The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I just purchased the Grafanola today but I’m unsure which model it is and possible the year it was made. What do you think the value is? I paid $90, It works and came with about 30 records. Thanks for your expertise!

Jeff

To make your records last, set the needle on the side where the crank is, the right-hand side of the machine (if you are looking at it from the front.) The needle should track leaning back in its groove, not angled forward and digging into the surface of the disc.

Maybe you already know this, though, and were just using seller photos.

Not sure on what model but the "typewriter key" record ejectors would narrow it down quite a bit. There are lots of Columbia collectors on here who can fill you in on the evidence. I don't know what it is precisely but I know it's an older one.

Value depends on what's been done to it. You paid $90 and that's a great price. If the motor is overhauled (maybe even some fresh mainsprings, governor rebuild, teardown/clean/lubrication) and then the tone arm and reproducer get rebuilt (pivot joints polished and sealed with grease, reproducer gaskets replaced) then the value goes up more--as does the pleasure value of your phonograph. (Seriously, doing that stuff to it will put it back to the performance it had when brand-new, over a hundred years ago!)

The Columbia contingent will be along shortly but congratulations and welcome to the Forum! Stick around. We've got a large membership from round the world and a lot of fun sharing music and discussing how to do repairs and everything.

Also be sure to use a new needle every time you play a record. See the Links section for info about where to buy needles, parts, service, etc.

You've received good advice. Here's an article that may be helpful if you're new to the hobby:

https://www.antiquephono.org/basic-anti ... onal-tips/

Your Grafonola is an H-2, introduced in 1918 for $125. This was the same machine as the $115 G-2, but with the Individual Record Ejector system included.

George P.

Strangert wrote:I just purchased the Grafanola today but I’m unsure which model it is and possible the year it was made. What do you think the value is? I paid $90, It works and came with about 30 records. Thanks for your expertise!

Jeff

Welcome to the wacky world of 78s and the players we reproduce their grooves on! Your Grafonola looks nice. I had a Grafonola for maybe a day in 2011. but it was pretty much a parts machine. The case was way too water damaged and the pot metal was broken. I would like to add a Grafonola machine to my collection since I have the floor model Victrola and Edison disc machine to complete the trifecta, but I would get yelled at for getting another floor model. (They say have enough! HA!) Like Charles (VanEpsfan) said, be sure to play your records on the right side of the record! But It’s ok, I bet a lot of us seasoned collectors made this mistake when we got our first machines.