The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I looking at a Standard Model A in a local antique shop. Other than missing the crank (to hide the fact the motor does not work) I thini its worth haggling over. One thing that interests me is the spindle is or has a ½ inch width. Do these Standards take a record with ½ center hole? Went over to the shop with a bunch of cranks and the only one that may have worked in an Edison crank but it was just a tad too large to get through the estucheon. Trying to locate a crank. The cabinet is fair but I love to do the cabinet stuff (decal is perfect) Just curious about this record center hole.

its not worth a huge amount of money but may be worth having! the spindle size is common for these machines, it was a trick the standard talking machine company played by only making their machines fit their records, however you can drill out the centre of records but DONT do it with your good ones!

Thanks. I don't recall ever seeing records specifically for a Standard machine. I shall pay more attention..

Standard was one of the "scheme" brands with an odd size spindle. They sold Standard brand records specifically to fit their machines. I'd advise against reaming out any records just to fit the spindle (search for the thread about the record reaming guy).

Thanks - I need to find a crank for this thing before I make an offer. I'm sure the motor does not work since it is crankless -- have a good holiday to all -- cheers