The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi I just purchased an old Kimball phonograph. I know nothing about it!here are a few pics. it works great and only has the front cover missing.If anyone has any information on it I would really appreciate it. I have searched high and low on the internet and haven't found ANYTHING at all about it. The only thing I did find was apparently, this model is a copy of the victor credenza style. Thanks in advance for any info!

That, to me, anyway, is an interesting machine. It looks like it is from the mid to late 1920's, and designed to compete with the Orthophonic and Viva-Tonal and Panatrope phonographs. I would be very curious to see details of the horn.

That, to me, anyway, is an interesting machine. It looks like it is from the mid to late 1920's, and designed to compete with the Orthophonic and Viva-Tonal and Panatrope phonographs. I would be very curious to see details of the horn.

Kimball, of course was the brand name of a large line of Pianos and Organs.

Your machine was made to compete with this one:
http://www.victor-victrola.com/8-1.htm

It looks like a well made machine, but I think someone went a bit too far on the refinishing- when new everything was probably about the same color as the inside of the lid. If the reproducer and arm are in good shape (the metal they are made from gets brittle with age) this could have a nice sound.

The company is still in business making pianos and furniture. Back in the 1970's-80's every shopping mall had a store selling their pianos and electric organs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimball_International

thank you for the information, I really appreciate it. I can't locate a serial number or model number or the year it was manufactured. I went back to the antique store I purchased it from to try and find out if the previous owner knew anything and he didn't. I went to the library to see if they may have any information on the Kimball phonographs but they didn't either. It seems as though I have a lot more research to do. Do you think they totally stripped it and re-stained it? that is too bad. I thought it looked too "new" but as a newbie I have no idea! Thanks again for your help

Hi Heather,
Welcome to the forum. Is there a chance you can post a close up front and rear pictures of the reproducer? I have a buddy that has this same model, but it it lacking the reproducer. The pictures will be a great help.
Harvey Kravitz

Just stumbled across this Kimball phonograph booklet reprint. Not sure if yours is in it, but for $2.50 it may be worth a look...
http://www.phonographs.org/store/produc ... ts_id=1891
Andreas