The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

The hubs moved tge couch with a little too much conviction and this happened It is the London Console. Any hints on where I might get a replacement would be appreciated. This machine is in such nice condition otherwise. Thanks

http://www.grampstreasures.com/phonograph_grills.html

I've used him in the past, he did very nice work and used authentic material.

Although he doesn't appear to list your exact work I believe he makes custom grills
if you contact him. He was very nice to me.

...and perhaps you can pass this link on to hubby? --> http://customdoghouses.ca/

Bahaha. I just may have to do that Thanks for the link. That does look quite promising so I will email him and attach the photo. It does appear that it will cost me more than the whole machine haha but that was just s lucky buy.

Could you repair your grill? I'd try that first. Mr. Grumpy... I really appreciate the link to Gramps. My Amberola 1-B is beyond repair so I'll check him out. Thanks, Jerry

Someone handy may be able to make a piece that could be fit in if the edges of the break are cleaned up but I am definitely not that someone as I have no wood working skill. The piece broke into a dozen tiny bits.

Moxiemama,
I had a similarly shattered Brunswick grille that I had no hope of fixing. One evening out of boredom and desperation I sat down with it at the kitchen table and used a whole lot of glue and rubber bands, wax paper, razor blades, etc. (It ended up taking a few evenings before it was done.) It was like working a jigsaw puzzle except the bits that I couldn't fit in were replaced by putty. You may want to try it. You really can't ruin it and it doesn't have to be super strong. Good luck!
- Martin

You might also check with George Vollema to see if he might have an original in his vast stash of parts.

http://www.victroladoctor.com/

Clay

OK here is a way to redo this. Go to a hobby shop and get some modeling clay, or whatever they have and lay the grill on a flat surface. Kneed the clay into a ball and then flatten like a fat pancake. Press the clay down on a good part of the grill that you need to replace and then peel it up. KEEP IT AS FLAT AS POSSIBLE. Make 2 or 3 of each section. Use Durham Rock Hard Wood Putty and mix as directed. Put it in the molds with a flat item working it down to make sure that you have no air bubbles. The oil in the clay acts as a release agent. When dry CAREFULLY peel mold off. Take cast pieces and trim to fit. Glue in place and do any filling and sanding that is needed. Spray with a quick shot of Deft semi gloss and let dry. Use oil paints-gotten at same craft store to match mixed with a dryer-same store. After a couple of days another quick shot of deft.

I have repaired hundreds of antique frames this way and a number of my own machine grills.
Abe

Abe that is terrific advice. I definitely can handle that.Thanks!