Anyone hear or know of Sonata Upright Phonographs

[Mark]

Hi,

My name is Mark, and have just inherited a Sonata Upright disc playing phonograph.

Looking for information about this company (Sonata) and product. I do not know anything about it as all paperwork is gone, so anything would be a big help.

Thanks,
Mark

[hillndalefan]

Since I cannot see the machine, I can only say I've never heard of 'Sonata' as a brand, but is it possibly a 'Sonora'? That's a known make.

[brianu]

why don't you post some photos? that might help.

[gramophoneshane]

Is Sonata on the cabinet itself, or just on the soundbox at the end of the tonearm?
Thorens made a Sonata soundbox, and also made a "Sonata" machine, but it was an open horn model.

[OrthoFan]

"Sonata" is # 214 on the list of manufacturers on this page -- http://www.gracyk.com/makers.shtml -- 263 Machines and Their Makers: 1916 - 1923 By R.J. Wakeman

I came across this print ad from 1920 --

Sonata Ad.JPG (81.1 KiB) Viewed 2421 times

Unfortunately, no illustrations of the models.

I too would love to see some photos of your machine, if you have them.

OF

[Mark]

Thanks for the replies. I will be getting it next week, so when I have it I will post pics of it.

It is definitely a Sonata, there is a tag or plate or whatever you call it under the lid at the back where most victrolas, edisons, Pathé, etc I have seen on the net.

It is an upright with a crank and plays discs not cylinders, has no horn. There is some cut-out work on the front upper half with cloth or something, I figure that must be the speaker or where the sound comes from.

This is really new to my wife and I. Like I said we know nothing about it, and the parents pretty much forgot how to use it.

Love the ad. Is there anything else on that site about the Sonata brand? Would love to know so much more about it. I don't even know what wood it is made from.

At least I know I found a place that will help my wife and I enjoy this piece of history.

Thanks,
Mark

[OrthoFan]

... has no horn. There is some cut-out work on the front upper half with cloth or something, I figure that must be the speaker or where the sound comes from..

It actually has an internal horn, hiding behind the cloth covered grille. Look forward to seeing the photos.

Love the ad. Is there anything else on that site about the Sonata brand? Would love to know so much more about it. I don't even know what wood it is made from.

Unfortunately, that was the only reference to an advertisement I could find. I found it by doing a search on Google's News Archives page For Sonata Phonograph -- http://news.google.com/archivesearch

[estott]

Here is one in a past Ebay auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Sonata-Vintage-Vict ... 19b92ff394

It's an attractive machine with Victor style corners and a fretwork horn grille. The plate says SONATA- The Phonograph of Perfection, but has no place of origin. The hardware is pretty generic.

[phonophan79]

pics.

[Mark]

Hi,

Picked up the Sonata this weekend from my parents and I took some pics.

Looks very close to the picks posted previously, but that one looks a little better than mine. I have a lot of scratches and wear all over the case and I am missing a door handle. Same model number 3874.

When you turn the crank it is smooth but every few revolutions of the crank you feel a quick spot of resistance, but than it goes smooth again for a few more cranks. What can that be? Does that mean it needs to be greased?

I created another post for maintenance of this machine, hopefully someone can help me out. It plays fine for me since I really never heard one play before, but it really seems to take you back to the early 1900's and gives you the feeling of how people used to listen to records back then.

I am only 40 and I could really get the bug for collecting these things after having this in my possession. I guess it is a good starter piece.

1 questions, how many times can you turn the crank to wind up the spring? I am scared of breaking it and going to far, so when I played it the first time I just barely finished a record, it started getting slow at the end. Guess I didn't crank it far enough.

Oh yes 1 more question, what wood does this cabinet look like it is finished in?

Thanks for your help guys, and I am sure I will have more questions.

Mark