The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Sooo, I'm new to the whole phonograph thing, and I found a "deal" online that I coudn't pass up. The problem was there was no brand or model number on it, but I bought it anyway... I was wondering if anyone recognized it or had any guesses. The only info. on the unit is on the latches which say "Eagle Lock Co." Any help would be greatly appreciated!

that will be a cheap 20s/30s off brand machine sorry to say, nothing of major quality, machines like this was sometimes made as machines for kids to play their records on, not made anywhere near to the quality of machines like victors or hmv's
Alex

Thanks for the info! I figured that would be the case. Do you think it naturally sounds terrible? Or would something be wrong with the reproducer? There is loud buzz that nearly drowns out the sound.

hi
there shouldnt be a LOUD buzz, possibly a small one but these things were cheaply made so some problems would be expected
Alex

The buzzing is probably due to shrunken diaphragm gaskets. It looks like your sound box (the part that holds the needle) has 4 screws to secure its faceplate. Carefully remove these screws and you should be able to remove the faceplate. Then you should see a rubber ring around the perimeter, the diaphragm below it, and a second rubber ring behind the diaphragm. These rubber rings are the diaphragm gaskets. They're probably hard and brittle - - replace them. They may not be a "standard" size, but your local hardware store may have something that will work. If the original gaskets are actually tiny rubber tubes, send me a PM with your address and I'll send you enough to cut out 2 new gaskets.

George P.

In addition to the diaphragm gaskets, check the needle bar for "shake" or "side-play," which also can cause buzzing and rattling. The needle bar should be free to move in the the "back and forth" direction required to plunge the diaphragm in and out, but should not be able to move in the opposite direction. If it does, check to see if there's a way to adjust the pivot of the needle bar, by tightening the end screws, etc.


HTH,
DS

It looks like a Conley or Waters-Conley mechanism to me, but I've seen similar patterned cloths used on Pal Portables.
Did Pal ever use Conley motors, or only Thorens motors?

Thanks for all the replies!I tried to remove the faceplate, but it won't budge. Should I just pry it off? And the needle bar does shake side to side, but the screws will barely tighten. It does look a lot like some of the Conley phonographs and especially the Pal. I also found a Harmony one made by Colombia that has similar features and layout. I looked up what manufactures used Eagle Lock Company locks on their machines, and Edison was the only one I could find, though it is probably unlikely that mine is one.

Don't pry off or force anything without removing the screws. Apply a drop of penetrating oil (Liquid Wrench, PB Blaster, or if you have nothing else, WD-40) to each screw. Let it sit overnight.

George P.

The screws came out easily, it's just the face plate won't come off.