Columbia BY Project Machine

[Jerry B.]

I recently became owner of a great project machine, a Columbia BY. The opportunity was passed to me thanks to Roaring20's (James) and delivered to the APS (formerly CAPS) show by Abe F. It's a work in progress that's moving along nicely thanks to some expert veneer repair by Matt and soon to be applied decals purchased from Gregg Cline. Jerry Blais

[Jerry B.]

Here's a photo of the machine stripped and repaired veneer. After I took possession I had several decisions to make. The cabinet needed veneer repair and the corners tightened. Thanks to Matt, that was accomplished. The metal parts were sad and needed re-plating in my opinion. Some people may have left it "as is" but, in my opinion, the back bracket, tone arm, and other bright parts were a detraction. The cabinet had its original decals in marginal shape. In the old days I would have worked around them to avoid poor quality reproduction decals. Todays collectors have the luxury of Gregg Cline decals which look perfect. It was a simple decision to replace the decals. This machine will always be a refinished machine. It will look better with Gregg's outstanding replacements. Jerry

[Jerry B.]

Here's a photo with Constantine's Red Mahogany stain applied. Jerry

[flashpanblue]

Hi Jerry,
What a difference from the before picture!! Excellent job!! Can't wait to see how the re nickeled parts turn out.
Pete

[alang]

The BY is a beautiful machine. Congratulations, it will be stunning when finished.

Andreas

[mattrx]

It is turning out beautifully. I can't wait to see the final product of all your hard work.
Matt

[Bruce]

Very Nice Jerry - I can not wait to see it in person when I travel down the coast.

Bruce

[Jerry B.]

Here are some photos with numerous layers of finish coats. The next step are the new decals. The goal is a piano finish. Notice how the light bounces off the finish. It's even more dramatic when using the flash. Jerry

[FloridaClay]

It is going to be really handsome. Hope you will continue to post pics as you go.

Clay

[phonogfp]

Jerry,

It's looking great! Not everyone can refinish mahogany so that it looks authentic, but you have evidently mastered the art!

George P.