The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I just bought this Columbia Grafonola, and I would like any information on it that any of you experts have about it? I cannot figure out just what model it is.

Does it look like this?
http://www.montanaphonograph.com/gallery/ColA100.html
Or this?
http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... =2&t=33103

It looks similar but has 2 doors, and 4 record boxes that pull Down, also a thin drawer under the 4 boxes. It plays, but probably needs new needles. I am trying to figure out what knobs belong on the doors. Sorry about the upside down pic

You have either a "Nonpareil", or a Model 150. If it has a female crank, then it is a "Nonpareil". These were made from 1913-15. If this has a male crank, then it is a Model, 150. The model number designates the price. These were made from 1915-18.This should have a three spring motor. Nice machine.
Harvey Kravitz

A little easier to see what a nice machine this is:

Thank you

Lily,

To keep your records in better shape you will have to change the needle every time you play a record. I know this sounds weird--we're used to long-lasting needles on stereo sets, but back in the day the only way to keep from destroying records was to ensure the soundbox (needle head) had soft, fresh rubber gaskets, and to change the needle every time with a brand new one. (You can't economize by turning it, it'll just shred the grooves.)

eBay and the parts suppliers sell new needles and gaskets--they can turn the sound from meh to glorious. I always do that with mine, and never save original gaskets. They don't work well after a century of dry rotting!