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The top had to be sanded down to bare wood along with the front corners, then the shellac was refreshed. It isn't perfect but I am happy with the results. The motor and reproducer were refurbished by Kris Braun (George Vollema's daughter) at West Michigan Phonographs and it runs beautifully now.
Before and after restoration of Columbia Grafonola
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S610
- Victor Jr
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Before and after restoration of Columbia Grafonola
I came across a sad looking Columbia Grafonola at a vintage shop back in December; never thought about getting a phonograph but felt sorry for the poor thing so set out to try and restore it.
The top had to be sanded down to bare wood along with the front corners, then the shellac was refreshed. It isn't perfect but I am happy with the results. The motor and reproducer were refurbished by Kris Braun (George Vollema's daughter) at West Michigan Phonographs and it runs beautifully now.
The top had to be sanded down to bare wood along with the front corners, then the shellac was refreshed. It isn't perfect but I am happy with the results. The motor and reproducer were refurbished by Kris Braun (George Vollema's daughter) at West Michigan Phonographs and it runs beautifully now.
Last edited by S610 on Sat Feb 15, 2025 9:59 am, edited 1 time in total.
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phonogfp
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Re: Before and after restoration of Columbia Grafonola
Nice work! Even if the results aren't "perfect," you learned a lot. That knowledge will serve you well when you do your next restoration!
George P.
George P.
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JerryVan
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Re: Before and after restoration of Columbia Grafonola
I'd say you've done a great job! A very nice, sympathetic restoration.
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JeffR1
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Re: Before and after restoration of Columbia Grafonola
"Not perfect", what did he do wrong ?phonogfp wrote: Sat Feb 15, 2025 9:55 am Nice work! Even if the results aren't "perfect," you learned a lot. That knowledge will serve you well when you do your next restoration!
George P.
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gramophone-georg
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Re: Before and after restoration of Columbia Grafonola
Looks great from my house! Nice work.
"He who dies with the most shellac wins"- some nutty record geek
I got PTSD from Peter F's avatar
I got PTSD from Peter F's avatar
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phonogfp
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Re: Before and after restoration of Columbia Grafonola
The OP's quote in his post: "It isn't perfect but I am happy with the results."
George P.
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Phono-Phan
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Re: Before and after restoration of Columbia Grafonola
Great job saving this one!!!!
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CharliePhono
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Re: Before and after restoration of Columbia Grafonola
A very satisfying result -- great job!
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Curt A
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Re: Before and after restoration of Columbia Grafonola
Just the right amount of restoration to bring it back... Great results.
"The phonograph is not of any commercial value."
Thomas Alva Edison - Comment to his assistant, Samuel Insull.
"No one needs a Victrola XX, a Perfected Graphophone Type G, or whatever you call those noisy things."
My Wife
Thomas Alva Edison - Comment to his assistant, Samuel Insull.
"No one needs a Victrola XX, a Perfected Graphophone Type G, or whatever you call those noisy things."
My Wife
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Watanabehi
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Re: Before and after restoration of Columbia Grafonola
It is perfect!! Maybe it is better than when it was new.S610 wrote: Sat Feb 15, 2025 9:50 am I came across a sad looking Columbia Grafonola at a vintage shop back in December; never thought about getting a phonograph but felt sorry for the poor thing so set out to try and restore it.
The top had to be sanded down to bare wood along with the front corners, then the shellac was refreshed. It isn't perfect but I am happy with the results. The motor and reproducer were refurbished by Kris Braun (George Vollema's daughter) at West Michigan Phonographs and it runs beautifully now.
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