Sonora phonograph 1918 questions

[Carson]

I recently got my hands on this Sonora phonograph, and it has a 1918 patent tag. I'm slowly learning about it. From my research I haven't found the specific model match, and I can't find any documentation about it online. I thought some experts would be able to help me a bit more.

1. What are the best products to use on to clean the wood and metal?
2. I'm having issues with skipping after less than 1 minute of playtime. What are ways to fix this?
3. Where/how much does it normally sell for? I don't plan on keeping it longterm because of limited space in house.

[Mr Grumpy]

Hi Carson, nice machine you have there!

I can't help with the identification of the specific model but ill try my hand at your other questions.

For deep cleaning many collectors use gojo non pumice hand cleaner. Your machine doesn't actually look too dirty so some type of clean and feed wood product would work. I use a beeswax type of cleaner for my oak machines because I don't like them too shiny.

The skipping issue at the same spot in the record could be the tone arm movement being restricted at that certain point but if you're playing records similar to the mgm on the turntable, that could be the culprit. These records are far too late to be played on this machine.

Although I don't consider Sonora an 'off brand' machine, your particular model is one of the plainer cabinets from their range. With the missing grill, I'd estimate it worth around $200
Possibly less.

Enjoy it! And make sure you're changing your needle after each play! Mind you, it will destroy those later records no matter how many times you change the needle.

[JerryVan]

A heavily worn needle will cause it to skip. Change the needle after no more than 2 plays. (As mentioned above as well)

New needles are available from eBay.

[Carson]

Thanks for answering my questions.

I have a bag of needles and have been changing them out. When it skips the disc table gets a bit wobbly. At this point it's something to do with the arm pressure.

What is the best selling platform for phonographs currently?

[VanEpsFan1914]

Hi Carson--Welcome to phonographs.

Best platform to sell would be locally. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay local pickup. Shipping a floor model is a beast & you do not want to do that.

Check the tonearm & make sure it moves very freely, side to side & up and down. If it is binding you may need to disassemble it, polish the surfaces, and then reassemble lightly greased with pure vaseline or a few drops of sewing machine oil.

[BillH_NJ]

It is most likely a Nocturne, one of the smaller and plainer Sonora machines. As already noted, it should have a wooden grille in front of the horn rather than the fabric.

[Jerry B.]

If you have a "bag" of needles they may have already been used. If you look at them under a glass and see a flat spot they are already used and should not be re-used.

Jerry B.

[Rtiggs]

Hmmm...

I'm not sure if that's a Nocturne. It's possible, but a Nocturne has two doors on the front. The one pictured has one large door on the front. I've seen a flyer showing a Nocturne with one door, but most of the Sonora flyers from that time period show two doors.

I'm thinking it's an Intermezzo, Laureate or Imperial special ordered with the Nocturne legs. I did read that the phonographs could be ordered with upgraded cabinet legs.

[BillH_NJ]

The Imperial has one door. Does the Laureate have one door or two? Cabinet measurements would probably be able to identify exactly which model it is. That would then also determine the correct grille.

[Jerry B.]

Most posts are dodging the value portion of your post. Even it you had the grill you have a low value upright. With the grill missing I doubt you can get $100 to $125 for it. The chances of locating an original grill are slim. There are skilled wood workers that could replicate a grill but that will cost in the neighborhood of $75 to $100. If you get the grill to match the finish on the rest of the machine you should have a $200 machine. The expensive cost of shipping makes your machine attractive to buyers local to your area. For that reason I would avoid Ebay and focus on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Good luck when you decide to sell.

Jerry B.