The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello guys and gals, I am looking for a top board to fix my Columbia BN Graphophone. The old top board has been repaired by a woodworker--he took the crack out of it but it's now warped up like a pringle.

Apparently whoever "restored" my BN back in the bad eighties sanded off the veneer on the top board, causing it to shrink unevenly--now it won't even latch when the lid is closed.

If anyone has a board let me know. It doesn't even have to have good veneer. I have veneer. But all it needs to be is straight.

Cash or good records (and I mean the good stuff) offered in trade.

Still looking. Know anyone who messes with Columbia cases?

You don't need to get a new motor board. You can repair the old one. Here's how:
1. Since the motor board is solid, and warped. Wet the wood completely until it is pliable.
2. Place the motor board on a flat surface.
3. Place weights like books or bricks over the top. Use wax paper so the books don't get wet. Let dry for a few days, and the warp should be gone.
4. Re-veneer the top and bottom surfaces of the motor board, and trim, and cut the holes.
5. Stain and finish to match the machine.
Good luck,
Harvey Kravitz

Thanks, Harvey.

I did get it to play, and the decals are on the way for it. Getting the horn stripped completely & repainted is going to be hard, and getting the warp out of the top board is also going to be hard. It's not common, though, for repairing to be easy.

Since you are going to re veneer it anyway. could you make a series of saw kerfs which would allow it go bend back flat?
Also, I sent you a PM regarding the record I want to pay you for.
Dave D