The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I've got a great Credenza which is in A-1 shape, all except the grill cloth. The cloth is dirty beyond ignorable, as much as I believe in letting things alone. Can anyone tell me where I might get a new cloth that will be the right color, etc.? I'm going to give cleaning the old one one more go, and then... But how do you get if off the wooden grill?

Nat

Take a look at this website. They have a variety of grillcloth patterns. Number 60 looks like a good match.
http://www.grillecloth.com/
I've never had the frame out of mine, so can't help with the cloth removal. Anybody else?
Bob

Hi Nat
If you decide to replace the clothe this is were I buy from http://www.grillecloth.com/pages/gallery.php

I recommend that you get a sample from him first before you decide .

I use #13.

Nipper

Thanks to you both! I've bookmarked the page for when I get home, and will investigate it then.

Appreciate your help!

Nat

Nat,

I believe APSCO stocks grill cloth that is almost an exact replacement for the original.

You essentially remove the grill cloth by destroying it. Many of us would love to have an original grill cloth, even if dirty. I would reconsider replacing it. Your phonograph is 80+ years old, don't expect it to look new.

Jerry wrote:You essentially remove the grill cloth by destroying it. Many of us would love to have an original grill cloth, even if dirty. I would reconsider replacing it. Your phonograph is 80+ years old, don't expect it to look new.

Jerry,

I agree with you insofar as it's possible to keep things original. But grille cloth is on of the most fragile parts of a Victrola and I can fully understand a clan machine having a ruined grille cloth. Is is stained, soiled or ripped, Nat?

Regards,
John

Sorry to be slow to reply - I've been traveling between the ranch and Seattle...

The old cloth is almost grossly stained, almost black across the bottom. The rest of the machine looks as close to new as possible (only two owners prior to me, both of whom treasured it). I'd certainly keep the old cloth if it was mere faded or dirty all over, but this is nasty staining and it really bugs me when I'm playing it to look over and see streaks and stains.

It's not uncommon to re-cover old chairs, and I'm approaching this the same way.

I wonder if I can get the old cloth out and clean it?

Nat

I am afraid you will find time has had its way with the cloth. The one I had became so touchy that merely dusting the wood decorative grill could result in a tear. The material just seemed to perhaps become a bit rotten. Maybe yours isn't that way in which case if you did wash it I would be extremely careful in handling and it might shrink beyond use as well. It will be interesting to see what your experience is?


Larry

I won't be home long enough to work on it till mid-September, but then we'll see. I rather think if I try to clean it ans succeed, so much the better; but if not, it's so bad I don't really care. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks to everyone for their comments and help!

Nat