The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I'm new to this so any and all tips will be appreciated...

My Standard Model A Talking Machine is basically a "barn find".

The knob that holds the turntable onto the spindle is rusted tight. Does that knob screw on/off or pop off or what? What is the best way to remove it without destroying the original record that is still in place?

Once the turntable is removed, I assume I can remove the 4 screws in the top of the box to reveal the mechanism and repair it to working condition. Or at least enough to be able to spin the turntable manually by turning the handle, as I have a Ragtime Rastus dancing figure I want to put on it.

The knob you're referring to does not come off. It's part of the turntable. The spindle is tapered, and it fits into a tapered hole in the bottom of the turntable. The turntable should just lift off but may be a bit stuck. Pull up on the edges of the turntable.

It came off after a couple good tugs. Thanks.

mjp_1 wrote: Sat Mar 22, 2025 4:50 pm It came off after a couple good tugs. Thanks.

Great! Yer' welcome!

mjp_1 wrote: Sat Mar 22, 2025 11:08 am ...What is the best way to remove it without destroying the original record that is still in place?...

07 closeup pic for Forum.jpg

From what I can see in the photo, I think that record is already pretty much destroyed. I see a crack, and if it's been long-term exposed to the kind of moisture that would rust out the spindle that way, chances are the surface is seriously degraded, as the bumps and discolorations that are visible would indicate. I'd suggest looking for another Standard record in better shape; they aren't rarities, and you should be able to secure one in decent condition on eBay (or by placing an advertisement in the forum's Yankee Trader section) without spending too many $$$.

That said, welcome to phonograph/record collecting and to the forum!

You might post some photos of the whole machine including the horn for suggestions. A Standard Type A was my first machine over fifty years ago! Congratulations!

Jerry B.

Standard Model A "barn find" before and after...

I cleaned the body with diluted Dawn, then used Formby's Furniture Refinisher on the top only. Although broken, the reverse side of the record was surprisingly clean.

The seller of this barn find threw in part of a wooden horn which I have not attempted to clean. It measures 4-⅜" diam at top, 14" diam at bottom, 8-¼" high - no idea if it goes with the Model A. Any thoughts?

Finally, I am searching for the dancing figure platform parts (or maybe a pattern to make them?) so I can use my great grandfather's Ragtime Rastus. I don't know if his Rastus was original or homemade.

Hello,

You have what is left of a Music Master radio horn. The metal throat is cygnet shaped. The round outer wood trim ring is missing. The cygnet part is aluminum. The aluminum throat provides the support of the horn when it plugs into the driver. I've seen a couple of Music Master radio horns on Edison Opera phonographs, but it's not the correct horn for it. Too short and not squat enough.
If you'll look inside and if you're lucky, the Music Master decal will still be there. It's located at the edge of the inside of the wood bell.
The metal part at the small end of the bell is oftentimes missing so it is well worth saving- along with the tiny wood screws that attach it to the wood.
But just maybe could the missing parts still be in the barn? It would be well worth your time to have a look around now that you know what to look for !

Good Luck !!

That cleaned up really well! Including the record. The horn is from a radio speaker and wouldn't be for the Standard A. Do you have any more of the phonograph? Tone arm? Back bracket?

Thanks everyone.

It has the motor - don't know yet if it works - but no other parts so complete restoration is well down the road, if at all.
For now I am happy to use it as a display along with my Nipper/Vic I.