Saw an unusual vocalion today

[estott]

Saw this unusual Vocalion machine at the Brimfield flea market today- it's BIG, appears to have an electric motor, the right hand door opens to reveal a metal horn. The knob in the center panel might be an on-off switch, the socket for the Graduola control is at the left. They were asking $1,400.00 which I consider too high even if it's unusual.

[Uncle Vanya]

This machine has an ordinary spring motor. The crank is inserted in the little trim ring just below the bellflower carving on the left-center leg.

The little knob in the center is the famous Aeolian-Vocalion "Gradnola with Volunome". The knob is attached to a flexible shaft, and allows the operator of the machine to adjust the volume of reproduction whilst a record is playing, in the manner of a Pianolist pumping harder to produce dynamic shading.

[ColoradoPhonograf]

That table machine is a nice original. It's just one of those things that fits into your collecting and household decor or it doesn't. I don't think the price was out of line but pretty much retail. If you liked it and it fits then that is not a bad deal. Those don't turn up often and you have to make a quick decision.

Thanks for sharing the photos with us. Even if it's not your thing it's good to see one and know what it is.

ColoradoPhonograf

[schweg]

I believe there was one at the Union phono show 2 yrs back with a 900 asking price. It sold (I saw it being loaded), but I'm not sure about the final price.

[estott]

Y'know Uncle Vanya, the pact that there's a crank sitting on the turntable completely passed my notice. I was rather tired. There was another Vocalion at the market, a fancy fumed oak upright, but the tone arm had been repaired several times.

[larryh]

Thats a cool machine. I don't think I realized what interesting machines vocallion Made. It was the first machine I ever was around and was my Great Grandfathers. From what I recall it was on a matching cabinet so it must have been a table type model. A friend of mine has a wonderful small oak table model that is super nice looking and sounding. Rather wish I had one.

Larry

[schweg]

I picked up a Model K at a local auction but unfortunately the tone arm, most likely broken beyond repair, was replaced by what looks like one from a portable. I'm keeping an eye out for a gold original but have had no luck so far. I'm willing to be patient so one will come along sometime...

Steve

[estott]

From what I've observed the gilding on most Vocalion tone arms has aged to look just like gold paint- if you can find an appropriately sized nickle arm you could paint it, maybe tone it with some orange shellac after.