The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi everyone!

A few days ago I came across a Columbia 120a machine in a local flea market. It's not in a particular good shape, as it seems to have spent a lot of time in a dusty and dump basement. The lid is missing and overall the whole machine is dusty, scratched and covered in rust, but I have carefully cleaned it and opened and I like to think there is still a chance to save it.

I am totally new to this world so any advice would be welcome. I would particularly be interested in finding out if the internal mechanism can be fixed.

I am attaching a few pics and a short video (which might appear as a link for download) . Any help would be much appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Looks Magnific ! With this machine as a first one you'll enjoy 78s. It has a good motor and sound system, be prepared for a good treat! Besides that, there are lots of spare parts available for these machines if needed. But your motor wouldn't need anything but a cleaning and oiling, they are robust, silent and eternal! Maybe the soundbox is what needs some care, but also new diaphragms are available. Rubber joints also are available and easy to fabricate.
After refreshing the soundbox, you will see what a fabulous sound!
And welcome to the forum!

The only thing different than restoring a regular gramophone is going to be just finding a spare lid--Looks like a fine start. The Viva-Tonal Columbia reproducer, plano-reflex tonearm, and strong-running motor are going to be one of the best-sounding table gramophones you can get.

Thank you very much for the warm welcome and great advice. Spending some time on it will be my activity of the weekend and I will for sure come up with more questions! Thanks again.

Here you'll find help for locating the parts you may need. Restoring the soundbox is a delicate work, but not so difficult as it may seem... Just take time, put love and care, and you'll get it running perfect. If you haven't played it yet, you'll get amazed at the sound this machine produces... It will jump you out of the room! A warm, deep sound, very nice and powerful! You'll fall in love with it...
I currently play records in my small studio, where the record shelves are, in an hmv 127 tabletop similar to yours, that is located there at hand. This sounds wonderful, but its horn is smaller than yours... You'll see...