The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I recent purchased a 1920s Brunswick. The crank is stuck so I was trying to get to it without messing up the cabinet. It appears that the grill in front of the speaker is removable. Is it indeed removable?

Welcome to the forum, Oneal! You picked a great machine to start with. Not worth a lot of money, but bitcoin's a better investment. A Brunswick is perhaps one of the best-engineered machines of the day, and the style is so evocative of the 1920s that you really can't lose.


Yes! The grill is removable. However, honestly, DON'T try to remove it thinking you'll get the crank out. All you will find in there is a giant sprucewood horn.

The crank should wind clockwise. To remove a stuck crank on a console model Brunswick:

1. Pull up on the edges of the turntable and make sure that the iron motorboard is still there, and the bolts holding the motor in are in place. If nothing seems too floppy or loose, skip this step.

2. Turn the crank counter clockwise.

3. If this fails, then turn firmly.

4. Failing that, ninja slap.

It should pop right loose. Don't turn it clockwise like this unless you are trying to start the motor up. Turning it too far clockwise will break the springs. Been there, done that, paid the parts bill.

Now make sure you clean the threads and oil it with a little gun oil!


Here's my Brunswick, a 1922 York Model. Yes, I fixed it. It cost me $25 in that condition but was chock-full of 1920s to 1950s records!

thanks Van for fixing an old Brunswick, great machines!

Usually nice finish for an old model like this, it must have been in a very well cared for home. I like it!