The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

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?

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.

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.

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?

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

Steve

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