The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello all,

Question 1: Any help identifying the model for this Grafonola?

Very plain model. No place for extra needles. No place for the needle to rest. No lid. The reproducer appears to be pot metal. Definitely not chrome as I have seen in the 1920 models. Wood is a veneer on the top.
13” X 14” X 17 ¼ tall

Question 2: From the pictures can you confirm which replacement diaphragm and gaskets I need.
Horrible buzzy rattle. Based on the other posts on this site, sounds like a new gasket and diaphragm is needed.

The closest match I can find in Baumbach & Lackey's book is the Model 15 (introduced 1915) , although the illustration does not show the screws on the front...

However, they cite the 15 as being offered only in golden oak. The later Model A (intro: 1918) was also offered in mahogany. Unfortunately, the illustration only shows the A-2, which has the crank positioned further back.

Bill

No need to feel embarrassed - Grafonola ID is not an exact science like it is with Victor or Edison...

Machine looks like an Eclipse or "15".

Reproducer is the Columbia # 6, Ron Sitko and the other suppliers have the gaskets and diaphragms.

Regarding the buzzy / raspy sound, are you using a fresh needle and playing a reasonably decent record ? ( No disrespect intended... )


Cabinet looks like mahogany veneer... a friend picked-up a similar machine recently... not sure of the crank location.

This is the first time I'm seeing this particular speed-control plate, with the slot.


For a needle-rest, you might consider a felt chair "glide" or cabinet bumper from one of the box stores...

I wish that the book on Columbia disc models was out in some format that I could buy without taking out a bank loan, or read without needing to buy dedicated software. With the ease of printing and publishing these days I can't understand why it isn't in print.

You have a Columbia Model 15 or a Meteor machine. Most had a single spring motor. This is an earlier one because it has a female crank. Even though Baumbach's book says that these are in Oak, I, too have an earlier one in Mahogany. Don't forget, this book was published in 1996, so a lot more information has been found. As far as the buzzing and rattling is concerned, maybe a bad needle. These Grafonola reproducers sound pretty good, as-is. On the ones that I have rebuilt, for some reason, the gaskets are still pliable. To rest the reproducer, it should twist straight up. If it is frozen, leave it alone. You don't want to force these parts, because they are pot metal. If that's the case, use the suggestion of the furniture felt on the case. Or, just take out the needle and rest the reproducer on the turn table. Any other questions, let me know, and I'll be more than happy to help you.
Harvey Kravitz

WOW! Thank everyone so much.

I do have fresh needles, but they came with the player and I am not sure if there are "versions" of the needles for this player. Seems to fit, said the guy with the hammer.

And big thanks for the advice not to turn the reproducer up. You just saved me. I was about to give it "a little extra" on the next try.

I am not entirely sure I have solid records. This whole thing started with me finding some early Columbia Records (circa 1910) that appear to have old vaudeville routines. I am just beginning to collect music and that is where it is really noticeable. High sounds emit a rather nasty reverberation. I will record the sound and upload it.

And finally, if I shine a black light on the reproducer, there appears to be discoloration in the diaphragm - posted here: http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... =7&t=22501 Not sure if this means anything...

ONCE AGAIN HUGE THANKS!

Favorite vaudeville record: NO NEWS, OR WHAT KILLED THE DOG
Favorite music record: Yellow Rose of Texas flip side Buttons and Bows

To test the mica if it's good or not drop it on a table and listen if it makes a ringing sound like glass. If it rings that means it's good. If it doesn't ring then it's bad and you will need to replace it. Gaskets and mica can be purchased from Ron Sitko.

Early Columbia records have a reputation for being noisy, particularly if they were played a lot. They are also somewhat notorious for playing with heavy "drag", sometimes slowing-down or even stopping the platter during a play.

Steel needles come in three basic flavors: "soft-tone", "medium-tone", and "Loud-Tone".

If a record is badly worn, it might play better with a soft-tone needle.

If a record is bright and shiny-black, it probably has had little playing; if it looks dull and grayish, it's probably worn.

Also, steel needles should be used once, then discarded.

Good luck !

Ok, this is really embarrassing. I researched oiling the machine. Play speeds. Reproducer care. Should you lemon oil the case. All kinds of crazy stuff before I put the first needle in.

What I didn’t know was you only use the needle once! And I would not have known that if De Soto Frank didn’t just mention it. Worst part is he mentioned it at the top of this post!

I wonder if we could get the Forum to put a “10 things you need to know before you use your new player” - “Grafonola for Dummies” – “Don’t turn the dang thing on until you read this!” Or maybe a checklist. I’ll post that in a few…

Also, I am very appreciative of everyone’s information. I realize I collapsed many topics into one post!

And finally, here are the missing pictures. I would have bet good money that the crank handle was centered in the unit and that is completely not true. It is off center and at the top!

hiramk wrote:
I wonder if we could get the Forum to put a “10 things you need to know before you use your new player” - “Grafonola for Dummies” – “Don’t turn the dang thing on until you read this!” Or maybe a checklist.

The Antique Phonograph Society has a number of Introductory articles, one of which is Basic Antique Phonograph Operational Tips...

http://www.antiquephono.org/basic-antiq ... onal-tips/

Enjoy all the articles!

George P.