The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello,

I just picked up a Sonora. It's supposed to be a 1920 model. I'm not sure which model this is, but its beautiful. I believe the grill is a replacement.

I have a few questions. When I picked it up yesterday, I had the seller start it up and it worked and played a disc. I got it home an tried it. The platter spins but as soon as I put the needle on the record, it slows down and stops.
Also, after the 8th crank, it clunks on each turn. What could that be?

I've been told it could be the needles, so I've ordered those today. I've cleaned the record as well.

I've looked under the drawer for the model or more info, there's nothing there.

Please give me a few ideas. If it ends up needing repairs..I`'ll be ok, but dang!!!

Congrats on your Sonora! You might be able to identify the model from period ads which have been posted on the Forum.

First thing I notice, somebody covered the exterior with a few coats of paint: if you can remove that, perhaps you can bring it back to something like the original finish. For a new grille, look up Tom Rutkowski at "Gramp's Treasures": he does excellent work.

You'll want to thoroughly clean and re-lubricate the motor, especially the mainsprings: the thump is probably from old, dried grease, which is also why the motor is weak. If you're apprehensive about tackling the mainsprings, you can always send them out to a professional for service or replacement.

Also, you should rebuild the reproducer: the diaphragm looks in bad shape, and you'll need new gaskets. Hope this helps.

-Bill

Congratulations on the phingraph. I think you also posted a question on a YouTube video I have of my Sonora Concert.

It sounds like there is a problem with the springs. If you aren’t able to wind it, there may be a broken spring. As others have noted, Ron Sitko and others on this board can help. I have also used Wyatt Markus and Walt Sommers for repair work. I just had to have springs replaced on my Sonora Philharmonic when the pin let go and needed work. Even good springs will need regreasing after years of neglect.

While you are at it, the reproducer needs rebuilding. The diaphragm needs to be replaced, but that is certainly possible. Then, make sure that you change the needle after every record,

It is is bit tough to tell about the finish on your machine from those photos, but Sonoras are nicely made phonographs. I have a couple of Baby Grands (slightly larger than yours with curved sides) as well as a couple of Nocturnes (similar to yours), a Chippendale, a Concert, and a Philharmonic. The grille should probably look something like this (sorry about the quality of the photo), but you may be able to find a replacement.

Bill

Hah! Success!!

Not sure if this make a difference, but I decided to just crank away. I was told 30 to 35 cranks would be enough, but I decided if the springs were gone and I'd need service just go for broke.

When I did it the first time I left the crank in the downward position. This time I left it up. Low and behold....i got the record to play without stopping!!

I'm not going to press my luck, because the needle needs replacing but it worked thus time. I do not doubt for 1 second that it does not need the reproducer refurbished and motor cleaned, but at least I know it's working. Maybe cranking worked out some dust!

BillH_NJ wrote:Congratulations on the phingraph. I think you also posted a question on a YouTube video I have of my Sonora Concert.

It sounds like there is a problem with the springs. If you aren’t able to wind it, there may be a broken spring. As others have noted, Ron Sitko and others on this board can help. I have also used Wyatt Markus and Walt Sommers for repair work. I just had to have springs replaced on my Sonora Philharmonic when the pin let go and needed work. Even good springs will need regreasing after years of neglect.

While you are at it, the reproducer needs rebuilding. The diaphragm needs to be replaced, but that is certainly possible. Then, make sure that you change the needle after every record,

It is is bit tough to tell about the finish on your machine from those photos, but Sonoras are nicely made phonographs. I have a couple of Baby Grands (slightly larger than yours with curved sides) as well as a couple of Nocturnes (similar to yours), a Chippendale, a Concert, and a Philharmonic. The grille should probably look something like this (sorry about the quality of the photo), but you may be able to find a replacement.

Bill

Yes! I did post some questions on YouTube. I'm just trying to learn as much as possible. I'm crazy excited about ownership. I've been trying to find a good old phonograph for the longest.

I'll eventually change the grill out. Right now I just want to get this running correctly. Hopefully I'm on the right path as suddenly it's working!!

Thank you!

As I said, I feel like an inexperienced newcomer myself although I have been collecting for about 20 years and have about 3 dozen machines. Still, I’m willing to answer any questions I can and it’s always great to meet someone interested in phonographs and recordings. Most of machines are Victors and Sonoras, so I’m definitely a fan. Where are you?

I think this is a Sonora Laureate.

It could be a Laureate although it may look more like a Nocturne based on the two catalogs I have. The back of the Nocturne appears to be plainer. One other clue might be the dimensions, since the two models differ slightly in size.

Bill

Rtiggs wrote:I think this is a Sonora Laureate.

It's the Nocturne. The Laureate has a bow front cabinet. Your cabinet has a flat front.

JerryVan wrote:

Rtiggs wrote:I think this is a Sonora Laureate.

It's the Nocturne. The Laureate has a bow front cabinet. Your cabinet has a flat front.

Thanks! I agree. It looks like it's a Nocturne. I even learned where the serial number is found. It's under the turntable platter. Took a look today. It's there!