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Post by walrus on Jan 30, 2008 12:54:40 GMT -5
I recently bought an Amberola V, and I'm looking for someone knowledgeable who could service the motor for me. It sounds pretty good as it is, but the motor is a bit noisier than I'd like and the spring needs to be re-lubricated. I'm inexperienced and I'm afraid that if I try and take it apart myself I'll break the governor or something. Do any of you know of someone who has experience restoring the Amberola V motor whom I could trust to put my machine in shipshape for me? I'd be eternally grateful.
Also, is it true that the N-56 reproducer will not fit on the Amberola V? I read somewhere that it wouldn't, but the old Edison ads I've read seem to suggest it would. It would be kind of neat to be able to play wax amberols, although I'm not sure it'd be worth the expense of an N-56.
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Post by lukewarmwater on Jan 30, 2008 12:59:24 GMT -5
The N-56 was designed to fit on the V and other pre-fire Amberolas. Try George Vollema at victrola@triton.net or (231) 652-5753 for the rebuild. Luke W.
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Post by maroongem on Jan 30, 2008 16:38:31 GMT -5
Actually, the N-56 would only fit the V & (A)VI (and was designed for them as the standard N wouldn't work well) as they had the same dual rod carriage that disengaged in a similar fashion when lifting the stylus and were unlike any of the other pre-fire Amberolas. Unless you stumble across an N-56 not being sold by a phono dealer at a flea mkt, plan to pay dearly for one of these babies!
Bill
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Post by lukewarmwater on Jan 30, 2008 16:54:07 GMT -5
You're right, Bill . . . that's why it's called the N-56 (V/VI). Luke W
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Post by neophone on Jan 30, 2008 17:30:37 GMT -5
Walrus, Is this who I think it is? ;D Welcome aboard! The fine fellows here will be able to help with just about any problem you may have-phonograph related. Regards, J.
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Post by Matt Brown on Jan 30, 2008 18:47:09 GMT -5
Amberola V's are trash - let me do you a favor: send it to me, and I'll give you $50 for it. Probably not worth that, but I try to be as generous as possible when helping fellow collectors. ;D
Matt
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Post by walrus on Jan 30, 2008 19:29:02 GMT -5
Matt, I'll trade it gladly for another disreputable machine like an Opera or an Amberola I. So is the N-56 worth its princely price, or is it merely an expensive rarity for the Edison enthusiast who has everything? There's a lot of neat material out there on wax amberols, but the cylinders themselves seem to have a bad reputation.
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Post by neophone on Jan 30, 2008 19:53:47 GMT -5
Walrus, I've stuck with BAs myself. From what I hear the 2M wax are fairly stable, however the 4M Amberols are very fragile. I had purchased a few with a lot of BA one time. I gave them to a fellow collector who could play them. Before I could pass them on one just sort of fell apart on it's own in a moderate temperature room. IMHO they are a risky proposition. Regards, J.
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Post by walrus on Jan 30, 2008 21:32:13 GMT -5
That's too bad- I guess I'll have to satisfy myself with the BA reissues of the wax amberol material.
Thanks for the advice, everyone!
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Post by lukewarmwater on Jan 30, 2008 22:01:55 GMT -5
I've found any number of Amberols broken in their boxes in shops and stuff, but I have never had one break on me due to temp or whatever. I have some that I've had for close to 40 years, and the bulk I have I bought over 20 years ago. I've moved them from Ky. to Cal. to Va. to Ind. and back to Ky. and not lost a single one. I'm not so scared or prejudiced against them. Received one through the mail a few weeks ago from California that arrived just fine with plastic peanuts inside and around. Once, I brought a Concert cylinder from Ky. to Cal. unscathed -- in an International Scout I -- and then a few years later moved just a couple of blocks and somehow managed to break it! Luke W.
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Post by maroongem on Jan 30, 2008 22:30:02 GMT -5
Matt, I'll trade it gladly for another disreputable machine like an Opera or an Amberola I. So is the N-56 worth its princely price, or is it merely an expensive rarity for the Edison enthusiast who has everything? There's a lot of neat material out there on wax amberols, but the cylinders themselves seem to have a bad reputation. I don't think you'll find them sounding any different that a Mod O or the regular Mod N. As far as the Amberols, living in New England and it's temp changes make me steer clear of them unless they were very inexpensive. Over the past 35 yrs I've had more than my share break in my hands or just resting in the box and finding it shattered at a later date! Bill
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Post by MT Phono on Jan 30, 2008 22:50:01 GMT -5
Matt, I'll trade it gladly for another disreputable machine like an Opera or an Amberola I. So is the N-56 worth its princely price, or is it merely an expensive rarity for the Edison enthusiast who has everything? There's a lot of neat material out there on wax amberols, but the cylinders themselves seem to have a bad reputation. I don't think you'll find them sounding any different that a Mod O or the regular Mod N. As far as the Amberols, living in New England and it's temp changes make me steer clear of them unless they were very inexpensive. Over the past 35 yrs I've had more than my share break in my hands or just resting in the box and finding it shattered at a later date! Bill I hear this all the time re: 4-min wax amberols yet I have probably 200 and have only lost one (so far) in 10+ years and that was my fault. Wonder if I am just lucky........ Scott
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jim
New Member
Posts: 3
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Post by jim on Jul 30, 2008 16:27:28 GMT -5
I have an Amberola V. It has been in our summer home since 1910 when the cottage was built or sometime shortly after that. We have about 75 cylinders all in fair to excellent condition and accurately cataloged. It has no front grill but it does appear to have grooves or slots for a grill to be installed. I never recall seeing a grill but the photo's on the web seem to indicate it was part of the original idea.
The wood and metal parts, including the decals and metal plate indicating the maker and model number are in original and excellent condition in spite of at least 4 generations of my family and all of the kids who grew up at the cottage along with their sticky fingers...including mine
I have a problem......For as long as I can remember and that is getting be a long time, the wind up apparatus slips. What I mean to say is that once we complete 4 -5 full turns it "slips" and we can no longer increase the tension. It powers the drive but for a limited time. What is the problem and how do I fix it? Look forward to hearing from other owners and from"thems that know"
God Bless America!!
Jim Winnipeg Canada
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Post by larryh on Jul 30, 2008 18:15:51 GMT -5
I would say you have a broken or spring that has come disconnected from the barrel. A broken spring will wind a few times and then "lets loose". Only remedy is sending it to a repair person unless your really handy. I wouldn't recommend it as a first time project.
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jim
New Member
Posts: 3
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Post by jim on Jul 31, 2008 15:08:54 GMT -5
Can anyone reccomend a reliable repair facility.
Somewhere in the mid west would be closest for me.
Jim Winnipeg
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