The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi everyone, I thought I'd take the time to introduce myself since I've been lurking around for quite a while
now and am beginning to feel a bit guilty about it. My name is Vince and I purchased my first phonograph about 4 years ago and have recently started to experiment with repairs, rebuilds, and just now my first complete restoration.

My first purchase was an Imperial type 22, the link below shows pictures of my exact machine just before I bought it.
http://keithwright.ca/CAPP/Imperial/imperial.html

I purchased a Victor VV-80 about three months ago which I enjoy listening to as it sounds incredible, and just recently I bought a Mahogany Brunswick Type 122. The Brunswick is the one that I've started to restore the cabinet and Mechanics on. I was thinking of posting a WIP on it but wasn't sure if that would be acceptable from such a noob like myself.

I guess I should include a quick question since I couldn't find an answer with the search function. As I said, the Brunswick is Mahogany and the wood has a redish-purpley tinge to it while the mechanics appear to be gold or brass painted. The dilemma I'm having is what colour should I buy for the speaker fabric? It looks like there's traces of red fabric on the back of the speaker grill but my wife thinks that red will make it look too 'Gothic' and that maybe gold would accent the machine better. Is it important to try and make it as original as possible or is it okay to change the colour? I know it's completely personal preference but what colour would you choose?

I promise my future posts will not be as long winded.

By the way, Thank you all for your contributions to this forum, without the information on here I would have
never tried to tackle a restoration like this.

Okay I promise I'll stop typing now...

Vince

Welcome to the forum Vince. I think you may be another fellow Canadian??. If so, you will find a few of us here on this forum. Along with many others from all over.

Post as often as you care to share your finds,experiences or whatever regarding this great hobby.

We also have a "tips & tech" section that you may find handy for any projects or future projects you run into trouble with.

BTW, no such thing as a long winded post..... .

Welcome Vince. Sorry you got the phono bug They multiply like crazy. Jan

phonogal wrote:Welcome Vince. Sorry you got the phono bug They multiply like crazy. Jan

You're not kidding! I bought three machines in the last three months. Somebody stop me. But please, not yet

Welcome to the forum, Vince. I'm a new member too but have already found a wealth of information from the generous folks here.
Have you also considered becoming a member of CAPS?

Thanks for the welcome.

Yes a Canadian in Toronto. (oh no, not another one!)
I have checked out the CAPS website but still not 100% clear
on what it's all about and what having a membership means.
I'm also a bit hesitant as I think joining would be the closest
thing to admitting I have a problem and I'm not sure I'm ready to admit
that yet. Posting on this forum was the first step, not sure how many steps
in the process before becoming a member of CAPS.

I wonder if that is the same company as this small exposed horn table top?`

briankeith wrote:I wonder if that is the same company as this small exposed horn table top?`

The Imperial machine you show is a US (client machine) made (circa 1910's). You may have missed the brass tag on the other.....a Canadian Gramophone & Radio manufacturing company (circa 1920's). In other words ....no relation.... .

Welcome to the forum Vince and Greetings
from
William
Edisonrestorer64