The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

My machine has developed some sort of coughing sound when it winds down!! I don’t know what to do! >:

It’s squeaking loudly!

Could it be I just need to oil it? Mine hasn’t been maintained at all
But I’m like super nervous to take anything apart

A sound clip would be helpful. A lot of machines have solidified grease in the barrels. The spring can’t slide smoothly and lurches instead. If that is the case here, the spring must be removed, cleaned and re-greased. There is a man named Ron Sitko that will do it for a very reasonable fee. Removing and installing springs is quite dangerous and I don’t recommend doing it yourself.

Oil won't hurt anything... the springs are probably gummed up with 100+ year old grease and need servicing...

How do I contact rob skito?

How much can I be expected to pay to have my machine regreased ?

I think that this is still his number. 518-371-8549 I used to do my own spring barrels, but Ron is so reasonable that it is better left to him. He does a first rate job and is very helpful and friendly. I can’t quote the job for him, but I feel confident that his work is a bargain. Your motor should be serviced which generally means disassembly, degreasing, reassembly, adjustment and lubrication. Fortunately, you came to the right place. The reproducer is likely to be overdue foe service as well. It is not as bad as it sounds and after a good servicing, you are good for the next 100 years with just a little oiling along the way.

Contact info for Ron Sitko can be found in the "Links" section of our Forum.

A spring motor can make a rumble when winding down due to hard grease in the spring barrels. A squeaking sound could be something as simple as the turntable rubbing on the brake. If you wind the spring motor and remove the turntable, does it make the noise?

Jerry B.

It seems to have stopped squeaking after I gave it a rest...weird