker, but these machines have a life-like sound. In my opinion, Edison Diamond Disc machines are easier to work on in my experience, it seems there were fewer variations in motors than Victor. There are so many variants in governors, gears and the like on Victor machines, it can create a headache.

I really like how the top looks on the machine.

I am in need of Photos of the feet...
It looks like a hoof in the one picture I can find....

Does anyone have one that can post photos if the feet? OR does anyone have a similar unit with these feet?

Thanks
Kirk