The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

So there is a Columbia Q on eBay that I am eyeing (#111632791352). I've been wanting one, an earlier model with the nickel base, but I'm a newbie to phonograph collecting and I don't have too extravagant of a budget. This one is (currently) well priced but the description says that it slows down when the reproducer is lowered. It also says that it "winds well with tight spring" but that sounds like a spring problem. Any thoughts? Might it be something more easily fixed?

FrankH wrote:So there is a Columbia Q on eBay that I am eyeing (#111632791352). I've been wanting one, an earlier model with the nickel base, but I'm a newbie to phonograph collecting and I don't have too extravagant of a budget. This one is (currently) well priced but the description says that it slows down when the reproducer is lowered. It also says that it "winds well with tight spring" but that sounds like a spring problem. Any thoughts? Might it be something more easily fixed?

I have replaced the belt on my "Q" so I do have some practical experience with one.

I am not even sure what the seller is trying to say by "winds well with tight spring". However, the fix is probably simple. The leather belt may be too thick and stiff and offers so much resistance that any additional load slows the motor down. The length of the belt is critical - too loose, it slips, too tight, the motor bogs down. I would suggest buying a strip of thinner leather from MicaMonster, a forum member, and experiment with the length until you find "the sweet spot".

Thank you! I ended up being outbid on this one, but hopefully I'll get one sooner or later. I'll definitely keep that in mind about the belt. Thanks again!