Hi all,
First of all I'd like to say hello to everyone in the forum as I have just joined.
I recently purchased this Columbia Viva-Tonal Grafonola for €160 in Rome, Italy. I am from London England by the way. This is my first gramophone, although I do own a Dansette Major electric portable.
I Just wondered if anyone knows anything about it as I have done some research online but have thus far drawn a blank for this model number(111). I'd really appreciate some info, especially the age. As you can see, it's a very handsome portable, and to my amateur eye, looks to have been recently restored. The sound quality isn't great, but I think that's probably down to the old needles and the poor quality 78 records that came with it. I was thinking of investing in some soft tone ones as it is also too loud as well as being distorted.
Any replies would me most welcome and I thank you in advance.
Chris
Columbia Viva-Tonal Grafonola #111
Q&A about Talking Machines from the pre-electronic era (approx. 1885-1928).
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fruitywarren
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Joe_DS
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I see you've already posted your question on the Talking Machine Forum -- http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... =2&t=10866
About the only thing to add to that is that the price you paid is well within the ball park. Since the leather seems to be in excellent condition, for its age, I'd leave that as is. But, I strongly second the opinion that the "sound box" or reproducer should be serviced with fresh gaskets. Whomever does the work would also re-adjust the needle bar pivots for maximum compliance and response. This can have a tremendous impact on the sound quality. Properly restored, these little phonographs sound about as good as a small, electrically amplified models, with a good sold mid-range and more than just a hint of bass.
By the way, another cause of buzzing or distortion can be the horn. Someone I used to know had a Viva Tonal 111, similar to the one you have, but with the conventional black fabric topped case. I remember that the horn sat upon a piece of thick felt inside the cabinet. The felt looked to be original. If the felt was removed--which I actually did to test it--the horn buzzed and rattled something awful.
OF
About the only thing to add to that is that the price you paid is well within the ball park. Since the leather seems to be in excellent condition, for its age, I'd leave that as is. But, I strongly second the opinion that the "sound box" or reproducer should be serviced with fresh gaskets. Whomever does the work would also re-adjust the needle bar pivots for maximum compliance and response. This can have a tremendous impact on the sound quality. Properly restored, these little phonographs sound about as good as a small, electrically amplified models, with a good sold mid-range and more than just a hint of bass.
By the way, another cause of buzzing or distortion can be the horn. Someone I used to know had a Viva Tonal 111, similar to the one you have, but with the conventional black fabric topped case. I remember that the horn sat upon a piece of thick felt inside the cabinet. The felt looked to be original. If the felt was removed--which I actually did to test it--the horn buzzed and rattled something awful.
OF
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