The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello everyone,

I’m reaching out in search of instructions/manual for a U.S.-made Pathé with a universal-style tonearm/reproducer. The specific model doesn’t matter—anything remotely related would be helpful.

If you own a Pathé phonograph, I kindly ask you to check whether such instructions might be tucked away in the cabinet or among accompanying materials. For collectors of period paper materials, your archives would also be greatly appreciated.

If you happen to have these instructions or know someone who might, please consider reaching out to me or sharing them here. Photos are more than welcome—they don’t need to be scans, just clear enough to be readable.

Thank you,
Benjamin

You could start looking here
https://www.graphonogram.com/4-documentation.html#form
And there are links to other sites with more information, although all this is mostly for European Pathé machines, I don't know if American machines were specifically different. The revolver tonearm, for instance; was it an unique American feature?

Inigo wrote: Wed Nov 27, 2024 12:49 am You could start looking here
https://www.graphonogram.com/4-documentation.html#form
And there are links to other sites with more information, although all this is mostly for European Pathé machines, I don't know if American machines were specifically different. The revolver tonearm, for instance; was it an unique American feature?

No, it was not.

Inigo wrote: Wed Nov 27, 2024 12:49 am You could start looking here
https://www.graphonogram.com/4-documentation.html#form
And there are links to other sites with more information, although all this is mostly for European Pathé machines, I don't know if American machines were specifically different. The revolver tonearm, for instance; was it an unique American feature?

I should have specified for an American Pathé. (I’ve updated the topic to reflect this.)

Steve wrote: Wed Nov 27, 2024 5:10 am No, it was not.

I didn’t know that European model Pathés used the U.S.-designed universal-style reproducer. Do you have any pictures? I’m just curious.

I think this may be what you want. Apologies for the rather messy reproduction; I copied it from an eBay listing ages ago, and that's how it was presented there. I have another document I'll attach in a separate posting.

My first antique phono was (and is) a Pathé No. 100. With it, I received this setup manual--or, more properly, this now-ancient photocopy of one. I hope it's of interest/help.

I should add that my tonearm/reproducer arrangement doesn't match what's shown here. It has a big set screw that locks the reproducer at a 45 degree angle, which works for playing any record, vertical or lateral. With the set screw in, there's no way to rotate the reproducer.

drh wrote: Wed Nov 27, 2024 11:02 am I think this may be what you want. Apologies for the rather messy reproduction; I copied it from an eBay listing ages ago, and that's how it was presented there. I have another document I'll attach in a separate posting.

Thank you! This is pretty much what I'm looking for.

What got me curious was that, not too long ago, I came across a page with instructions for a Pathé auto-stop. These instructions were for the Actuelle-style auto-stop adapted to a traditional mica diaphragm Pathé. I really wanted to find out whether it was a standalone sheet or part of a larger instruction pamphlet.

While I would still love to determine if this came from a later Pathé pamphlet, what you’ve shared is more than enough for now. I really appreciate your help, Drh.

Benjamin