The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Everyone in my neighborhood knows about my interest in the hobby so I was surprised recently when my next door neighbor revealed that he inherited a Kimball from is mother who was the original owner. I took one look and asked what he intended to do with it. He has three grown children and one of the three likes antiques. It was apparent when I opened the lid and saw a vinyl record on the turn table that he wasn't too interested in how it performed. The reproducer was set for hill and dale records and the only needles he had were for electric pickup reproducers. I tried to turn the reproducer to the correct orientation and it snapped off in my hand. The break was at the connection between the reproducer and the tone arm. The breaking point was an old repair so it was a damaged part before I touched it. After apologizing, I told him that I would ask Roger Merenkov, for help. Once the reproducer is serviced I'm going to buy him a supply of needles. Hopefully, I will be able to educate him and his family so that all three of his children will fight over it. You never know where you will come across an interesting phonograph.

Wow, that's just stunning!

Fran

That is one nice looking Kimball. Can you post a picture of the tone arm you need in the "Yankee Trader" section. Maybe someone has one available.

Now that's a nice looking phonograph!

George P.

The graining of that oak is really dramatic and beautiful. Jerry B.

Phono-Phan wrote:That is one nice looking Kimball. Can you post a picture of the tone arm you need in the "Yankee Trader" section. Maybe someone has one available.

The tone arm is fine. It's the connection between the reproducer and the tone arm that came apart. Roger says he can fabricate a repair.

Beautiful machine! That lid is amazing. Is the grille upside down? It looks wrong that way to me, but it could be correct. For some reason it's really common for grilles to get upside down. Why? I have no idea.

Jwb88 wrote:Beautiful machine! That lid is amazing. Is the grille upside down? It looks wrong that way to me, but it could be correct. For some reason it's really common for grilles to get upside down. Why? I have no idea.

You are right that one sees upside down grills. Especially on Edison Diamond Disk machines. In this case the grill is right side up. The pull at the top removes the grill and reveals spring stops. It is quite an impressive machine. I wish I could buy it.

Isn't there a piece of the grill missing there on the right side? Surprised nobody has commented on that....

Beautiful!