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Columbia Grafonola Grand Model 350 in Circassian Walnut

Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2016 12:17 pm
by Phono-Phan
Well, I finally have this Columbia working again. It has been a long process but it came out great. I had to have the motor rebuilt and a fiber gear custom made. The fiber gears available didn't have the correct teeth pattern. Thanks to a recommendation from another member on the Forum, I sent the motor to Biedler's Motor Repair for rebuilding. They did a great job. The gear was made at Edgerton Gear in Edgerton Wis. I had a very hard time finding a shop to do a unique job like this one but they took on the challenge and did a great job. I can't explain the turntable being purple and the rest of the inside velvet being green. This spindle taper is unique as I tried some of my other Columbia turntables on it and they didn't fit properly. So this one must have come with it. The original paperwork shows it being serial number B1396 and shipped Feb. 27,1916.

Re: Columbia Grafonola Grand Model 350 in Circassian Walnut

Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2016 12:46 pm
by OrthoSean
Wow, just beautiful!

Sean

Re: Columbia Grafonola Grand Model 350 in Circassian Walnut

Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2016 1:05 pm
by audiophile102
Stunning example. Congratulations for owning such a beautiful machine. I don't know how much you invested in the repairs, but to my eyes it was worth every penny. Please consider adding it to the Featured Phonographs section of the forum.

Re: Columbia Grafonola Grand Model 350 in Circassian Walnut

Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2016 1:25 pm
by phonolady
Ken,
Wow! beautiful machine, it turned how fantastic, CONGRATULATIONS from:

Lerria and David

Re: Columbia Grafonola Grand Model 350 in Circassian Walnut

Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2016 1:38 pm
by clevelander
That certainly upstages the standard Graphonola!
Congratulations :D
Alistair

Re: Columbia Grafonola Grand Model 350 in Circassian Walnut

Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2016 1:42 pm
by Victrolacollector
Congratulations, I love the grain. Also, did they make the new replacement out of Steel, brass or nylon?

Re: Columbia Grafonola Grand Model 350 in Circassian Walnut

Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2016 1:44 pm
by alang
What a stunning machine! I can't get over the dramatic wood grain. This would be a focal point in any collection. Please consider posting it as a featured phonograph following the instructions here http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... =4&t=16253.

Thanks
Andreas

Re: Columbia Grafonola Grand Model 350 in Circassian Walnut

Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2016 2:25 pm
by Phono-Phan
Thanks for the kind replies. The gear was made from Delrin. It is slightly larger in O.D. and the same I.D. than the replacements you can get currently. Also, the teeth have a different shape. I posted pictures of the gear in one of my other posts. I will try to get it posted in the "Featured" section.

Re: Columbia Grafonola Grand Model 350 in Circassian Walnut

Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2016 2:30 pm
by phonogfp
Very nice! Congratulations - -

George P.

Re: Columbia Grafonola Grand Model 350 in Circassian Walnut

Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2016 2:56 pm
by TinfoilPhono
:shock: What an amazingly gorgeous machine!