Columbia Mignon near my house.

[antique1973]

The image is from this website which purports to show the correct reproducer.
It looks quite different from the one on the Craigslist machine. So is there
more than one reproducer that is correct for this machine?

http://www.intertique.com/ColumbiaMignonIDDemo.html

[Phonofreak]

That's a really good question. The site belongs to Lynn Bilton. Maybe you can contact him and ask. Lynn is right. It is a scarce and unusual machine. I'd love to know. All my information is from the Columbia Companion Vol 2, the disk machines.
Harvey Kravitz

[antique1973]

That's a really good question. The site belongs to Lynn Bilton. Maybe you can contact him and ask. Lynn is right. It is a scarce and unusual machine. I'd love to know. All my information is from the Columbia Companion Vol 2, the disk machines.
Harvey Kravitz

Harvey- Lynn said that according to Baumbach's book "The Columbia Phonograph Companion" the Columbia Concert Grand reproducer was available as an option. So although it may not be a factory reproducer, it is appropriate as far
as an option at the time.

I managed to pick up the machine today but there was no time to post pictures yet. Its in good shape,just some minor dings here and there. The cabinet almost looks "too good" though, maybe it was refinished at some point? In any case if it was, it was done well and looks nice. It seems odd that the speed control functions also as the on-off lever. Its the first Columbia I have owned and being that its a scarce model doesn't help as far as knowing what should or shouldn't be there. The gold beading is missing from the horn and the pulls appear to be Victor style, but they look like they have been there a long time. Well, instead of writing a thousand words I will post a few pics tomorrow.

[antique1973]

Here it is!

[bbphonoguy]

I was never a fan of Columbia's cabinet designs for their earlier machines. The Viva-Tonals are all attractive, but the earlier Grafonolas were not to my taste, That being said, I do have to remark that Columbia did hit one out of the park with this particular cabinet. It's a beauty!

[alang]

Congratulations, very nice machine. The nickle plating on reproducer and tonearm is in great condition. I personally find Columbia machines much more attractive than Victrolas. And the Concert Grand reproducer sounds at least as good as a Victrola #2 if restored. I agree that the door knobs are probably replacements, but not too bad. Originally it probably had knobs like the lid on the needle storage.
Enjoy
Andreas

[antique1973]

I was never a fan of Columbia's cabinet designs for their earlier machines. The Viva-Tonals are all attractive, but the earlier Grafonolas were not to my taste, That being said, I do have to remark that Columbia did hit one out of the park with this particular cabinet. It's a beauty!

Thanks, I have to agree. I also like the fact that its narrow and take up less floor-space. Always a plus!

[antique1973]

Congratulations, very nice machine. The nickle plating on reproducer and tonearm is in great condition. I personally find Columbia machines much more attractive than Victrolas. And the Concert Grand reproducer sounds at least as good as a Victrola #2 if restored. I agree that the door knobs are probably replacements, but not too bad. Originally it probably had knobs like the lid on the needle storage.
Enjoy
Andreas

Thanks Andreas, I was shocked to see the condition of the nickel as well. It looks almost new. The reproducer
definitely needs a rebuild as its sounds quite rough. The knobs are supposed to be the ornate loop kind correct?

[alang]

Thanks Andreas, I was shocked to see the condition of the nickel as well. It looks almost new. The reproducer
definitely needs a rebuild as its sounds quite rough. The knobs are supposed to be the ornate loop kind correct?

Actually, I think the original knobs are simple mushroom type wood knobs like in the picture from the "Intertique" site. Most cabinet style Columbias used wooden knobs think.
Andreas

[antique1973]

Thanks Andreas, I was shocked to see the condition of the nickel as well. It looks almost new. The reproducer
definitely needs a rebuild as its sounds quite rough. The knobs are supposed to be the ornate loop kind correct?

Actually, I think the original knobs are simple mushroom type wood knobs like in the picture from the "Intertique" site. Most cabinet style Columbias used wooden knobs think.
Andreas

Ok thanks Andreas. I will see if George V has the right ones.

Can I ask what you think about the Mignon in this previous thread:

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... lit=mignon

It seems a little different than mine. It has the decorative pulls I was referring too, but also the turntable is larger, the motorboard is flush, and there is an additional control perhaps a brake lever?