The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi, Folks. My name is Bob and I’m originally from Wabash, Indiana. I am a new member of this forum and I have an Empire Talking Machine that came from my grandparent’s home. I have questions and need help, but before I can post a sensible question I need a list of parts in the arm that holds the needle and picks up the sound from the record. Can someone point me to an illustration of a generic arm with the parts labeled so I can frame an intelligible question?

Hi Bob,

Welcome to the Forum. You should find plenty of help here. I'd suggest reading the Guidelines for placing a wanted ad (free) in the Trader Section. It would be best if you could place a photo of the machine you need parts. Jerry Blais

Dave,

That saved me a lot of typing! Thanks!


Bob,

Can you post a photo of what you've got? An Empire probably used some generic parts that lots of mchines used. Chances are, somebody has what you're looking for. But, just asking for a "needle bar for an Empire" won't get you a lot of results, (although I guess you only need 1 result )

Thanks, Dave D. - That is what I needed to get started.

Welcome!
You have come to the right place for any help you need with your phonograph.

Congratulations on your family 'Empire' talking machine. The Empire Talking Machine Co. was located on Wabash avenue, in Chicago, from about 1916 until 1920 or so. They branched out to make phonograph parts (the Empire Phonoparts Co.) and that was in business until around 1928.

We have a scanned copy of a book of instructions, or owners manual. Send us a note if you would like to see it. We also have a 96-page document on the Empire businesses mentioned above. You are also welcome to read that. PM for a copy.

Please, attach some photos. It seems there are other Empire owners that will enjoy seeing your machine.

Best of luck,

Great to hear that you are on a mission to bring back your grandparents' phonograph. I just recently did the same thing putting a Victor machine back into working condition from the stripped out cabinet that had been in my family since 1926 after wondering for perhaps 30 years whether it could ever be done. This forum and the people and parts sources that you'll find here will be a great help in bringing your machine back to life. I won't say that it will be easy, but there is a real sense of accomplishment you'll know when you are able to crank up the motor and hear one of those 78s playing once again...and likely be shocked how good that it actually sounds. And it isn't just a machine you'll enjoy, but the machine that came into your family almost 100 years ago. And that you can revitalize that heritage really is something of which to be very proud.