Standard model A disc phonograph

[eighteenbelow]

I recently found a Standard model A disc phonograph, a first for me, and I have a couple of questions about it. First, how do I get at the motor? For the life of me, I can't figure it out. And second, while it cranks up fully with no issues and spins freely with power, the moment I lower the needle onto the record it slows down and usually grinds to a halt. Is it likely that this would be resolved with a good-old-fashioned motor cleaning, or is there probably something more to it?

[VanEpsFan1914]

Remove crank, pull knob at the front of the cabinet, and the motorboard should lift up.

As for the tonearm--These are built with a lot of Graphophone parts. Rebuild the joint in the tonearm and polish all internal surfaces where it meets the back bracket; make sure that the tonearm isn't rubbing on the horn elbow which will cause drag & slow the record (as well as damage it.) Columbias also have single-spring motors (at least the Standard A). My 1909 BN "Jewel" needed a pair of springs.

[AmberolaAndy]

And don’t forget: Adapter turntables for regular 78s are available. Don’t do what people did back in the old days and drill the spindle hole. I got a few records where it was evident that someone owned a Standard or Harmony machine.

[eighteenbelow]

Thanks! I suspect the problem may not be the tone arm, as it swings pretty freely. Any other leads?

As for the spindle, I have plenty of Standard records (and some regular records with reamed-out spindle holes, not done by me), but I am unfamiliar with these adapter turntables, and am unsure how they would work. Can someone please explain/illustrate?

[ChesterCheetah18]

If I'm not mistaken, they are usually swapped out with a Columbia turntable.

Steve

[Pathe Logical]

Reproduction 10" diameter turntables with ¼" spindle available on ebay here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/324992747472?h ... SwP7hh32PI .