The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

In late November, the machinist/phonograph restoration specialist Paul Baker and his wife Dawn contracted Covid, and both of them became seriously ill. Dawn recovered, to an extent, but Paul's case was life-threatening -- touch and go for weeks -- and he continues to battle the debilitating effects of having had to stay alive on a ventilator, in an induced coma, for much of December and early January. Now in a rehab facility, where he is re-learning how to breathe on his own, how to eat on his own, how to walk on his own, Paul has been unable to do any work for months, and the toll this is taking on the couple's day-to-day basic needs -- food, mortgage, utilities, etc. -- has been devastating. Longer term, uncovered medical bills will obviously present themselves. Paul has served the phonograph community for more than half a century, and at this challenging time in his life, he and Dawn could use as much help as they can get. Please consider contributing to the GoFundMe account that has been established for them.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/p5zee-help-paul-recover

-- Grant

This has been a major trauma for Paul and Dawn for months now, and I hope everybody on this Forum can contribute to help them out. Just knowing that so many people are contributing will lift his spirits as he fights to regain some semblance of a normal life.

Please, folks, let's keep this strictly about Paul and Dawn, and not into a debate about anything COVID-related.

Raphael

I've not had the pleasure of knowing him, but I know his work, and am glad to contribute.... Any of us could fall in similar situation...

Done!

I always enjoy speaking with Paul at the Stanton auctions. Looking forward to having those conversations again someday!

I think that it is safe to say that Paul’s contributions to our hobby over the years are nothing short of legendary. Thank’s for setting up the GoFundMe page to give everyone a chance to give back and help during his time of need. I know he has a long road to recovery and he remains in my thoughts and prayers.

Thank you for sharing this information. I did not know Paul had fallen ill. I made a small contribution. I hope it helps a little bit.

Wow- Thanks for posting this Grant!! I had not heard that Paul and Dawn were going through this.
As others have said, Paul's contributions to the hobby go back decades... I have a few of his outstanding, perfection reproduction reproducers that he made in the 70's-- I also have one of his glass horns and cast bases for my "Q". A very talented man!

I am happy to make a donation to help out in whatever small way I can.

Grant- Please keep us updated on his progress-

Brad Abell

Thanks for the info Grant. I'm wishing both a speedy and full recovery, and will be contributing as well.

Steve

Thanks so much for posting this information. Paul has saved many of us collectors over the years with his knowledge and skills so I would be more than happy to contribute to such a worthy cause.

Gary Blizzard

Paul is my closest friend. He is my brother from another mother! We have been friends and collaborators on countless projects for over 35 years with phonographs, music boxes and old cars. He supported me significantly and unconditionally when my first wife Jodie passed away in 2001. When border restrictions are eased March 1st, I will do my best to assist with anything Paul needs to get done. Please friends, donate what you can to without any doubt the most important restoration specialist in this hobby. We have all benefited from his talents and friendship now we need to help him. We need him around to continue to do great works but more importantly, we need him around because we all care about him as our friend and colleague.