The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I found a Sonora table-top at a local junk store for a reasonable price, and in pretty good shape. If it's still there after Pay Day. I'm tempted to get it, but I'd like to know more about it first. Can anyone recommend a good website?

Also, the horn looks "orthophonic", ie: it emerges behind the grid on the left-hand side, and swells to a large, curved "half horn." Does this have any effect?

I really like the way the reproducer pivots, not letting the whole arm weigh on the needle; this one also turns to play vertical signals. Any input as to what vertical records can be played safely? Pathé? Edison? Is there a better needle than the usual steel?

A lot of questions, I know - but this looks like such a cool machine!

The horn design you describe is commonly encountered among various makes. It is in no way Orthophonic; simply an expedient to fit the motor and horn into as small a cabinet as possible.

For vertical records, do not use a steel needle. Pathé and other shallow groove vertical discs require a sapphire ball stylus. Edisons require a pointed jewel adjusted to a 90-degree angle, i.e.: perpendicular to the record surface.

Sonoras are well-made machines, and the table models don't turn up all that frequently.

George P.

Yes they are really nice machines - I have a Sonora table top in my collection. And as George P. stated they do not appear very often. Never really searched for a specific website. I have several Sonoras and they are definitely well made machines..............