Phonoland

I recently purchased very reasonably a circa-1910 German-made ODEON external horn phonograph. It has a beautiful smooth and large wooden horn, with scalloping around the outer rim. The case is walnut, and has inlay on all 4 sides. With a 12" turntable, I would equate this to one of our USA-made Victor V phonographs in quality. The problem is that the entire motor is gone. The speed control knob is there, and a lever which ran up under the turntable but now seems to connect to nothing, but that's all.

What I'm seeking is advice. First of all, just doing a brief search on the internet has proved fruitless in trying to find an ODEON motor-- or much about ODEON phonographs of ANY type with the exception of a suitcase portable, which would of course be useless for this. Evidently, ODEON machines were never as common as Victors are here. Internet searches show a real lack of any information. So I'm wondering how hard it will be to find the exact original type ODEON motor. I'd hate to have to put a Victor Victrola motor in it, but that seems to be the way I'm headed. I wish I could find an ODEON specialist somewhere in the world, but so far, I'm having no luck. Any advice as to how to approach this project would be greatly appreciated. I'd hate to put new holes in the motor board and move the crank hole in the case only to come across the correct motor in 6 months. Thanks much! John

I agree that you should not try to re-motor it, if at all possible. This will involve a lot of patience, on your part. I think if I were in your position, I'd start out by getting in touch with some companies that have sold complete Odeon gramophones, especially those that have posted detailed photos of motors, etc., in their ads.

For instance:

http://www.gramophones.uk.com/informati ... n_details/

http://www.gramophones.uk.com/informati ... e_875.html

They may know of contacts or parts suppliers who could help.

I'm not sure who supplied the motors for Odeon gramophones, but I suspect that they were probably off-shelf, from third party suppliers.

You'll want to take detailed photos of the gramophone, and measurements of the motor board, etc.. I'd also suggest laying a piece of paper over the motor board, and running over it with a pencil or charcoal which will show the exact position of the holes. (This can be useful, to send to shops if you spot a potential candidate.)

If I can think of anything else, I'll post back.

Joe

Hi Joe,

I have an early brass horn external Odeon gramophone and it has the motor. I can send you a few pics if you would like me to, no maker on the motor but it has numbers. It is a double spring affair, quite small springs encased in brass barrels. Let me know and I will snap away for you. If you have an email address it would be easier to send pics via my mobile as it enables me to send them direct to you from my Blackberry. As for the Odeon, I love it. German I believe. It works well. What type of sound box does yours have, mine says Odeon Grand on it.

Cheers,

Kit

P.S Would love to see pics of yours!