The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I recently acquired an early BN. It had been refinished and the previous owner stripped around and into the original decal with less than satisfactory results. I decided to give it some good history with another refinish including one of Gregg Cline's wonderful decals. I applied several finish coats before applying the decal and several more the day after the decal was applied. You can not see the edge of the decal. I took several photos from different angles to prove the point. In the old days you could spot a reproduction banner decal from across a large room. Gregg's decals changed the ball game. This decal was $25 and worth every penny.

When I originally looked at this machine I immediately noticed the red turntable felt. My first thought was "that's got to go!". I talked to our friend phonofreak (Harvey) and he said that the early BN came with red felt and suggested that I leave it alone. That was good advice given from a more knowledgable Columbia collector. It never occurred to me that any talking machine originally came with red felt. Thanks Harvey!

Jerry Blais

Jerry- Really nice job on that machine... and I agree- the decal looks authentic not only in how the edges blend, but in the way the grain shows through just a little bit in spots.

Nice machine, Jerry. I'll second Gregg Cline's decals. They are great. Thanks for the kind words
Harvey Kravitz

Jerry,
I agree, Gregg does great work. I'll go one step further: you do too!
Regards,
Martin

Jerry,

Beautiful job on the machine. It looks original!!

I echo your thoughts on Gregg's decals. He does a superb job at supplying the exact decal needed for a very reasonable price. Where would we be as a hobby without these decals?

While I value originality, there are times when the next best thing is a perfect Gregg Cline decal.

Keep on collecting and restoring!

Shawn

Gregg's decals are so good that I have used sections of them to repair original decals on cabinets and it goes undetectable.

I have used Gregg Cline's decals and they are the best that I have ever used. I have been tempted to strip a case and apply a perfect decal, but I only do this when the decal is in poor condition. I try to save the original as much as possible, but when its time for a reproduction, I use his decals.

I sent him a image and specs for a Magnola Talking Machine decal so that he could have it on file in the event my machine decal was ever damaged or someone may need one.

Gregg's decals are definetely the best I've used. Only once did I order from elsewhere, an Edison script decal, but it was poorly sized, lacking detail, and the color was off. From then on I've always spent the extra $'s and gone with Gregg's decals.

Benjamin

I'll go one further and say Cline's decals are works of art! Check out my restored Opera motor board:

That looks amazing. Well done!
Andreas