The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have a Columbia Q first style, I put in a new spring and it still slows down about 85% into the record.

I have cleaned and lubricated everything? Anything that I should check?

Jerry

That's typical of a Columbia Q. The motors are small and puny. All of the Q's that I have have this same problem. When it slows down, wind it up and enjoy. There are the rare Q's that will play through a whole record.
Harvey Kravitz

Thanks Harvey, but you know how us collectos are we have those expections whether they are realistic or not.



I carefully stretch the belt and oiled the points its now playing about 90-95%
through on a cylinder.

They should have put a little more spring in that barrel.

When these machines were new, they sold for $5.00 with out a case. What do you expect for $5.00??
Harvey Kravitz

Phonofreak wrote:When these machines were new, they sold for $5.00 with out a case. What do you expect for $5.00??
Harvey Kravitz

You are absolutely correct Harvey, these Q's are cheap, and were sold cheap like the Victrola VV-IV, which sold for $15.00, one mainspring playing one record on a winding.

I guess they got what they paid for.

A Q should play through TWO 2-min cylinders! It needs a new mainspring. Ron Sitko sells them, i think they are $12 or $13. Also, VERY IMPORTANT: the condition of the governor weights and springs. If the governor is out of balance (they ALWAYS ARE) it will bog the motor down.

Everything on a Q has to be scientifically perfect to allow it to play a record.