Aeolian Vocalion Tone arm assembly

[warriorhearts]

I have been looking worldwide for a complete tonearm assembly for the 1916 Aeolian Vocalion Graduola gramophone. In each instance the tone arm is missing as the pot metal crumbles or breaks. The assembly has an elbow fixed by a screw to a mounting post, then a 3-4 inch section followed by the L shaped section which holds the reproducer. As these parts are virtually unobtainable is there any future for the Aeolian? Is it possible to still obtain original parts or is there a possibility of 'casting' a replacement as the only other possibility of keeping these machines alive? I am interested in any experience or comments regarding this problem. Much appreciated.

[winsleydale]

Ugh, I have one, too. Same issue...

[alang]

You may be able to have a 3d print made to replace the broken part. Search the forum, I remember that a couple years ago someone had a tonearm part printed.
Good luck
Andreas

[Edisone]

If the machine is otherwise nice, you might be better off finding a tone-arm assembly that fits the screw holes and is kind to records.

[emerson]

It looks like that is a complete tonearm----or is it a picture of what you need, if so ---do you have any of the tonearm components? ----Herb

[warriorhearts]

The picture is a file photo. I only have the post above the graduola. I have temporarily fixed a Victorola tone arm without changing or drilling anything. At least it has once again sung a song. I found a tag inside dated 15 March 1923 with the signature of the assembler. I'll investigate the 3D printer idea.

[brianu]

rather than just give up and scrap or part out your machine, just have a little patience. and I don't mean that disrespectfully. I've owned multiple aeolians and am familiar with this issue... luckily, all but one of mine had fine tonearm assemblies, but one - actually a rare model that was photographed and included in one of the fabrizio/paul books while in a prior owner's collection - had this problem. I contacted the various sellers and parts dealers, watched ebay and looked at shows... eventually I found another machine (I think on craigslist) that was in terrible condition, so I took what I needed from that. the search took a few years while the machine just sat in storage, but it was worth it in my opinion.