The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I am in need of some horn repar advice. I have a panel horn that has split at a seam. I would like to repair and paint it myself. My questions are. Is there a tool or proceedure to recreate the seam between panels? I see different sheet metal items fastened the same way around that time period so I would assume it was not an uncommon practice. Also, what paint and or proceedure was used to paint these horns? I'm talking about morning glory horns. For instance a standard or fireside or ttc horn. Any input is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Steve

Steve, Over the years, these seams tend to split due to metal fatigue. If you are good at soldering with a torch, that will be the best way. If not, take it to a body shop, or sheet metal worker and have them solder the seam. If the horn for a Standard or Fireside? That will make a difference of what color to paint. The fireside is a translucent red. The Standard is black. I suggest you get the Complete Talking Machine by Eric Reiss. It discusses restoration, repairs, identification, and prices. There is an article in there for painting and restoring horns. It is the "bible" for phonograph collectors. You can get it at a bookstore, dealer, or Amazon. Good luck with your horn.
Harvey Kravitz

Watch a gramophone horn being made from scratch on YouTube. The tinsmith's methods might give you some ideas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUqH4FU1o8s

What is the current condition of the horn, (other than the split)? It may ultimatly be best to leave it alone. But, if the finish is bad anyway, then why not I guess. I disagree about using a torch on a sheet metal horn. It will get way too hot, way too fast. An old fashioned soldering iron is the best. Not the style for soldering electric wires and circuit boards, but the old heavy style, either electric, (Google "American Beauty soldering iron"), or the type with the big copper head that you heat with a torch. Much better control.

That video sure makes it easy. I wish I can make a horn like that in 5 minutes. If I were to solder the horn, I would get a small torch from Micro-Mark. They work great and don't damage the metal. It gets the heat to where you want it. If you take it to a metal worker, tell them to braise the seam with a low heat, alloy solder. They have all the tools to do the job right.
Harvey Kravitz

Thanks for all the replies. I am poficient in soldering/welding/painting but new to phonographs so I figured I'd ask the experts just in case there was something I shouldn't do or a particular way to do the things I want to do to make it as close to original as possible. The horn that needs the soldering seems to be a brass morning glory. It is non-ferrous and has lots of patina and looks to have been gold painted on the outside and red on the inside. I have soldering irons and micro torches but may need some advice on dent/crease removal and tools for the such. I also have a fireside that needs paint and I was wondering about correct color/type of paint for that. I am new to this hobby but very interested and now invested in it and want to learn as much as I can. I'm up for the challenge. I have the "bible" but as always it is wise to get as many opinions as possible and weigh my options accordingly. Thanks again. See you all at Union! My first show. I can't wait.

Steve

Just watched the tinsmith. He makes it look so easy.