Phonoland

Hi, I am new to this forum, and excited about restoring a Sonora Wind Up phonograph. It looks a lot like the "Baby Grand" model; however, I am new to wind ups. The model number under the turntable is G 7898.

I just acquired this machine from a local antique store. She is missing her crank, platter, and reproducer. I found the correct reproducer, but still need the crank and platter. Her fretwork for the sound opening is also gone.

Any help in obtaining these parts, as well as advice would be greatly appreciated.

If any of you know the model name and years of production, please post.

Sincere Thanks,
George

Can you post a picture or 2? If you remove the motor board & photo both it & the motor, it would be a big help. I probably have both the crank & platter, but need to make sure with a photo.

Here are some images of the Sonora Model g 7898 Motor Board and Motor.

Thanks for the photo's. I want down this morning to check- I have many Sonora tables & cranks that would work, but to my surprise, none are gold plated: all nickel. Best to hold out for the proper parts. The Union Show is coming up in a few weeks- someone there will prob. have what you need.

Do you know a year and model name for this machine? Any Info would be great.

Thanks for checking on the parts.

God Bless,
George

I'd have to see the whole cabinet, but based on your description, it sounds like you have a Sonora Grand model. (I think that's what the "G" stands for.) It's similar to the Baby Grand, but equipped with gold plated hardware, and the cabinet is taller & larger.

There's one profiled on this page -- http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... f=2&t=6665

A 1918 ad appears on this page -- http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=hB ... raph&hl=en

These would have been produced from the late teens through the early 1920s. An exact date would be hard to pin down, since no sales or production records exist.

HTH,
Joe

Thanks Joe for the information. The 1919 newspaper ad nailed the ID on my Sonora. It is definitely a Grand.

I am in need of quite a few parts for this old girl. She is missing her platter, crank, one of the needle wells....I think the covered one for used needles, casters, and fretwork.

I am brand new to crank up phonographs, so advice on how to care for , clean, restore, etc would be most welcome.

Many Thanks,
God Bless,
George

Here are a few shops that specialize in antique phonograph repair, which you could contact about some of the missing parts:

Great Lakes Antique Phonograph -- http://www.victroladoctor.com/ -- The people there are VERY helpful.
Victrola Repair Service -- http://www.victrolarepairservice.com/
The Antique Phonograph Supply Company -- http://www.antiquephono.com/
Shenandoah Antique Phonograph Repair -- http://www.shenandoahrestoration.com/phono.html
John Lewis's Mechanical Antiques Repair -- http://www.antiquephonograph.com/

They would also be helpful should you decide to have the motor professionally cleaned and re-greased. If you are a do it yourself type person, you might consider investing in a book called "The Compleat Talking Machine," by Eric Reiss. It is well illustrated and walks you through, step by step, most repairs or maintenance issues. If the springs need re-greasing, however, I'd suggest you have it done by one of the shops that specialize in this.

FYI, here's a generic type Sonora phonograph manual, with the basic operation and maintenance instructions -- http://www.nipperhead.com/old/sonora.htm Just click on the thumbnail images to make them full size for viewing or printing. Along this line, reproduction manuals for a variety of models come up for sale on sites such as ebay, from time to time. You might even find one specific to your model.

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If you want to do any cabinet refinishing, keep in mind that the original finish matched the inside of the lid and doors. It's generally referred to as a piano style finish--high gloss, but not the "wet look" you see on some modern furniture. This was done by applying several layers of clear shellac over the stained mahogany. (Woodgrain filler was also used on the veneer, itself.)

Most collectors today prefer to do a minimalist type of restoration. Since this is over 90 years old, in other words, the feeling is, it shouldn't look brand new. For this reason, many recommend that you use a good quality cabinet cleaner and restorer such as "Howard's Restore a Finish" -- http://www.howardproducts.com/prod-restor-a-finish.php This is now available at most hardware stores, and you use it according to the instructions on the can. It's a good idea to use very, very fine steel wool to apply it.

Another option, of course, if there are deep scratches, would be to have it professionally re-done, but only as a last resort, and the person or shop should have experience working with something from this era. Normally, this exceeds the "current average market value" of the phonograph, which for this model, would be around $300-$500 if it's in very good, original condition.

HTH,
Joe

Thank You for all of the resources.

I will invest in the book you suggested. I will also post before and after images of the restoration.

God Bless,
George

vintage music co wrote:Thanks for the photo's. I want down this morning to check- I have many Sonora tables & cranks that would work, but to my surprise, none are gold plated: all nickel. Best to hold out for the proper parts. The Union Show is coming up in a few weeks- someone there will prob. have what you need.

Where and When is the Union Show ?? Maybe someone could keep and eye out for a platter for my unit ??
I am way south in New Orleans.

God Bless,
George