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i didnt use my amberola 30 for about a month but when i tried playing it made a horrible sound and wouldn't wind up any further. when i did play a cylinder the sound was rather wobbly and the pitch varied a lot. thanks

Try wind it up and play or run a few times . Grease may need some exercise. You may need to oil the pivot points too Do some Maintenace and see if that helps. These are the easiest ones to perform before getting more serious about the speed regulation Tom

phonograph guy3435 wrote: Fri Nov 15, 2024 9:56 pm i didnt use my amberola 30 for about a month but when i tried playing it made a horrible sound and wouldn't wind up any further. when i did play a cylinder the sound was rather wobbly and the pitch varied a lot

If you're able to post a video of the problem it would be helpful. If the "horrible sound" came from within the cabinet and "{the Amberola 30} wouldn't wind up any further" then it sounds like the main spring broke or became unhooked from the winding arbor or from the spring barrel or the ratchet gear let loose. However, if the phonograph still winds up and the main spring maintains appropriate tension then it's likely not the main spring or ratchet gear. If the main spring is fine and "the pitch varied a lot" I would suggest removing the gear cover and examine the governor operation during play of a cylinder. The governor may need cleaning, lubrication and adjustment (after the main spring tension is completely removed!). Another possibility are the mandrel balance springs that seat INSIDE the mandrel. These balance springs were designed to help maintain steady rotational speed of the mandrel like the flywheel in the Amberola V and the Amberola 1A phonographs. If these balance springs are missing, broken or otherwise not functioning this could create a variable mandrel rotation that you will notice on playing a cylinder. I'm sure others will have more ideas but a video would be helpful.

Doug

i filmed this on a computer so the record sounds a little scratchy, also it is very loud when being played so you might want to turn the volume down when the record is playing.

So the main spring appears to be just fine. The uneven sound may be from missing or broken balance springs that seat inside the left end of the mandrel. Let the phonograph run down completely and take a look at the left side of the mandrel and notice whether the balance springs are seated correctly inside that end of the mandrel. If they are then remove the gear cover and check the operation of the governor. The weights should rotate in a perfectly steady manner. Make certain that any friction areas are lubricated with light oil. I use ZoomSpout on all of my phonographs but there are other brands. Something is definitely not correct and it sounds to me like the balance springs or governor. Good luck.

i heard sowing machine oil works, would you recommend it?

I'd follow Doug's advice.

Also, take a look here and get familiar with you Amberola ...
https://www.youtube.com/@1974hurt/search?query=amberola

I heard you say in the video that the gear cover is painted in place. You will need to unscrew and remove that cover to see/clean/oil gears and governor.

James.

I would also be looking at the reproducer weight and condition of the stylus. The reproducer weight needs to freely move from side to side and up and down while in the playing position. It sounds like the stylus isn't tracking correctly.
Larry

The first problem is Ada Jones

You really need to get the cover off of the governor. I would oil the governor end bearings, governor worm, and friction pads first, then try it out. The cushion springs in the left end of the mandrel will make it warble if the speed of the motor is inconsistant, (maybe due to a gummed up governor). Also, lubricate the bearings at each end of the mandrel.

Any updates?