The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Isn't there someone who does talking machine repairs near Gettysburg? I see someone has an eBay store that seems to sell the same line of goods as he Phonograph Shop, but what about repairs?

John

Hi John- That would be Walt Sommers.. He has been at it for many years. From what I hear, he does good work, though I haven't given him any work myself. As you know, I do most of my own. He's the same cyber-tiger that you see on Ebay.
Hope this helps-
Brad Abell

Thanks, Brad.

Info removed by owner's request.
Sorry, Walt. I provided it as found in the web, and it is public data, and I warned everyone that this was in 2008!!!
Sorry again if I've disturbed you! It was in the good intention of helping others.

Thanks, Inigo.

I'm working on an Edison Home for a friend. He inherited the machine from his grandfather who was an avid collector back in the 1950s. In fact my friend's grandfather published an article in the Music Box Society (International) in April 1958 wherein he describes his collection of about 300 machines of all sorts.

I've hand-wound brand-new mainsprings for Columbias, Victors, and some others, but this Edison Home has been difficult. I have now devised a way to secure the barrel in a 2 x 4, that 2 x 4 then being clamped firmly between the jaws of my vise so my hands are free and the barrel won't budge. If this doesn't work, I will need to explore some other possibilities, like Walt or a place in Virginia.

But I haven't given up yet.

John

In the words of Emily Dickinson:

Success is counted sweetest
By those who ne'er succeed;
To contemplate a nectar
Requires sorest need.

Well, last night I contemplated a nectar three times and three times I failed to get that mainspring back in the barrel. But that was my learning curve. I needed some way to better secure the barrel in my vise. Round midnight last night I went into the garage and thought about this as I could not sleep--so much drama in Rockville. I came up with a plan and executed it this morning. On my first try, I got the spring back in the barrel.

Success!

John

Good job John, hope you have all of your body parts that you started with. Edison springs are some of the toughest ...

I've had work done by Walt. He's good!

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