The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

It is only by dumb luck and the gracious people on this forum I haven’t destroyed my “new” Columbia Model 15 Grafonola and all my records. I have been keeping notes of my near misses and realized that I can’t find a top 10 things you should know BEFORE you even play your first record.

I love doing research (yea, that guy) and it has been a struggle to piece together the basics. If you know the question, the answers are out there. But you have to know the question!

I am not sure if there is any interest in putting a survival guide for beginners together. I would love to see one posted on this site as a prominent permanent link. It would not have to be in-depth. Just enough to keep someone from doing serious damage.

And finally, I am still in the dangerous stage. I know just enough about MY player. What I have outlined below may be wrong for external horns, cylinder players and Edison players.

So how close are the following...



Top 10 Things You Should Know About Your Vintage Phonograph with Internal Horn

1. You should use the iron needles only once.

• Steel needles come in three basic flavors: "soft-tone", "medium-tone", and "loud-tone". They all grind down after a single use.

2. If you have a part that is stuck, do not force it.

• Many older reproducers are made of pot metal and will break if forced.

3. Sound quality for beginners begins with fresh needles and good records.

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

• Beware the needles that came with the machine. There is a discard bin as well as a new needle bin in many units. Use new, shiny steel needs that you purchased.

• [I just read this, is this true? - http://www.antiquephono.org/basic-antiq ... onal-tips/ ] Collectors argue over the best method of cleaning 78 rpm discs, but most use dishwashing detergent in lukewarm water with a soft brush or washcloth. (Note: Do not use water on Edison disc records. Rubbing alcohol is the best method for cleaning these.) A circular motion following the grooves is important, as well as a good rinsing and thorough drying. Professional archivists use specially prepared washing agents that are also available to collectors. Regardless of one’s approach to cleaning 78 rpm records, everyone agrees that a dirty record should be cleaned before being played.

4. Wind the mainspring until it presents resistance.

• It may take up to 30 revolutions for a single spring player and up to 100 for more heavy duty players.

• Caveat given is do not overwind. I interpret that as wind until you get resistance.

5. Your antique phonograph cabinet should be gently cleaned. At most apply a little lemon or orange oil.

• Like all antique furniture, the original finish adds value. Altering the original finish may reduce value AND sound quality. Consult a professional before leaping in with a can of varnish.

6. If the spring thumps or uncoils unevenly, you may need to oil it with sewing machine oil or other good quality lubricant. Paraffin-based products such as 3-In-One oil may become gummy and are not recommended.

• WARNING: Do not attempt to replace or take out the mainspring. There is a lot of stored energy and it can cause serious harm. Find a professional.

[ran out of items - please add or I will add as I continue to do the wrong thing ]

hiramk wrote:

• [I just read this, is this true? - http://www.antiquephono.org/basic-antiq ... onal-tips/ ] Collectors argue over the best method of cleaning 78 rpm discs, but most use dishwashing detergent in lukewarm water with a soft brush or washcloth. (Note: Do not use water on Edison disc records. Rubbing alcohol is the best method for cleaning these.) A circular motion following the grooves is important, as well as a good rinsing and thorough drying. Professional archivists use specially prepared washing agents that are also available to collectors. Regardless of one’s approach to cleaning 78 rpm records, everyone agrees that a dirty record should be cleaned before being played.

What part of that statement surprises you?

George P.

Thanks for posting. This is great information for new collectors, as well as a review for the experienced.
Harvey Kravitz

I think the part that surprised me... (dishwashing detergent in lukewarm water with a soft brush or washcloth)...

This is what I did with a very dirty record. Based on past experience, I'm usually wrong! The whole time I was washing it I was thinking "I should have posted a question on this first"

Re #6; For spring thumps, you'll probably want to use a heavier grease, like a Vaseline mixture or Moly grease. The sewing machine oil is more for bearings and feedscrews.

Here's #7: Virtually all reproducers will benefit from being rebuilt. This will improve sound quality and extend record life.

hiramk wrote:I think the part that surprised me... (dishwashing detergent in lukewarm water with a soft brush or washcloth)...

This is what I did with a very dirty record. Based on past experience, I'm usually wrong! The whole time I was washing it I was thinking "I should have posted a question on this first"

Congratulations - - your instincts were correct!

...Unless it was an Edison Record...

George P.

I use distilled white vinegar instead of dish soap. It cuts grease and embedded dirt even better than soap, and after a rinse in distilled water, there is absolutely no residue left behind because white vinegar is distilled. Works good on filthy LPs too.

It does make your fingers smell like pickles though...

bigshot wrote:I use distilled white vinegar instead of dish soap. It cuts grease and embedded dirt even better than soap, and after a rinse in distilled water, there is absolutely no residue left behind because white vinegar is distilled. Works good on filthy LPs too.

I have heard of cleaning records with vinegar from many sources. Do you think it will kill mold? I have a few 78's that were inside the moldiest, most foul-smelling phonograph on this planet. They have some white spots on them and even the records smell awful!

Ok this weekend I am off to find dirty records to try the distilled white vinegar on. I will post pictures as soon as I can.

It seems wrong to be excited to look for dirty records to clean.

I will also update the list!

I would be careful with vinegar. Vinegar is made from wine, which contains alcohol. As we all know, alcohol dissolves shellac. Maybe there is a difference and it's safe, but I would not risk it myself.

Andreas