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Before and after restoration of Columbia Grafonola
Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2025 9:50 am
by S610
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.
Re: Before and after restoration of Columbia Grafonola
Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2025 9:55 am
by phonogfp
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.
Re: Before and after restoration of Columbia Grafonola
Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2025 10:02 am
by JerryVan
I'd say you've done a great job! A very nice, sympathetic restoration.
Re: Before and after restoration of Columbia Grafonola
Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2025 1:10 pm
by JeffR1
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.
"Not perfect", what did he do wrong ?
Re: Before and after restoration of Columbia Grafonola
Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2025 2:37 pm
by gramophone-georg
Looks great from my house! Nice work.
Re: Before and after restoration of Columbia Grafonola
Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2025 3:03 pm
by phonogfp
JeffR1 wrote: Sat Feb 15, 2025 1:10 pm
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.
"Not perfect", what did he do wrong ?
The OP's quote in his post: "It isn't perfect but I am happy with the results."
George P.
Re: Before and after restoration of Columbia Grafonola
Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2025 4:46 pm
by Phono-Phan
Great job saving this one!!!!
Re: Before and after restoration of Columbia Grafonola
Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2025 5:33 pm
by CharliePhono
A very satisfying result -- great job!
Re: Before and after restoration of Columbia Grafonola
Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2025 5:49 pm
by Curt A
Just the right amount of restoration to bring it back... Great results.
Re: Before and after restoration of Columbia Grafonola
Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2025 9:52 pm
by Watanabehi
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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It is perfect!! Maybe it is better than when it was new.