Getting a Player Working

[lcv705]

Hi Everyone - I am so pleased to have found this board!  I had a chance to get a C-19 player that wasn't working.  The person who gave it to me didn't know much about it except that the person who had been working on it passed away before they could finish it, but he talked about it needing a new spring.

I hate to say it but I am not very experienced in doing projects like this and would love some help from those experienced in how I should approach figuring out how to get it going.  Does anyone know what spring they could be talking about?  Does it have to do with the engine?  

If there are earlier posts dealing with getting a machine working that might be helpful would love the advice and direction!  Appreciate help for a newby with limited practical fixing knowledge haha.

I think the number on it is C19 GM 14498

Jenn

[lucius1958]

Most likely it needs a new mainspring. DD springs are rather daunting to work on, so it's best to send them to an experienced restorer.

The C-19 has a double spring motor, so it would be best to replace both of them. (Note: the prefix before the serial number is "SM" [Spring Motor] )

There's a "Database of C-250/C-19 Phonographs" on the Talking Machine Forum, where you can learn the approximate date of your machine. They also have a list of restorers & parts suppliers. The folks at TMF are generally quite helpful, and can steer you in the right direction to get your machine playing again.

I don't know how much work the previous restorer did on it before they passed away; but the mechanism should be thoroughly disassembled, cleaned, and re-lubricated to perform at its best. The reproducer should be looked at as well, and the gaskets, diaphragm, and stylus replaced if needed. (Diamond styli can be expensive, but worn or chipped ones will damage records).

If you feel confident enough to do some of your own work, there's a great book, "The Compleat Talking Machine", by Eric L. Reiss, which gives excellent advice on restoration techniques: it's something of a bible among phonograph collectors.

I hope this has been helpful.

- BillS