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Hello all, I came across this Columbia Harmony phonograph today at my local phonograph dealer. I’m pretty sure the reproducer is a replacement. Do any of y’all know exactly what reproducer goes with this phonograph? If any of you have a lead on one and are willing to sell I’ll buy it from you! Anyway, it seems to work fine but I’m sure the motor can use some service. It has a very interesting Art Deco “snake skin” finish on the case which I can only assume is some sort of early fiberboard. I may have over paid a bit on the machine but I really like the dealer and I don’t mind giving her extra cash especially with the pandemic going on. The leather strap for the button shouldn’t be hard to reproduce, I think I can find scrap leather and a button at my local craft store! If any of you know any more about this machine I’d love more info on it!

I've always loved the look of these late-1920s portables, with the high Deco look to them...you did well saving it. Very tricky to find one in such nice finish; your dealer knows her stuff!

VanEpsFan1914 wrote:I've always loved the look of these late-1920s portables, with the high Deco look to them...you did well saving it. Very tricky to find one in such nice finish; your dealer knows her stuff!

Yes! It’s in great cosmetic condition! When I have the time I’m going to clean the motor and degrease the mainspring(s). At this point I want to try and find the correct reproducer.

Would anyone be able to tell me the difference between this Columbia Harmony and “normal” Columbia portables? Clearly the materials on this phonograph aren’t as high quality. So we’re these more affordable portables? Was this a “client” machine similar to the Standard Talking Machine Co.?

I like the reproducer that's on it... why do you think it's not original?
It looks funky enough to match the rest of the machine...

Curt A wrote:I like the reproducer that's on it... why do you think it's not original?
It looks funky enough to match the rest of the machine...

Towards the bottom of the reproducer it says “Japan”

GoCOOGS! wrote:

Curt A wrote:I like the reproducer that's on it... why do you think it's not original?
It looks funky enough to match the rest of the machine...

Towards the bottom of the reproducer it says “Japan”

OK, that's a good indication... but I still like its deco look...
It looks like it's good quality with an aluminum diaphragm.

Curt A wrote:

GoCOOGS! wrote:

Curt A wrote:I like the reproducer that's on it... why do you think it's not original?
It looks funky enough to match the rest of the machine...

Towards the bottom of the reproducer it says “Japan”

OK, that's a good indication... but I still like its deco look...
It looks like it's good quality with an aluminum diaphragm.

Yes definitely, I need to figure out a way to rebuild it. Not sure where to get generic parts for this reproducer.

Could this machine have been for the Japanese market, hence the reproducer marked "Japan"? (I have no idea; portables are not something I've given much attention.) I believe there's a thread about Japanese Columbia portables in the European segment of the forum.

drh wrote:Could this machine have been for the Japanese market, hence the reproducer marked "Japan"? (I have no idea; portables are not something I've given much attention.) I believe there's a thread about Japanese Columbia portables in the European segment of the forum.

Not too sure, I checked out the thread and there are no mentions about the Columbia Harmony No. 3 for the Japanese market. The original reproducer is an enigma to me because I removed this reproducer and it is just a hole at the end of the tone arm there’s no indication of what angle the reproducer is supposed to be at.