The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I posted this machine a while ago but I wasn't interested in buying it because it was 6.5 hours away, and was $350. They reduced it to 275, so I asked if they could ship and they said yes, for $100. Is it worth 375? The arm that connects the reproducer to the horn is present, but rusted, and the curved arm is missing (but I could find this on yankee trader). The reproducer also seems to be in poor shape.
thoughts?

In my opinion: No, not worth it. You will most likely never find the correct tone arm. Plus, no lid?

JerryVan wrote:In my opinion: No, not worth it. You will most likely never find the correct tone arm. Plus, no lid?

Only the end section of the tone arm is missing, but I don't think it would be THAT hard to find one. I will ask the seller of they have the lid, but I assume not...

It will probably be extremely hard to find the parts, but on the other hand, this is a much more desirable/interesting model than your standard, uh, Standard cylinder player. I'd probably go for it, but I don't make the best decisions if you're considering the resale value/time to completion. I can see myself attempting to make a temporary connecting arm out of pipe or sculpey or paper mâché, which I'm sure wouldn't work, but I'd still try

The curved end piece that connects the tonearm to the reproducer is almost impossible to find loose and is the most important part of the setup... It is a specific design and unless you are able to create a duplicate, forget it... I know because I have had to source two of them for Columbia backmount machines and have never found one available for sale.

I think I would pass on it and keep looking.

The part you need is a "J" shaped piece of tubing that is inserted into the tonearm and curves downward and backward to connect to the reproducer - no standard tubing will work. I had to make one for a BKT, which is a simpler piece of tubing with just a 90 degree bend to connect, since the reproducer neck is vertical. The reproducer on the BVT is angled in the carriage, so it requires a downward and backward bend to connect.

If you want it for the parts, it might be OK, but not at $375. I wouldn't pay more than $150 in its current condition because it will take years, if ever, to put it back right.

You might want to see if they will sell you the 2 minute Indestructible cylinders...

Update: the seller says they have the lid, and they might have the j shaped tubing, but they dont have the crank. If someone has a crank, or knows what type of crank it is, I might go for it. I just really like this machine, so even if it doesnt scream "big profit", it something I would like to have.

Could be the picture, but the mandrel shaft looks bent down to the bed plate.
The cylinder on the mandrel may actually be touching the bed plate.

Personally I would pass. Save your money towards something nicer.

Larry Crandell