The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I need one governor weight; got the other. These are flattened ovals in shape and made of lead. Columbia used them on lots of machines, so should be common (I hope). The other part I need for the Model A is the speed adjustment rod. This is the model with the brake/speed control sticking out in the front. I have the entire assembly, but the little thumbwheel to slide and turn the speed control in and out is missing. It looks like it was originally a friction fit. If photos are needed, I can supply them. I have some Victor motor parts, like bolts and governor weights and the entire governor itself. And I have some cranks, some of which I'm not sure what they are for, but some are for Victors. I do need a few other things like screws for the barrel lid. These are available new, but would prefer to get period ones, if possible. Perhaps we can make a trade.

Ron Sitko has replacement Columbia governor parts. It's best to get new weights, springs, screws and washers. The old weights flake out and sometimes the screw holes are stripped. You'll be happier in the long run. I think a complete set goes between $12.00-$15.00. I have rebuilt many governors and Ron's are the best.
He may have the missing speed control parts.
Harvey Kravitz

Harvey: I may ultimately do that as I had for the Imperial that I have. Ron's weights have the right shape but are steel rather than lead. It's important that the springs and weights be well matched, I know, but I thought I'd give it a shot if I could get a set of original weights. By the way this is the second Model A (I keep thinking of the car) that I have. They differ in one way: my first one has no tone arm rest built into the heel of the tone arm and no support on the bracket for the tone arm. (I hope that makes sense.) The one that I got today has those supports. My guess is that my "new" one is a later model. Still, it has the speed/brake control on the front, same as the old.

I would get the complete set of weights, screws, washers, and springs. I have done that when rebuilding governors. When you mismatch parts,(old with new), you will never be satisfied. The governor will run erratically. I take the old parts and place them in a small baggie and keep inside the machine for historical purposes.
Harvey Kravitz