1918 Brunswick Phonograph Clicking Noise?

[Huckleberry]

Hi everyone, I'm not sure if this is where I should post this, but it seems like the most general section on the forums so here goes.

I am very new to the phonograph scene, that is to say, my grandmother just recently handed down to me what I have come to the conclusion is some sort of 1918 Brunswick model phonograph. It is similar to the one in this Youtube video except the front of it has a design in the wood overtop of a mesh sort of like a radio.

(Double-click the video above or click this link to go to the video on YouTube.)

Anyway, I got it working, and it seems to work for the most part. With the exception of a couple of things.

There is a fairly loud clicking/knocking noise coming from the inside that is loud enough to be heard over the music, and the turntable seems to rise up ever so slightly and then lower back down with each rotation.

Assuming that I know next to nothing about these wonderful machines, can anyone offer me some suggestions as to what I should do to fix mine? As well as offer any general advice that might help me in the future?

Thanks in advance, and I look forward to hearing from you all!

[JerryVan]

Huck,

The speaker grill you're describing, with cloth behind it, would not be from a Victor machine. That being said, it's difficult to diagnose a problem without knowing the "mechanics" of your particular machine. Can you post photos of the phonograph and maybe the motor?

[gramophone78]

Photo's will have to be posted of your actual machine in order for any of us to pin point your problem. I would recommend clear photo's of the plate that shows the model number, etc.... Also, a photo of your motor would be idea.

[Huckleberry]

Huck,

The speaker grill you're describing, with cloth behind it, would not be from a Victor machine. That being said, it's difficult to diagnose a problem without knowing the "mechanics" of your particular machine. Can you post photos of the phonograph and maybe the motor?

You know what? I completely goofed up on what type it is.

I had figured it out a while ago, but never posted about it, and now that I posted about it, I had remembered incorrectly without checking the markings on my phonograph itself.

It is actually a Brunswick from 1918.

I've attached some photos of the outside. Perhaps someone could give me some pointers on how to safely get a look at the internals(if that's what you all meant).

[Huckleberry]

Here is a video I just recorded in which the clicking is audible.

http://youtu.be/UOyN2zcZTRQ

As you can see, there is also a bit of grime built up in various places, any precautions I should take when cleaning it? Or should I just take something like a tissue and wipe it down?

[gramophone78]

Can't seem to open your YouTube video. You may have to attach it as a link. Press the "share" button on YouTube and then attach to your thread.
Tissue paper is not the right material for wiping a motor or any part on a machine. A good clean rag(s) are all that is needed. However, without knowing exactly where/what the problem is......wiping will do nothing for the problem.

Depending on where you are, a member with more knowledge may be able to look at it for you in person. The sound you describe could be at least six different issues.
Photo's of the "internals" will need to be posted to go further. You could try and lift the turn table and take a photo showing what's under it. The motor may have to bee removed from the bottom of the cabinet..??.

[Huckleberry]

Well, everyone, I am very happy right now. I got it working. I was too afraid to lift the turntable before, but I managed to get it off, and found this little mechanism as shown in the first image.

I simply flipped it to the position shown in the second picture and what do ya know?

Works great now, and there's the added surprise of that little switch on the right being exposed from under the turntable, allowing one to toggle the spinning on/off...

This is painfully obvious to me now, as well as extremely exciting.

Thank you for your help, guys!

In order to make a little more use of this thread, could anyone suggest where to buy/which are the best type of needles to use?

[Player-Tone]

In order to make a little more use of this thread, could anyone suggest where to buy/which are the best type of needles to use?

APSCO sells some great needles:
http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... co+needles

[phonogal]

The part you are talking about is the brake and auto stop mechanism. You can adjust the auto stop by placing the needle on the last groove of the end of the record and move the curved arm on the base of tone arm so it touchs the part of the auto stop that sticks out at the back of the turntable.

[phonogal]

Here is a link that has the diagram and instructions on how to set the auto stop and how to adjust the tonearm and reproducer to play different records.http://www.razzarsharp.com/Phonographs/bBrunswick.html. You can also go to the Antique Phonograph Society website and click on the articles tab and scroll down until you come to the Brunswick book by Mr. Wakeman. It's full of all kinds of useful information. http://www.antiquephono.org/. This should get you started. Welcome to the forum. Jan.