Phonoland

This was my grandpa' (never met him) and I recently dug it out of my aunts attic. I'd like to learn more about it and get it running again. The radio plays rather nicely, but the record part is banged up. It gets power, but seems loose / not put together correctly. I'm sure a new needle is a need too. Where on earth do I begin? I figured knowing what model it was would be a good start. I've yet to really do a full inspection on it except powered it up and listened to the radio tonight.

Any initial steps to help a new comer would be great. I searched before posting this and didn't find much to help, but if there is a FAQ page or a link that would be helpful please let me know.

Thanks,
Michael
Raleigh, NC

If you really want to keep and use it, here's some tips...
Step 1: Unplug it, and refrain from using it.
Step 2: Locate a reputable vintage service tech to go over it and have it electronically/mechanically restored to a safe and reliable operating condition.
Step 3: if you desire to have cabinet repairs done on it, locate a good refinisher.

Failure to do Step 1 or 2 will most likely result in a catastropic failure of 60+ year old parts in the set, and wind up costing much more in the end.

Matt,
That's EXCELLENT advise--I just came back from a call on a 1949 jukebox that the owner said he had to pull the wall plug out "quickly, cause it was a smokin !".
Turned out that the power cord (zip cord) had become so stiff, and the "rubber" so dried out that it was shorting whenever the mechanism "jerked"-- Course the "main fuse" had a "no-blow" installed in it. Will they ever learn---???? Ron Rich

I do my best to educate people on the dangers of operating (unrestored) vintage equipment.
Yeah, I'm a professional servicer, and no, I don't beg for work by scaring people.
I've got a backlog of restoration into April or May at least.

I just hate to see customers plunk out a lot more money then they originally had to, because of continuing to use old equipment with the mindset of: "it lights up and (kinda) works, what the hell, I'll use it".

Then...... there's smoke, or it goes silent.
$$$$$$$!

um, interesting feedback. I am def a rookie, but never got that kinda feedback in other projects. So should i really not use the radio at all? it sounds great. I hate to say it since you guys really think it is a bad idea, but I think I'm going to keep reading more and see what I can do to get his thing back online and not spend a bunch of money to just hand it over to a professional.

Are there any other resources online you think I should check out?

So does anyone know what year / model this GE cabinet is? I figure if I knew what type it is would lead to me better understanding where to start and what to read.