The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Nice looking model, albeit refinished at some point.

The sound box that came with it is NOT the original one. Here's what it should look like --





http://www.phonoland.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=557


Also, here's one I culled from a screen capture of a video, which would match the plating on your tone arm --
The one you have probably came from a circa 1940s portable. If it's restorable, you could probably use it until you find the correct one. (That too, would probably have to be overhauled.) Then you'd have a nice spare, at least. Sound-wise, it would probably perform as well as the original one, once it's repaired.

In answer to your question about the diaphragm, the Tru-Phonic sound box was also fitted with an aluminum diaphragm. Most of the sound boxes manufactured after the switch-over to electric recording in 1925, in fact, were. Aluminum is more flexible than mica, and does a better job responding to the more demanding groove cut of electrically recorded discs.


It also looks like someone replaced the original grille with a more modern, plainer version. Normally, the grille would be rather fancy with cross-supports or some type of fretwork.

OF

A pretty cabinet! The original finish was most likely somewhat darker. I'm supposing the reason the horn is below the record storage is to give the horn more length, so that it has a better sound.

Thanks for sharing photos of the phonograph. There are many good resources on this forum to assist in the restoration of it.

You are right about the finish. It is darker and richer inside the lid and around the platter. Also, the door hinges don't look original and have some phillips screws holding the lower ones on. Like I said though, I plan to enjoy it more than worry about it being perfect, but I will keep an eye out for correct pieces. Any ideas where to get gaskets for the reproducer that is on it?

Josh

Another suggestion is to go to the "links" area of the forum. You will find a parts and repair section. Several good sources of parts and repair contacts are listed.

I actually have an extra truphonic reproducer/soundbox like the one in the photos above. if you're interested, send me an email - brianu73 at hotmail.

That's a nicer than average cabinet for the vintage. When new it probably had a two-tone finish: the area around the routed line on the upper doors was probably stained darker than the inner section to look like two contrasting veneers. The horn would have had a fretwork grille over the cloth. Even with these alterations it's an attractive piece.

The design of this model is quite nice. Most Silvertone cabinets are somewhat utilitarian. A general query for the TMF'ers, is it mahogany or walnut?

I think it could be figured birch