The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi guys is the Columbia 109 picnic a good safe bet, and what soundbox is it most likely to have? I am watching one on ebay, I know, I know.........(slaps own wrist...really hard....)

The weak point on the 109 and it's bigger brothers the 112, 201 and 202 is the area where the tonearm joins the horn.

This joint is vulnerable to metal fatigue in old age, and in extreme cases can disintegrate, so I would ask the seller for close-up photographs of this area and for confirmation that there is no visible damage or evidence of repairs.

The correct soundbox is the Columbia No.9 or possibly the No.15 on late examples. Both are usually trouble free and play well. The motor will be a Garrard, even if it has the Columbia name on it.

Cor! where did you get that picture from, if you don't mind me asking? Are there any more?

Barry

The attachment is from my copy of the 1929 Columbia Instrument Catalogue.

Soundgen has already posted the entire 1929 catalogue on the forum and I have posted one from 1913. I cannot remember exactly when, but a search should find them.

Here are a few pics of my 109 that I bought locally here in the States. This is a very robust little machine. With a Columbia Viva Tonal disc on the turntable, I have to back away from it to listen to it. Very loud.