The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

My first post to this forum. I'm hoping that some of the Sonora collectors can shed some light on the relative rarity of the "Sonora Automatic Starter and Stopper" that's on my Sonora Baby Grand. The accessory allows an unusually precise way of setting the stop to conserve motor power, by having the user set the stop to trigger, and note the number that corresponds on the crescent-shaped nickel plated logging scale. The number is then recorded for that particular record, and the stop preset to that exact number when the record is put on the machine. I find that it works exactly as described, and very reliably.

My machine was a two-owner piece before my acquisition, with documented history and not from a collector, so we can assume the accessory has been with it since new. How often is this accessory seen? Has anyone on this forum seen or owned one? I can find absolutely nothing about it in modern media, books or on line, apart from two entries in 1915-16 Talking Machine World and a contemporary newspaper ad.

Thanks in advance for any replies at all, that can help put the relative survival rate of this unusual accessory in perspective. As an aside, I wouldn't mind finding an original grille for this machine if any Forum subscribers have one for sale in reasonably well preserved condition. The one that's installed is a lovingly made but hopelessly chunky replacement. Photos of the accessory are attached.
Andy in Santa Fe

I had a Sonora with one of those things on it and it actually worked quite well. I don't remember anymore who I sold the machine to, but that was the main reason they wanted it. I didn't realize it was an option, I just thought it came on machines made during a certain period of time. All the records that it came with had the number of revolutions written down on them, so whoever had it took the thing kind of seriously!

It's an interesting accessory. My Sonora uses the friction lever just above the base of the tone arm to turn off the machine once the record is finished. It also works quite well unless the needle is prevented from moving in at the end of the grooves. It's much simpler than the solution Sonora came up with included with you machine. Still, I would value having any and all accessories especially those sold by Sonora. Thanks for posting this. As for your grill, that may take you some time to find. Collectors have been known to keep their machines in basements which when flooded destroys the bottom part of the cabinet. Keep looking and try posting a WANTED SONORA GRILL in the Yankee Trader section of this forum. Maintain a search on Ebay as well. I went to the Union Phonograph Show this year and was surprised how many collectors are not on the internet at all. Good luck with your search and welcome to the forum!

My Sonora Grand has one of these. Thanks for your post describing the proper operation.

I have a Sonora grille that might fit- can you post a full frontal picture of your cabinet, plus the dimensions of the opening? This post has pictures of mine: http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... it=+sonora