My first record player!

[cornhusker]

So I volunteered at my local county museum today, and after talking with the director for some time, and telling him I was an Audio/Video Tech he asked if I would be interested in taking a record player off his hands since he didn't have room in the museum. I have very minimal experience when it comes to record players so I really didn't know what to expect. I kind of figured it would be old, possibly a older Victrola, but.. That man gave me a BC-38! My first record player.
I found the original manual and order slip inside!

I have been doing my research to learn how it works, and the do's and don'ts. So far I have found that it needs a new diamond needle, mine feels like an old BB. The front lattice covering is broke and missing the canvas, so I will be rebuilding that along with fixing the veneer on the rear of the console. Everything else works as it should! It winds up and spins just fine, the break works, the volume slider/dampener works, and its in overall great condition.
I'd like to share the journey with you as I discover the early technologies of recording.

I do not have any discs, so I'm looking on ebay for both the discs and a replacement reproducer needle. I would love to find a copy of Harry Mac McClintock's Big Rock Candy Mountain if anyone has any leads!
Thanks for stopping by 

[dernst]

Given your handle, I'm guessing you are a Nebraskan? The Edison Disc Phonograph I am restoring came from a small town in Nebraska (Birchard).

I had my reproducer restored by Wyatt.  He was recommended by others on this forum.  Here is his link. He did a great job.  I'm still working on other parts of the machine so I haven't tried it yet.  But he gave full instructions on what to do before trying to use it.



Wyatt Markus

Expert Antique Phonograph Reproducer Repair

www.EdisonDiamondDisc.com

[e-mail]

[lucius1958]

Nice BC-34 "Baby Console"!

The grille on mine was similarly damaged, and I painstakingly rebuilt it. However, Tom Rutkowski at "Gramp's Treasures" does excellent reproduction grilles, if you feel so inclined.

As for grille cloth, I found a reasonable substitute for the original on Ebay (see photo): search for "radio grille cloth".

BillS

[cornhusker]

Looks like ill be selling this thing soon, I have cleaned it up pretty good but I do not have the money to have the needle replaced.
It will have fresh felt and a new grill when its time, so my question is how much should I sell it for if it needs a needle

[lucius1958]

The BC-34 was a fairly inexpensive model when introduced, and is fairly common today; so, if it's in good condition, but without a stylus, you might not get more than $100 - $150 for it in today's market. #YourMileageMayVary

BillS