Phonoland

hi anyone here ever heard of a robertsons gramophone ? standunmj.

Obviously an "off-brand" machine, but we'll need some more information.

Is it an electrically amplified model or a wind-up acoustic model?
Is it a table top model, a cabinet model, or is it a portable? (Like this one? http://audiorepair.ie/robertson-gramophone/ )

Since a gazillion off-brand gramophones were made over the past 80-90+ years, it would be best to post a few photos, showing any logos, labels, etc.

Joe

thanks for that joe, its identical to the model on the link that you so kindly sent me , have contacted the forum in question, and nothing about the model or make is known, the pictures of the gramophone can be used in an inquiry as they are also curious as to its origin,ive got a columbia 117a in pristine condition cabinet wise , but alas the motor seems to have some part missing as when winding nothing happens, hoping the spring is not broken,will send a pic when i work out the procedure for posting same , best regards maitiu

Hey Joe,
How many fingers/toes does it take to count a gazillion ?
Ron Rich

Ron Rich wrote:Hey Joe,
How many fingers/toes does it take to count a gazillion ?
Ron Rich

A bazillion to the 4th power, I believe.....

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Hi Maitiu:

Well, judging from the components used, it dates from the very late 1920s through about the mid-1930s. Obviously a deluxe model, if that's real gold plating. In style, it's based on the HMV portable models produced at the time, notably, the HMV 101 and 102 gramophones. The components look to be Swiss made.

In the UK market, in fact, many of the off brand models sold during this period were produced with shipped-in components--tonearms, sound boxes (reproducers), turntables, motors, etc. --mostly manufactured by Swiss companies, such as Paillard or Thorens (See: http://capsnews.org/apn2014-1.htm ; also -- http://keithwright.ca/Thorens/Thorenspage.html ). Oftentimes, the cabinets were British made.

Some of the brand names had short runs, and were the same as the department stores or music shops that sold them. Others were produced for very short periods of time, or were sold under a number of different brand names, so it's often very hard to find information about a specific model.

As for your Columbia model, if it IS the spring, that should not be too difficult to get repaired. There are a few shops listed here -- http://www.gramophones.uk.com/information/repairs.html (You might also check with http://audiorepair.ie/ which is located in Dublin.) In addition, some shops that specialize in mechanical clock repair would probably be happy to help.

Joe

many thanks for that joe, very useful info indeed ,the clock maker rings a bell with me , as the motor resembles the works of an old wall clock, i might go down that road as i grew up with a guy who was into that stuff,ill keep in touch and let you know any progress made, best regards and thanks , maitiu.

hi joe, ive managed to get the pic of the columba 117a onto the fb version of your forum, it looks abit dusty looking but im thinking its the camera i was using , ive since polished the cabinet and its looking swell, have to wait now untill the end of sept before the guy in booterstown returns from abroad
best regards maitiu

Hi Maitiu:

I'm not a member of Facebook, but was able to view the photo. I've done a screen capture using my (Windows 7) Snipping Tool, and have downloaded it into this post --


Right Click and select "View Image" to see full image.


That's one of the Plano-Reflex Columbia Viva Tonal models, which were unique to the UK market. Note the flattened corners at all of the bends of the tonearm and horn. The theory was that sound would be "reflected" from the flattened areas in the same way that light waves are reflected from angled mirrors, resulting in an un-distorted sound wave or "beam of sound." In spite of the design's quasi-scientific premise, these were remarkably effective gramophones, from what I understand, and reproduced electrically recorded records with enhanced fidelity, compared to the older, pre-1925, models.

In addition to having the motor overhauled, if it hasn't been done, consider having the sound box (reproducer) rebuilt with fresh diaphragm gaskets, and carefully adjusted. This will greatly enhance the sound quality, and reduce record wear.

Joe

thanks joe , you really are a treasure, maitiu

hi joe, ive removed the turntable and motor from the cabinet of the columbia 117a, and notice it may have a double spring , there's a shaft that runs across from one cog wheel to another with a little drive cog wheel which obviously winds the two springs simontainiously, which has left its moorings ,therefor making it unlikely that the springs could be wound anyway, hoping this is the case otherwise im in trouble with two springs broken, would love to hear from some member or members who have been in this situation.regards maitiu.

Hi Maitiu:

Many thanks for the kind words, above. Hopefully, someone who is more of a motor expert will stop by.

One thing I keep forgetting to mention. If you don't have a copy, you might want to invest in the book, "The Compleat Talking Machine," by Eric Reiss. This book is chock full of illustrations, and walks the reader through most types of repairs, including motor adjustments, spring replacements, etc.

It's available from most well stocked booksellers -- https://www.google.com/search?as_q=Eric ... e%22+Reiss

Joe