The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I bought what I think is a C-15.
I wound it up, oh ⅔ way I guess?
I went to put down the tone arm and it wouldn’t go over. It would go up and down, but not over. So, I pushed it. Oh lord, I don’t know why I did that!!!
There was a loud “pop” and out shot a screw.
After that, it no longer cranks. I began looking at the speaker, and I saw it was sitting on the bottom of the cabinet. I saw if it was lifted just a tiny bit, the tone arm moved as it should.
Ok, so over a year, 2 years? Later, I can’t get rid of it. I broke it.
I don’t know what I broke, I don’t know where to begin to find out, and I can’t afford to take it to anyone to fix.
I feel so awful. I’ve been trying to get another Edison for 30 years, and I broke it.
If anyone is reading this, can you please help me? I need to find out what I broke, and if it’s repairable.
I’ve cried over this for hours, like I killed it.
I’m sure I’m asking a lot from a stranger, but if anyone can help me find out what happened, I am so grateful.
Thank you for your time.
Rachel

I think the first thing to do is to post some photos of the phonograph and (close up photos of the) damaged area. That will give the members of this forum an idea of what is broken, and if there is anything you can do to repair it. Do it as a follow on post to this message, using the "Post Reply" button below.

If you need help posting images, feel free to ask and someone will walk you through the (relatively easy) steps.

OrthoFan

'C-15'? Could it be an Edison C-150? Okay, you may have known that Diamond Discs have a feedscrew and rack. Have you looked at the motor?
- Bill

Rachel, don't be too hard on yourself. It's easy to make a mistake when you are unfamiliar with something, this is what builds experience and knowledge.
I like that you want to restore your player rather than choosing to discard a piece of musical history. The community here has a lot of expertise and shares your values, I'm confident they will be able to provide a lot of patience and useful advice to you.

Rachel, don't desperate. These machines are full of tricks and there is always the possibility of readjustment and repair, because they are robust and well made, and there are lots of spare parts available in the market. If you send photos it will help, also where is the machine located; maybe you have a forum colleague nearby, ready to help in person. In any case, you'll receive instructions and help herein to make it work, this forum is full of experts and kind persons to guide you.