spare parts and reconditioners

[nick13557]

Hi Everyone, am new to this site having joined just a couple of days ago, but have already learned more from this site than in the amount of web trawling i had been doing.
We are in the UK and have recently bought an Edison 'fireside' phonograph, model A, combination type. with the model K reproducer. serial No. 81856.
It seems mechanically in sound condition and appears to have been well looked after maybe with some restoration.

I was wondering where the best place to get in touch with as regards spare parts and maybe having the reproducer serviced ? i know already that we need a new rubber horn connector and a horn crane set screw, and we are thinking that it maybe worthwhile having the reproducer overhauled if this is possible?

Plus, is there any special way we should clean the horn? or should we have it repainted?
many thanks for any help.

[matty]

Hi Nick,

In the UK, Howard Hope seems to rule the school as far as parts & repairs go. I don't think he's cheap either from what I've heard.
Parts for cylinder machines are far more common in USA, and I've found it's usually cheaper to import the parts from there.
I'd check with George Vollema of Great Lakes Antique Phonographs in the USA & compare his prices with Howards. It might work out cheaper, and when I've bought from George, the parts have arrive in Australia within a week.
The reproducer should have new gaskets installed around the diaphragm, and if you've got a set of those cheap jewelers screwdrivers, it's a really simple operation to do yourself.

Here's the links for George & Howard.

www.victroladoctor.com/

www.gramophones.uk.com/

With the horn, it's generally best not to repaint it unless you really have to. Usually car polish will work miracles on the old paint. I'll normally start with a wax, & then a cut & polish if it doesn't respond well.
A couple times I've even given the original paint a coat of clear spray lacquer which brings them up really well. This can also stabilize the paint if it's starting to peel.
I only repaint a horn if it's got server paint loss or rust.

[maroongem]

Nick,

Does your FIRESIDE A have the 2 piece iridescent maroon/red painted horn?

Bill