The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi Folks -

Many thanks to all that gave advice on getting my great uncle's Amberola out of an attic. I've got it home and have confirmed that it's an Amberola 75. I've taken the lid off for access to the mechanism and all I've figured out so far is that there's a lever that disengages the lead screw and simultaneously raises the needle, and I can slide the reproducer carriage back and forth with this lever in the "up" position.

I'll search around for a beginner's guide to using this thing but I assume I'll need to take it apart and clean and lubricate and adjust it before trying to actually crank it up and use it. Can anyone point me at a good doc for a newbie?

Pics

Thanks,

Bryan

Congrats on your new machine!

You can find images of the original Amberola instructions on this thread:

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... structions

The machine shown there is an Amberola 30, but the 30, 50, and 75 were all essentially the same machine. The 50 added a spring, and the 75 added the storage cabinet.

You will also find recommendations here for lubricants. Use the search feature and you'll find more information (and opinions) than you ever thought possible.

I do notice that your machine has been modified. The top and front grills are both missing, as is the governor cover. You will find people here (including me) who can help you with those. Someone also built a frame around your horn. I'm not sure this was a great idea because the horn needs to be able to move a bit as the reproducer moves across the record.

Lastly, I would recommend that you post your pictures directly on the thread instead of using Google photos or similar. We have lost a lot of good photos over the years because they were hosted elsewhere.

Good luck with your Amberola. Feel free to ask questions.

Congratulations!

I hope you continue to be a part of this group and keep us updated to your progress. This hobby can be very personally rewarding, and especially when it includes a family heirloom, such as yours.

You should be able to find answers to all of your questions, as Brian has already stated.

Have fun!

Cheers,
Fran

Congratulations! You'll find this article on the Antique Phonographs Society web site helpful:

https://www.antiquephono.org/basic-anti ... onal-tips/

There are several other articles in the Introductory section that you might like as well.

You've received good advice so far, and there's plenty more waiting for you here (probably more than you want!), so don't be afraid to ask questions.

George P.

For posterity:

"As an article of furniture, it will fit into the home of the most fastidious"

Bryan,
You mentioned in your initial thread that there were more machines and cabinets in the house. Did you take any pictures of them or are you able to go back and do so? What you mentioned previously may have a lot more interest than the Amberola 75 that you did get... Also, you mentioned a cabinet full of Blue Amberol cylinders... did you get them?

If you have pictures of the other machines, please post them and post the titles of the Blue Amberol cylinders that you got...

You can buy the correct replacement wooden grill from Gramp's treasures web site for $35.

Might not be original but I like the grill that’s in the machine now. Looks like it a nice match also.

Rich Gordon

Might not be original but I like the grill that’s in the machine now. Looks like it a nice match also.

Rich Gordon