The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Very Nice Ken! Can't wait to see it play!!!!

As you work to restore that compressor and air tank it might be valuable to document that along the way perhaps even as a youtube video. I only see one youtube video with this phonograph in it so that certainly points to it rarity. Others in the future might benefit from the learnings restoring this will provide.

This has been incredibly educational. Just watched a YouTube video of one of these in action,p. I had never heard of this and I am amazed. I can’t believe it cost 500 dollars when it came out! Incredible technology. Good luck with your project and thank you so much for sharing!

Couch Potato wrote: Tue Nov 26, 2024 3:04 pm As you work to restore that compressor and air tank it might be valuable to document that along the way perhaps even as a youtube video. I only see one youtube video with this phonograph in it so that certainly points to it rarity. Others in the future might benefit from the learnings restoring this will provide.

There's a few more out there. Paul Baker had a major project to restore them 15-20 years ago.

Garret

The cleaning is going pretty well so far. There is sun damage to the finish on the left side and door. The back and right side came out great with just cleaning. The back bracket, tone arm, and elbow cleaned up pretty well also. I will be working to bring back the sun faded left door and left side. The pump is sent out to be rebuilt. The motor also. I have been told that this is one of the four known Auxetophones that have the original motor and air pump. I will be doing what it takes to keep the original parts.

I'd bet that back bracket would be a tough find if missing.
Electric switch working? My grandparents home (Oshkosh not Rhinelander) used those.
bob stutz

I haven't tried it yet. I would think it should be fine. Thanks for the post.

Impressive machinery.
I would add an inline air dryer as compressed air tends to be wet. I think the moisture would affect the reproducer.

Very interesting and unusual machine. Thank you for sharing here.

I look forward to see your progress with the restoration.

For others like me who are/were not familiar with the Auxetophone (and other pneumatically amplified machines), here is what I found looking for information:

A Vintage Picture

viewtopic.php?t=59370


Youtube demonstrations of two machines, one of which was for sale two years ago or so

https://youtu.be/J7SV65DFNy8?si=T8uqnZagq-0CQgR3

https://youtu.be/5aVF2s9Cw6c?si=sS1yb2DzKrs2sq9N


Misc information on the Auxetophone

https://intertique.com/VictorAuxetophoneIDDemo.html


Misc information of the Auxetophone and other pneumatic machines

http://www.douglas-self.com/MUSEUM//COM ... xetoph.htm

Ken,
You said you were looking for one of these and I think it went to the right person.

You are doing a fantastic job and it looks as REGAL as it should. Congratulations from David & Lerria.

Would it be possible to bring this to The Chicago show to play for everyone, I know it would be a

highlight of the show.

All the best,

David & Lerria Rosamond