The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have over the years thinned my collection down to a couple dozen machines. But I never seem to have time to clean them. What makes me ask this question?, I got one of my machines down and couldn't believe how dirty or maybe I should say dusty it was. I hate to think about some of you guys with huge collections, how do you do it?

I have a Victor VV 1-2 "Aladdin" with the childs painted on decorations - I don't even attempt to dust it as the paint just flakes off in very tiny bits,, enough to alarm me. So I had a plexi-glass cover made to put over it with a felt edge to prevent dust and dirt from getting on this rather delicate painted phonograph - my matching VV 1-1 sits right next to it without a cover.

I use the small "dash board" sized California Car Dusters. They'll keep picking up dust forever. Just shake them out once in a while. I have about 6 or 8 laying around the house. If I spot too much dust, I look around for a duster and do about 15 min. worth.

I have 40 + with only 8 or 9 displayed the rest are covered up. About 7 months ago sent 17 to auction. Shame to cover these machines up such as a Brooks Repeater, beautiful Edison C-250 with a finish I could shave in and a few I don't remember buying.... My wife gets away with a light dusting and that is about it. Cheers

Bill K

Swiffer dusters.

I keep mine covered.....with dust .

52089 wrote:Swiffer dusters.

Same here.

Swiffer, every three months or when my wife gets on my ass.

Hot air/ductwork heat sucks.

blizz

I use paint brushes. New and dry, of course. They're very soft, and they can reach and remove dust also in concealed spots.

Swiffer, when I happen to think of it. As for the ones on the high shelf, well lets just say that...

Jim