The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi Matt,

The progress is just great. Keep up the fine efforts!

Nice work on your machine.

I picked up a 4-3 from Craigslist last year for $40 in similar cosmetic shape. All the finish had been stripped off, and the veneer on the doors was peeling. To my surprise, it worked and sounded great though. I still need to get my butt in gear and refinish it.

Well, I am almost finished. I need to replace or rebuild the reproducer, add the motor board pull knob, and probably finish sand the shellac some more, but considering where we came from, it looks pretty good. I have been looking around on the forum for tips on the finish, and hopefully will do a decent job before it is over.

I got the motor back from George V. this week and a reproducer for my 8-12 from him as well. I tried the new reproducer on this machine, and wow did it sound better! the room is small and the floors are wood, but you can be overwhelmed very easily by this little machine's volume in that small room. The frequency response is as I was told to expect versus the VTLA and the VV-VI that I have.

I purchased a grill and motor and board from a member of the forum. He and I did not realize that there were two different motors and boards used in the 4-3's over the years. The grill fit nicely and looks great, but the board was a good inch and a half too wide, the spindle had the turntable sitting too low, and 1 of the 3 mounting holes on the motor did not match up with my board. So, the original motor went to George V. who fixed it up fast and sent it back. Many thanks to those of you who recommended him!

Anyway, a couple of p.m.'s stated to list some pics when I was closer to finishing, so here they are!

Matt

Quite a difference. I hope you enjoy this treasure!

Clay