The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I recently aquired an amberola 75. The gear that's connected to the mandrel is worn where it drives the governor and makes an annoying slapping noise as the machine plays. Does anybody have one of these gears in good shape?

Thanks,
Stephen

My Amberola 30 did this after I took it apart. After a bunch of sliding the governor around I was able to get it running quietly on the original gears.

Yes, I tried that and unfortunately it did not work.

Thanks,
Stephen

Stephan,

Most likely, it's not worn. They have a way of cracking, leaving one gear tooth space slightly wider than the others which makes a "chunk, chunk, chunk" noise when running. Don't any of the suppliers sell a nylon gear for this? I know they don't for Amberola V's, but I think they may be available for 30's, 50's & 75's.

Carefully examine the spiral on the governor shaft for wear. My Amberola V had a cracked gear but even with a new gear custom machined by JerryVan, it still is not quiet because of severe wear to the spiral. I'm currently in the market for a replacement part.
Since Amberola 50s are common, and the 30, 50 and 75 all use the same motors, you shouldn't have any trouble finding good used parts for your machine.

Jim

To my knowledge the 50 and 75 used a single-spring motor, but the 30 has one spring. Did they just take 30 motors and add another spring? (I know there's plenty of room and on mine it looked like there was room for another spring.)

The amberola 30, 50, and 75 all have the same mechanism. The only difference is the 50 and 75 have two spring barrels and a different winding gear shaft.

Stephen

I think I have the gear you need. If you will PM your phone number I'll send a photo. Jerry Blais