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Post by krlatour on Sept 1, 2008 11:29:02 GMT -5
I just inherited an Edison DD phonograph model C150 and over 100 records. I spent to morning cleaning the wood exterior since my grandmother had kept it next to her unventilated kitchen for decades where it sat collecting grease and dirt.
The cloth behind the grille is definitely not original. Can someone tell me what type and color of cloth would be closer to the original?
Also, the needle seems to be fine now, but I'm wondering how to tell if it needs to be replaced, and if there are instructions somewhere for replacing it. I don't think it's been played in decades, either, but today, after playing about 20 records, it seemed just fine.
Also, any idea on value? There are some nicks in edges of the wood, but the veneer is in excellent shape, as is the player mechanism and working parts. All is original except the cloth grille cover.
I'm sooo enjoying this machine, and want it to last a long time. Please help a newbie out!
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Post by larryh on Sept 1, 2008 12:29:26 GMT -5
Welcome,
It seems edisons had various tones of cloth at different stages or maybe to suit surroundings? Often a pale brownish gold was used. Some machines have a sort of dull olive green and some a dark burgundy. Depending on the kind of wood used and personal preference you can select something that looks appropriate. One thing to keep in mind is that original cloths were often silk and very porous or thin when held to a light. You want the most possible sound to come out. But you also don't want to see the mechanism though it either. I have found good luck using a gold toned silk headscarf my mom had for many years. It gives a nice look and is the right texture for the sound to come though..
As to the needle. Usually we suggest you put the needle down on the blank portion of the records at the end provided they are not all ready apparently damaged by lines in the finish. A good needle should leave no trace or nearly no trace of having been there after the record rotates for 30 seconds or so. If you can see where the needle has been, especially if its looking greyish or brownish where it was then you have a bad needle for sure and won't want to play records till you get it repaired. Its not a do it yourself kind of thing for most of us. There are several people that specialize in installing new diamonds in the stylus bar or providing a new or rejuvenated stylus bar with a new needle. Should you find your in need of that write in an ask for some suggested installers. Not a cheap deal however. Remember to that an old needle no matter how good it treats the record surface may indeed be worn enough just from many years of use to cause it to not play up to par and distort passages of music. Thats a hard one to tell because so many records also suffer from nearly invisible damage.. Others are easy to tell by the tell tail brownish or grayish looking grooves you can see in the record when held at an angle to a strong lamp or window light.
Would be great fun to try out those records to see what is in there..
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Post by neophone on Sept 1, 2008 17:35:22 GMT -5
Krlatour, Welcome, larry sums it up pretty well, the "needle" on an Edison Diamond Disc Phonograph is actually a diamond stylus similar in theory to a modern turntable. have you figured out how the reproducer comes of the "tone arm"? if so you can give the stylus a cursory examination under a bright light with a magnifying glass there should be no harp edges (correct me if I'm wrong gents). The little pin sticking out the front should remain center in the wire loop that surrounds it during play as well. As for the grille cloth, as Larry says you have a few options. I've found a very nice gold silk that looks quite nice with the red mahogany finish used on the slightly later C-19 that I have. It's not pressed or fastened in in this photo, but you get the idea. This photo was taken during the early stages of an as yet incomplete restoration. If you can't find something you like in a fabric store near you I'd be more than happy to send you piece-the shop I use should still have it. The C-150 Sheraton is a handsome phonograph, it was first introduced in June of 1915 and was offered until 1919. It has a single spring motor and the №150 horn according to Frow. Regards, J.
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Post by larryh on Sept 1, 2008 18:11:22 GMT -5
Hey John,
That is the same style I am threating or at least discussing antiquing or something on the other site. I have been working months with more set backs than anything I have ever attempted.. Not sure it is all worth it.. although when finally done, they are quite striking.. Not that an oak model in the same wouldn't be nicer in my opinion..
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Post by krlatour on Sept 1, 2008 21:21:18 GMT -5
I'd love to get the cloth! Thanks! let me know what the cost would be and where to send a check. My email is klatour "at" jjc.edu.
I just figured out how to take the arm off to inspect the needle. I know it's not called an arm, but I'm new to this and can't recall the right term. It's pretty gunky around the tip, bu I can see the diamond tip just fine with regular eyesight. the machine is playing kind of crackly, and I read that if you put the needle down on the black part of a record, after the grooves, and it leaves a line, it may need to be replaced. Mine is definitely leaving a mark.
Is there anywhere I can send the receiver/arm to get cleaned and rebalanced without sending off the whole machine? All the rest seems in good order. Or cn anyone recommend someone in the Chicago area who does repair/restoration?
K.. I edited your addy so the bots don't pick it up. J.
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Post by neophone on Sept 1, 2008 23:45:13 GMT -5
Krlatour, If it's leaving a light track or mark in the smooth space at the end of the record it most likely is worn or chipped I'd think. You only have to send off the nickel-plated part that looks like a vacuum cleaner nozzle. From Wikipedia A new stylus is going to run you in the neighborhood of eighty dollar I think, but it'll last for a very very long time with care. You'd want new gaskets installed as well. The sound will amaze you. I'll try to get downtown in the next day or so and send you off an e-mail. Regards, J.
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Post by krlatour on Sept 2, 2008 9:50:13 GMT -5
Any recommendations on repair places in Chicago area?
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Post by 3victrolas on Sept 2, 2008 10:02:13 GMT -5
I've sent things to George Vollema. He doesn't live in Chicago, but he's close: Great Lakes Antique Phonograph George Vollema 5092 Muskego Dr. Newaygo, MI 49337 (231) 652 - 5753 EMAIL: victrola@triton.net Web site: www.victroladoctor.com/
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