The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I bought this little Ecco Talking Machine (Detroit Michigan) on EBay for $200.00. (a lot of $$$ but I love the simple look of this machine) All original except for the turntable felt. The case is in great condition after I cleaned it and bee-waxed it. The horn is actually part of the case, all wood! The turntable is small, only 8" round. Machine plays and sounds unusually well and very loud for such a small phonograph. The soundbox seems original to the machine and is in excellent condition also. The Nickel plating is near perfect. BUT it can barely handle a 10" record on a full wind, which makes me think it was designed to play a smaller record maybe.
Any thoughts?

Nice machine. Whoever did the restoration did a great job. Those were cheap or scheme machines. They could also be premium machines, too. Usually these machines were thrown out after their usefulness. The motors were tiny, underpowered, with plain, simple cabinets. I really love those small oddball machines. I think you did well with your purchase.
Harvey Kravitz

If the gaskets are hard, you'll want to replace them ASAP. A semi-frozen diaphragm will add to the drag on the record and slow the turntable. (I take it the original diaphragm is metal and not mica?)


Along this line, what types of records are you playing? Acoustics and early electrics would be fine, but a later, circa-1940s/early 50s record such as a red label Columbia or black label Decca, would probably slow it down--especially as the spring winds down.

OF

The finish job is near perfect, a reddish mahogany. Decal is original. The reproducer is all metal with good seals. Plays loud and clear. The only records I have are Victor red seals and Edison Diamond Disc. The crank handle is very small so you need to crank it around 25 full turns to play a record almost all the way through. No thumping or gear noise. Actually it is a very well made machine!

If the "Featured Phono" thing is brought back, this should be featured. Forget those Class M's and art-case Victrolas, this is just beautiful!

Yes I totally agree - Even though I collect mainly Edison (I am from New Jersey near the Edison plant) I really like the "No-Name" machines like this Ecco, or the Domestic, or even the Harmony & Symphony models. There are some really sweet looking "No-Name" machines. What I really mean is "Off-Brand" machines. This Ecco has become my favorite little talking machine!!