The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello and thank you for the addition to the group. I know nothing abut these machines, but am anxious to learn. I recently picked up a Columbia Grafanola at an auction for $10. I brought it home, wound it up, and it works! Was wondering if you could help me with what year it is, and what model? Thanks!

Great first buy.. As they say you scored. From the one picture it looks like it will clean up nicely. A lot of people use something called Goop .There are several threads on this forum on cleaning up machines, Just put goop in the search box and it will turn up a lot. There are other things to use besides that. Tom B

I don't know much about the Columbia machines since I don't have any. (Yet) But your machine is from the late 1910s or early 1920s.

Nice machine and an even nicer price

Learn what the authentic machines are, what reproduction are and look like and learn how to spot restorations. Even more so learn what the fakes are.

Thanks for all the replies. Very much apprecoated! I have a question regarding "goop" on the finish. Do you just wipe it on with a rag, or a sponge? What is the result of this? Deep cleaning or polishing the wood? I've never heard of using this before...??

I should add that the outside finish has a crinkled appearance to it. Looks to be original finish. Will that smooth out, or what do I do with that?

1965f100402 wrote:Thanks for all the replies. Very much apprecoated! I have a question regarding "goop" on the finish. Do you just wipe it on with a rag, or a sponge? What is the result of this? Deep cleaning or polishing the wood? I've never heard of using this before...??

I think this thread may help.
http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... hilit=goop

One very important thing is you have to get into the Edison Diamond Disc side of the hobby. I have several for sale at very reasonable prices. I also have many Diamond Discs to go with the machines. I'm in Southern Calif. area. Also, be sure to attend the Antique Phonograph Show in August.

Ok. I see now about the goop. I'll give it a try. I also neglected to mention that last year I purchased my first wind up machine, a Victrola. It works pretty well, but the spring inside for the motor clunky a little. Love the thing though! Day by day, learning as I go!

Congrats on the start of your downhill slide into the netherworld of phonographs. Those are two good machines to start with...

You mentioned the spring in the motor of the Victrola is sounding "clunky". That's caused by years of old grease hardening up in the spring barrels. You can disassemble the motor and re-grease the spring or if you aren't up to that, remove the motor board and unbolt the motor, then place it in a container of kerosene for awhile and that will usually soften up the old grease. However, a re-grease is best and you can find info on that here on the forum...

Goop can be bought at WalMart in the automotive department. It's cheap and works well to remove all of the accumulated grime. You can apply it with steel wool, a 3M bath scrubber or an old rag. Just smear it on, leave for a few minutes and wipe it off...