The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Not the best shape in the world, nice score though.

Edison Phonograph cylinders and player. Needs some repairs to bring to working order would be a great project for a hobbyist or someone interested in tinkering! Asking $100

I've already been in touch with him and hope to pick it up this weekend.

Looks like you beat me to it.

Sorry about that Alang. I just picked up the machine. The cabinet isn't much as it isn't really a cylinder cabinet, the machine doesn't work, yet, It's fully wound but will not spin. It's my first rebuild with this kind of motors so it should be interesting. Anyone that has an tips or tricks feel free to pass them on. The cylinders are dusty but so far all have been playable with only a few skips. Some decent titles also. I am working on a few other projects so this one will probably be sitting for a few months before I get to it.

Looks like a BVI(?) Also looks like the governor is completely missing. Be very, very careful how you handle that motor. Once you figure out why it's binding, the lack of governor will make it very hard to control. I'd suggest working on this outside with the motor facing away from you.

I would still say a good deal. The nut on the spring barrel does indicate someone worked on it many moons ago, and took the rivet out and put a nut and both in place, indicating a shortened spring or has it hooked up for hand power, so a spring will be needed. The motor is basically a Fireside motor, so a fireside governor would work, cleaning, gaskets and belts go over the cabinet with some non pumice hand cleaner and some wax, it should look better.

52089 wrote:Looks like a BVI(?) Also looks like the governor is completely missing. Be very, very careful how you handle that motor. Once you figure out why it's binding, the lack of governor will make it very hard to control. I'd suggest working on this outside with the motor facing away from you.

Ditto that! I have memories of helping a phono-mentor in the early 1980s with a jammed Brunswick mechanism. I firmly held the crank while he released the pawl... I actually can't remember if we were able to control it completely while trying to unwind the spring with the crank. When dealing with this wear work gloves, eye protection and keep clear of gears and pinch points - you've got a tiger by the tail.

Regards,
Martin

Thanks for the info! Yes it is a BVI, I couldn't find a governor and was having thoughts of flying gears, shredded finders and a run away motor so I'm glad to hear my thoughts were well founded. I will be sure to keep it away from 200 gallon fish tank too I can spin it slowly by the mandrel, what are your thoughts on unwinding it this way?