The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello all. I have been a 78 rpm record collector for the past three years. I own an Edison c 150 that I converted for lateral cut 78s. I am considering getting a few more machines. Been looking at Victrolas and Granfolas. I do see these regularly at antique shops and estate sales. Today I listened to several, each having a concern. Now the questions:
1. One Victrola, upon cranking - never seemed to fully wind - the crank would go on cranking indefintely - I am correct that this would mean a spring problem? The records played never hit the proper listening speed
2. If I here a muffled sound, reproducer problem, right?
Sorry with the rookie or newbie questions, but starting to learn. looking at picking up some good book on the subject also. any recommendations?
Thanks!

Welcome. The sound could be due to the reproducer or it could be something stuck in the horn (there is a whole thread on that). As for the book, I would recommend "The Compleat Talking Machine" by Eric L. Reiss. The issue with the cranking could be a spring issue such as old grease not letting it unwind correctly, thus causing a slower speed, or if it has multiple springs, one or more broken springs. The speed could also be a governor problem, the others should chime in soon. As for the large amount of cranking, I don't really know. It could just be a motor with 3 or 4 mainsprings, or it could be a problem. Either way, welcome to the forum.

1. One Victrola, upon cranking - never seemed to fully wind - the crank would go on cranking indefintely - I am correct that this would mean a spring problem? The records played never hit the proper listening speed
2. If I here a muffled sound, reproducer problem, right?
Sorry with the rookie or newbie questions, but starting to learn. looking at picking up some good book on the subject also. any recommendations?
Thanks!

Question #1 - If a machine cranks indefinitely and does not reach the end of the spring or springs, there is a broken or disconnected spring. Sellers will often say that it's only unhooked and easy to fix. If it was easy, why didn't they make the necessary repairs?

Question #2 - If a machine does not sound good, the issue is probably with the reproducer. Most reproducers can be rebuilt to solve the problem.

If you are a record collector and wish to have the best machine to play old 78s, but a name brand Orthophonic style machine. They came out in the mid-twenties and sound better than terrific. I am a machine collector and I save my school model Orthophonic for the last machine to play when I have a visitor. I always tell my visitor that this type of machine made every machine in my basement obsolete overnight and it's true. You can find threads by using the search feature where collectors state their preferences. The name brand machines like Brunswick, Columbia, and Victor are all excellent machines. Some have pot metal issues particularly with reproducers.

If you are buying for performance, skip the typical Victrolas and Grafonolas and buy a Orthophonic machine. You don't need to pay a fortune to get good performance. A Victrola Consolete is a great entry level machine that shouldn't cost much ($150 to $250) depending on condition.

Welcome to the Forum, Jerry Blais

Welcome to the forum!

Do you have the original reproducer for that C-150? If so, get it rebuilt, so that you can play Diamond Discs as well. A good DD, in good condition, will generally blow other acoustic 78s out of the water. Despite the critics, there are some good selections on Edison.

Bill

It appears there is something caught in the gears that would be relatively easy to remove and it should work again, no problem.

The above quote came from a craigslist ad. It's typical from someone that is clueless about the difficulty and expense of spring repairs. Jerry

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. i'm glad I passed. I bought the Edison without the reproducer, it was a bargain basement item at the NJ phono show but it turned out great - I picked up the conversion reproducer at phonographs.org, nice service IMO. Its so loud it could push your hair back
I look forward to posting on this forum, especially also re 78s. I've got some interesting sides.

Welcome to the hobby, it is a very strange one, so be for warned I suggest perusing the internet, and this forum on reproducer rebuilding. In general replace the gaskets, and center the needle bar so it is not pushing or pulling the diaphragm. On lateral reproducers with two spiral springs, usually medium tension is best. If I had time I would do reproducer rebuilds, as it is fun however I don't offer it, or take orders for cylinder records and blanks because I work 50 hours a week. Winding and the machine not reaching speed does indicate a broken spring, It is something you should watch videos on how to do, and read up on, some are very powerful. I have some posts on here that tell some steps of how to install a spring.