Columbia AJ Second Style: Question

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JerryVan
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Columbia AJ Second Style: Question

Post by JerryVan »

I bought an AJ a few months ago. The 2nd style, just after the "top wind" version. It came with a, 9-¾" diameter, cast iron turntable. The type with holes cast into it, (which I always thought was from the Grafonola era). My thought has always been that these would have come with the plain steel, 9-¾" turntable. All the photos I see in the internet seem to prove this out. Can anyone shed any light on what would be proper?

This is the turntable I have...
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This is the machine...
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Kevin Clark
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Re: Columbia AJ Second Style: Question

Post by Kevin Clark »

Plain steel turntable is what I have seen on the Columbia AJ first and second versions. The rounded edge plater you have does look to me to be a later Columbia style turn table. The third style AJ I have is not the plain flat steel type and has the holes in it but a flat rim edge to it. Have always thought mine was correct for the machine but maybe not.

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phonospud
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Re: Columbia AJ Second Style: Question

Post by phonospud »

Jerry, just for my reference, could you give me the dimensions of the bell and the total length of your horn? Many thanks!
Sorry I can’t help with regarding the turntable.
Finest in music box and phonograph restorations for over 40 years

JerryVan
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Re: Columbia AJ Second Style: Question

Post by JerryVan »

phonospud wrote: Fri Sep 20, 2024 11:49 am Jerry, just for my reference, could you give me the dimensions of the bell and the total length of your horn? Many thanks!
Sorry I can’t help with regarding the turntable.
I would be more than happy to! I'll also look at my ERJ, model M horn as well. Both, this evening.

JerryVan
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Re: Columbia AJ Second Style: Question

Post by JerryVan »

Kevin Clark wrote: Thu Sep 19, 2024 8:43 pm Plain steel turntable is what I have seen on the Columbia AJ first and second versions. The rounded edge plater you have does look to me to be a later Columbia style turn table. The third style AJ I have is not the plain flat steel type and has the holes in it but a flat rim edge to it. Have always thought mine was correct for the machine but maybe not.
Kevin,

Thanks! I will begin my search for a nice original. Anybody got one??

JerryVan
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Re: Columbia AJ Second Style: Question

Post by JerryVan »

phonospud wrote: Fri Sep 20, 2024 11:49 am Jerry, just for my reference, could you give me the dimensions of the bell and the total length of your horn? Many thanks!
Sorry I can’t help with regarding the turntable.
Darren,

The AJ horn has a 9-½" diameter bell, and measures 15" from the rim of the bell, angling back to the end of the horn. In other words, not a vertical height as if measured with the horn were sitting on a table, large end down.

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phonospud
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Re: Columbia AJ Second Style: Question

Post by phonospud »

Many thanks Jerry, really appreciate the info!
Finest in music box and phonograph restorations for over 40 years

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