The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I just purchased a Silvertone 137-541 portable, but can find no info on it on the internet. Does anyone know when it was made? I have repaired the motor (the tang in the axle in the barrel was loose) and it now winds up and runs. Can't get the speed control to function properly however. I have adjusted it several times, but after a few revolutions the platter starts to really speed up. The 'brake' at the business end of the speed control won't maintain a constant pressure.

Also the tone arm is stiff. The machine is obviously a very cheap one, as evidenced by the way the tone arm base is simply riveted to the motor board. However, one thing at a time and I won't bother with trying to fix the tone arm problem until I can figure out the speed control thing. To use a political metaphor, the revolutions are overthrowing the governor.

Any suggestions?

Bob

(post deleted)

Is this the one you have?

http://www.terapeak.com/worth/vintage-s ... 945752550/

Also -- http://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/vie ... 9&t=303777

It looks to be a low-end model from about the late 1930s to the early 40s.

OF

Yes, that is the one.