The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I just purchased a Brunswick 217 and think it is the most beautiful thing. As my name implies, I have no experience with phonographs -- but a lot of heart to fix her up. I will be ordering The Compleat Talking Machine, and I have hopes it will give me some idea where to start.

To sum up my 217:

* The cabinet looks to be in pretty good condition considering its age. It has a few minor dings and a bit of the scroll work is scraped. The veneer is crazed, but I am guessing that has to do with its age and not heat damage.
* It appears nothing is missing or damaged from an external examination. I even found the key and it's original pouch wedged in the very back of the cabinet.

I'm hoping someone in SE PA, West Chester, specifically, might be available for a bit of mentoring.

I will post pictures if someone can advise me what specific details will be of help (told you I know nothing).

Thanks, in advance!

Hello and welcome!

Please do post pictures.

We will try to help as much as we can!

Well, I'm close enough but I don't know a thing about Brunswicks. Besides, West Chester is one of those "you can't get there from here" places (like Princeton, NJ) relative to Allentown. Just kidding, of course. Auslanders please note that it's West Chester (two words) in PA, not Westchester as in NY. There are some folks on the board who live in Phila. or suburbs who maybe can help. Come on, guys, anybody out there?

Gee thanks for the promo. Don't know if Westchester NY has quite as many deer as I do in my front yard. Just to plead my case...I'm right off the Downingtown exit of the PA Turnpike... not too far from King of Prussia. And always good coffee & baked goods for friends.