Phonoland

Well,this was just a joke . . I found this one at junk sale 1998.Then it was with broken tonearm,the crank was lost and the motor was gone.Just the case.Took me many years to find all parts it needed to be running again but finally I found the motor in early 2005 and now is it running

Sig...,

What's the joke? Were you taking us on a sleigh ride? Or do you mean you Graf? I'm a bit confused by you last post.

I have to agree with Sent..., just because a machine isn't perfect that's no reason to toss it. It is a document of an imperfect past. As I said someone made a serious effort on this phonograph.

Regads,
J.

Neophone wrote:Sig...,

What's the joke? Were you taking us on a sleigh ride? Or do you mean you Graf? I'm a bit confused by you last post.

I have to agree with Sent..., just because a machine isn't perfect that's no reason to toss it. It is a document of an imperfect past. As I said someone made a serious effort on this phonograph.

Regads,
J.

The joke was about that I was thinking to go to the junk shop with this grafonola.But I have worked hard to find a parts for it so it will be in my hands many years more.

The joke was about that I was thinking to go to the junk shop with this grafonola.But I have worked hard to find a parts for it so it will be in my hands many years more.

I suspected you wrote your earlier comment "tongue in cheek." Obviously, you've put a lot of work into this machine, and plan to get some enjoyment out of it.

One advantage of owning an upright that has been converted to a table model is that the horn's size is considerably larger than those installed in the authentic table top versions. Generally, the larger the horn, the richer the sound quality.

Along this line, have you overhauled the sound box (reproducer) by installing new, soft gaskets in place of the hardened originals that hold the mica diaphragm in place? If not, you should do this before playing very many records. In addition to reducing record wear, this greatly enhances the sound quality. Columbia Grafonolas of this period were noted for their mellow sounding tone, compared to the "brighter" tone of Victor products.

I also wanted to point out that there are crank handle replacements available, should you want to replace the round knob on your crank at some point.

Joe_DS wrote:

The joke was about that I was thinking to go to the junk shop with this grafonola.But I have worked hard to find a parts for it so it will be in my hands many years more.

I suspected you wrote your earlier comment "tongue in cheek." Obviously, you've put a lot of work into this machine, and plan to get some enjoyment out of it.

One advantage of owning an upright that has been converted to a table model is that the horn's size is considerably larger than those installed in the authentic table top versions. Generally, the larger the horn, the richer the sound quality.

Along this line, have you overhauled the sound box (reproducer) by installing new, soft gaskets in place of the hardened originals that hold the mica diaphragm in place? If not, you should do this before playing very many records. In addition to reducing record wear, this greatly enhances the sound quality. Columbia Grafonolas of this period were noted for their mellow sounding tone, compared to the "brighter" tone of Victor products.

I also wanted to point out that there are crank handle replacements available, should you want to replace the round knob on your crank at some point.

I found and bought on Ebay another tone arm and sound box and I was told it was founded in old warehouse and never used,but if you could tell me where I can buy new gasket I would be very grateful.The sound from this graf is very clear.
I would also like to know where I can found crank handle replacement

Since you sound like a "do-it-yourself" type person, I'd recommend you, first of all, get a copy of The Compleat Talking Machine by Eric L. Reiss. (That, by the way, is the way "complete" is spelled in the title.)

This is an excellent book, with illustrations, that walks you through most basic repair steps, such as sound box overhaul, motor repairs, etc.

It is available at a number of sellers such as Amazon.com for about $20-$25, and is well worth the investment.

As for parts and supplies, including gaskets for sound boxes, crank handles, steel needles, etc., check with the some of the antique phonograph repair shops listed on this page -- http://www.proaxis.com/~settlet/record/links.html -- To locate them, scroll down to the Accessories/Restoration section.

HTH,
Joe_DS

Thank you.I

Sig...,

You had me going there for a bit! Good luck getting with it!!!!:)

Regards,
J.

????

Two facts:

It is a lateral player, so it either was made after Columbia switched to lateral records, or it has the replacement lateral head.

The original bottom probably broke out of the wooden case. This happened if movers tried to lift it without first removing the records from the storage compartment.

Sig..,

I simply meant good luck, I didn't proof read my posting before I sent it. You've done a great job with what you started with! I have an empty Columbia upright that needs new everything-you inspire me to have at it!

RC,

Other than cylinder Graphophones and the toy Graf illustrated in another thread I can find nothing to substantiate you claim that Columbia ever manufactured for general distribution a hill & dale type Disc Graphophone. Columbia didn't enter the disc phonograph market at all until 1902 with the introduction of their models AH and AJ, both front mount machines having lateral reproducers. ex:

http://www.clarphon.com/ColumbiaFM.htm

The Grafonola, of which this is one came much later; introduced circa 1909-11. Your posting in the other thread gave first the date of 1910, later ammended to 1901, either way that predates the first Columbia disc machine I can find anywhere. Likewise I can find nothing regarding vertical disc records made by Columbia for sale under their own label. According to Steven C. Barr in his "The Almost Complete 78 RPM Record Dating Guide (II)" The '01 lawsuit concerns disc records-he makes no mention of lateral/vertical. He lists Columbia's first disc record as being issued in '01. Nor does he notate any Columbia issues as vertical as he does with known hill & dale records.

http://www.deadmedia.org/notes/16/166.html

In the above link, the second to last paragraph makes no mention of Columbia among the list of vertical recording companies.

Do you have a photograph of a Columbia machine fitted with a vertical reproducer originally? What catalogue series/matrix# of Columbia disc record was issued in the vertical format?

With regard to the second part of you posting, this machine originally had legs so the bottom would be strong enough to hold the weight of the records. Of course if it was transported in say a moving van while loaded with records, perhaps the legs/sides might give out. I would really love to know when it was cut down: many years ago or relatively recently, it was a better job than most I've seen.

Please forgive any perceived bluntness or antagonism on my part it is not intended.

Regards,
J.

Sig..,

Thanks to the good offices of a fellow collector here's what your Grafonola originally looked like:





This what I love about this hobby! A little research, a little comradeship and a constant learning experience!

Regards,
J.

Neophone wrote:Sig..,

Thanks to the good offices of a fellow collector here's what your Grafonola originally looked like:





This what I love about this hobby! A little research, a little comradeship and a constant learning experience!

Regards,
J.

But the logo in the lid is much bigger than it is in the lid of mine.How old is this one ?

[quote="Neophone"]Sig..,

I have an empty Columbia upright that needs new everything-you inspire me to have at it!


Regards,

I own a extra motor for Columbia like yours,but it is not running and needs to be rebuilt.Maybe you want it for your Grafonola ?

Regards

Sig...,

I just found another one. Same model by the looks of it. Somebody trashed the finish on it. I wonder if the inside of the top is original? It looks similar to VTMCo's fumed oak finish:

Grafonola

BTW, I did notice the difference in the lid decal too. It is curious. I'll see what I can find out.

It is a handsome machine, if a bit ornate.

Regards,
J.