Columbia Grafonola Help

[Liesberg]

Hello! My name is Brian I just joined the forum last night. I collect just about anything from 1900-the early 50's (not just gramophones)

Most of what I know I either learned by doing hands on work or by looking stuff up on the internet but I think asking professionals would probably be my best bet for certain questions.

Here's some background:

About a year ago I purchased and restored what I was told was a 1914 Columbia Grafonola, it wasn't running and all the varnish was cracking and flaking (I know it's not really visible in the pictures but trust me it looked bad).

sorry for the bad pictures



(couldn't find a repro of the original decal unfortunately so I ordered a "disc graph-o-phone" decal for it)







After a few days worth of sanding and staining and finishing (and a few weeks waiting for the soundbox rebuild kit) I rebuilt the motor and replaced the old drive gear for the governor (it was worn so bad that it wasn't even touching the worm gear anymore). The motor works fine (albeit a couple other gears that had some slight damage 2 them are making a tad bit of noise but it's nothing too obnoxious(I like parentheses )) but anyhow here are my questions:

first off, is 1914 the correct date? (or around it?)

Next and most importantly, I've had this problem with almost every gramophone I work on. I oil and oil those little friction pads on the governor and it still seems like they act like a brake and when I let them out the motor spins about the correct speed but when I push it to the "faster" setting it slows down or stops all-together. Do the pads need to be replaced? if so where can I buy them? and for how much?

Lastly, I sent some photos of the player to the guy I bought the parts from and he said this reproducer wasn't supposed to go onto this gramophone



is it from something else? if so where can I get an original one for a decent price? (also the little locking pin was replaced by a wood screw, not sure if I can get one of those as well.)

Thanks!

[mikejk]

Hello,
The speed control lever is not located in the right position and needs to be adjusted. Not sure what the set up is on that one, but with the motor running at 78 with a strobe on the spindle, the lever connection needs to be loosened and moved to 78 on the dial without moving the speed adjustment. Turntable removed

[mikejk]

The reproducer you have is shown on other lidless models in the book "Columbia Phonograph Companion Volume II" by Robert W. Baumbach. Strictly speaking it wouldn't be incorrect for your's because it is a Columbia that would have been availible at the time. My own opinion of course. What are the dimensions of the base of your cabinet; this would help identifing what model you have. If it is 15 ½" by 15 ½", the "Eclipse" model states it came with a #6 reproducer. Here's a pic of one, always for sale on Ebay.

[Phonofreak]

First, welcome aboard to the forum. What you have is an early Columbia Eclipse phonograph from 1912. This is an early machine that used out side horn parts, such as the motor, arm and the reproducer that was furnished when you bought the machine. The reproducer in question, IS CORRECT for this machine. It is a Columbia Concert Grand that was used on the later out side horned and early Grafonolas from about 1909-1912, when the later No. 6 reproducers came out. This machine is common in oak, but rare in mahogany. Is the turn table 10" or 12 "? These early machines had a 10" turn table. Like you said, the decal is totally wrong. Gregg Cline makes an excellent Columbia notes decal, like the one you stripped off. It's a very nice machine, and you did a good job restoring it. Once you get the decal from Gregg, your machine will look like a million bucks. good luck with it.
Harvey Kravitz

[Liesberg]

Thanks for the info! Interesting to find mine is older than I thought, nice to know the reproducer is correct as well. Also I noticed you said it's rare in mahogany, this one came in mahogany and I matched the color as closely as I could to the color on the inside of the lid (as the outside of the box was faded quite a bit).

Who is Gregg and where can I find him? I'll probably keep this decal for now because it wasn't cheap and I've already sealed it in (but being a stickler for details I'll definitely fix it later on). I got the current one from Shenendoah (I think) Restorations because they seemed to have the best quality stuff but unfortunately didn't have the one I was looking for

The felt on top I found at the local fabric store but doesn't look very nice compared to the quality of the original, is there anywhere I can order a new felt pad?

Thanks for the compliment on the restoration as well

[Liesberg]

Oh yeah the turntable is 10"

[estott]

You've been told about the decal, but it isn't a huge matter since while your machine is quite attractive it is also a common model- you haven't spoilt a rare piece. The decal will only be a problem if you try selling the machine.

[Phonofreak]

Brian,
Gregg Cline can be found in the links section of the forum, or you can google Gregg Cline Decals. For turn table felt, i go to my local fabric store and look for forest green wool felt. Wool felt is a little more expensive, but more realistic an better looking. Thanks for telling me the turn table is 10". You definitely have an early machine.
Harvey Kravitz

[Liesberg]

Thanks!