Phonoland

I found an old console size Sonatone in working condition by Sonata Manufacturing of Chicago. Can anyone give me an age, etc on this unit?

I don't believe any older than 1960...but how about a model number. Might come up with something.

Don't confuse Sonatone with Sonotone.

Thanks for a response. I have to guess this is older then 1960. I can't find a model # any where. Marked'" Sonata Manufacturing" Chicago. Large free standing four legged model. Wood, possibly mahogany. Crank on right side with slide volume control. Front doors open on front to project sound. Any help?

This is probably one of the hundreds of off-brand victrola clones that were produced in the late teens to about the mid-1920s. This article pretty much explains what the situation was -- http://www.gracyk.com/makers.shtml

While your exact brand does not appear in the list, which follows the main article, there's one that comes close --

215. Sona-Tone -- Sona-Tone Phonograph Inc., 110 West 40th Street, New York City. July 1919.

Keep in mind, many of these off-brand machines only lasted a single production run, or were manufactured for a few years, at best. Sometimes, the same model, or models fitted with identical components, appeared under different brand names.

Wish I could be of more help.

Joe_DS

Thanks a bunch.
I think I understand. I bought the unit for less than $100 and I'm in the middle of refinishing it. Wife liked it mostly for the looks of it. I guess the bonus is that it plays too!
Thanks again for your help ![/img]