The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I'm looking for information on a Chimonola Talking Machine manufactured in Celina, O. I haven't been able to come across anything.

That was one of hundreds of off-brand talking machines manufactured after the major patents held by the Victor Talking Machine Co., Columbia, and Edison began to expire, in the mid-to-late teens.

SEE: http://www.gracyk.com/makers.shtml

While the "Chimonola" isn't listed, The Celina Furniture Company is, as the manufacturer of the Harponola.
Not sure if they made your model, though.

One reason why information is scarce is that many of these Victrola clones (or wannabees) were often produced for a short period; in some cases, only a single production run. Oftentimes, the same cabinet and components might be branded under a variety of names, and sold by local department or music stores.

HTH,
DS

Even though the tonearm looks a bit clumsy (quite probably to avoid Victor patents) this might be one of the first true exponential horn type machines. With a properly restored soundbox it may outclass any Victrola of the period.

syncopeter wrote:Even though the tonearm looks a bit clumsy (quite probably to avoid Victor patents) this might be one of the first true exponential horn type machines. With a properly restored soundbox it may outclass any Victrola of the period.

Possibly, but some of these off-brand horns can be deceptive. I had an off brand model, so long ago I've forgotten the name, with a similarly designed horn mouth. As is the case with this one, there was an almost exponential flare to the outer portion of the horn. Unfortunately, it connected to a straight, rectangular elbow section joining the tonearm's base, like this:
I'm not sure, but there may have been a sliding felt plate in the rectangular portion that functioned as a volume control.

A Sonora phonograph, I used to own, used a similar arrangement, though the horn was designed to curve around the motor from the back to the front of the cabinet. If the designers had followed the exponential-like taper rate throughout the horn's chamber, it would have given Victor a good run for its money, from a sound quality standpoint.

DS

Thank you everyone. I really appreciate your feedback. Is it possible to restore these machines?

Anythings possible. There are hundreds of threads on here about general restoration techniques and machine specific problems.
What is the issue with this one? Cosmetic...the old spring doesn't wind? John

Thanks John, mostly cosmetic, it's missing the speaker cover. I think the wood needs refinishing. It needs a needle at least.

Bill