The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Those of you that have experience with the 5/16 inch wide leather belting for Columbia Graphophones do you find a difference in performance between the plain type versus the type which has the stitching on it? Did they originally use the stitched version in the various models made prior to 1900? Just curious what others have experienced. Columbia did not always seems to have a fondness for tensioners on their machines which seems odd to me but I can see it as a cost savings. -Dan-

Columbia used stitched belting for many of its models, but notably not for the Types A, B, C, or Q. At least I've never seen stitched belts on these types.

I see no difference in performance, but I suspect the idea was long-term durability and less stretching.

George P.

I’ve used the reproduction stitched belting on my Columbia GG, HG, AF, and I will eventually put it on my AN, BFT, BO, and my BC of the appropriate widths. I’m happy with the way it works and looks. Technically speaking, the original belts were not leather, but a textile with the stitching. One of the two belts on my AF is original and I have an original belts on my AA, AW, AZ, and BGT. Brian Parlier’s product is a very reasonable substitute and I will support him by buying more of the belting.
You have to be careful to get the lengths right and the splice just right.

I have 3 Graphophones with original stitched belts -- an AB, AA, and BO. There is no visible overlap on them. The stitching goes over the butt seam for a flawless look. I have used the replica stitched belting on several machines, including my G and N. It looks terrific, and very closely resembles my originals, except for the inevitable overlapping seam. That's a very minor detail considering how much the belting dresses up early Graphophones. Highly recommended.