The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

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...

This is the machine...

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.

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.

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.

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??

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.

Many thanks Jerry, really appreciate the info!