  Johnlodge Member Username: Johnlodge Post Number: 8358 Registered: 10-2003 |
I have recently come to acquire a Columbia Grafonola. It works... Somewhat. Does anybody know anything about these things? It's in fairly good shape, though it could use refinishing. On one hand, I bet a bunch of people will say NO! Don't refinish it! You'll lose value. On the other hand, if I'm going to keep it, I'd like it to look nice. http://www.dargate.com/256_auc tion/256_images/2346.jpg That is not mine, that one is in beautiful condition. But that is what I have. | ||
Craig Member Username: Craig Post Number: 989 Registered: 02-2007 |
Agree re: refinishing. Possessions are meant to be used and enjoyed. | ||
Johnlodge Member Username: Johnlodge Post Number: 8359 Registered: 10-2003 |
Thanks, Craig. That makes me feel better.  | ||
Craig Member Username: Craig Post Number: 990 Registered: 02-2007 |
..of course my wife is forever calling me an idiot for mocking the people on Antiques' Roadshow who wind up with a toy or a hat stand worth $10K. Adapt that mo-fo to suit your need and taste (says the guy making a table to fit the iron legs from an old foot-treadle Singer). | ||
Johnlodge Member Username: Johnlodge Post Number: 8360 Registered: 10-2003 |
Yeah the Antique Roadshow thing. It's always the ugliest, tackiest looking vase or lamp or something that is worth the big bucks. The really cool stuff is never worth anything. Yeah screw em. It'll be the same wood, only nice looking instead of old and beat up. | ||
Ed_golick Member Username: Ed_golick Post Number: 1068 Registered: 10-2003 |
I've got a table model Victrola. You're supposed to use one needle per song, then replace the needle with a new one. You can buy needles on eBay. The don't refinish rule applies only to expensive antiques, which your Grafonola isn't. If the finish is in bad shape, go for it! | ||
Johnlodge Member Username: Johnlodge Post Number: 8366 Registered: 10-2003 |
Thanks Ed. I printed out the old instruction manual off the Web, and I did see you are supposed to have one needle per record. I took that to mean use that needle each time you use that record. Is that correct? The thing is amazingly loud for something that uses no electronic amplification. Even with the vents closed it can be pretty loud. | ||
Ed_golick Member Username: Ed_golick Post Number: 1069 Registered: 10-2003 |
Johnlodge, One needle per play. http://www.gracyk.com/needleti ps.shtml | ||
Johnlodge Member Username: Johnlodge Post Number: 8386 Registered: 10-2003 |
Got it, thanks ed. Something just like this passage is what confused me though: quote: If the needle conforms to the individual wall designs of that record, its seems like THAT needle should be ok on THAT record multiple times. I'm not sure the 78's I have are the right kind. I'm going to have to check that out by doing the light trick in your article. | ||
Ed_golick Member Username: Ed_golick Post Number: 1071 Registered: 10-2003 |
Johnlodge, If you decide to refinish your machine, try to save any decals on it, as the stripper will destroy them. You can either tape them off or carefully apply the chemical around the decal with a cotton swab. I like to refinish with wipe-on polyurethane, maybe 5 or 6 layers. You can get new felt for the turntable and other parts from Great Lakes Antique Phonograph. http://www.victroladoctor.com/ | ||
Johnlodge Member Username: Johnlodge Post Number: 8390 Registered: 10-2003 |
Thanks for the link, Ed! | ||
Lefty2 Member Username: Lefty2 Post Number: 1791 Registered: 07-2007 |
Keep it original if you want to sell it. | ||
Jimg Member Username: Jimg Post Number: 1021 Registered: 10-2003 |
The 'replace needle after each play' refers to the disposable needles, not the steel ones. (excuse me if you already know this) 78s range in quality, material wise, from sturdy Victors to softy Deccas, and then we have the oddball Edison "Hill and Dale" records. And if you happen to run across any Bessie Smith flag Columbias, or King Oliver Okehs, or anything with "Buddy Bolden" on it, contact me right away! |
