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Post by garreck27 on Jun 24, 2015 17:37:13 GMT -6
Hello phono-philes! So here's the scoop, I just bought my first Silvertone along with about 50 records. I've learned a lot over the past few days, but there is still a ton I don't know.
- How do I date it and identify the model? I've done some searches on line, and can find photos that others have posted, but I haven't been able to actually identify the model.
- It works well and, once I realized you have to change the needle every play, it sounds pretty good as well. The spring will "pop" if wound to fast or too far. I've found the sweet spot though and it'll play an entire side before starting to wind down. Anyone on line from the Milwaukee/Chicago area that knows of someone I can take the motor to to have it serviced properly? Or, can I do it myself? I am mechanically inclined and can get through relatively complex projects well enough.
- I've found a supplier for needles as well as the cloth for the "speaker" cover/insert. But, the wooden "flourish" at the bottom of the front of the cabinet is missing. Where could I obtain a replacement?
- As I have played the phonograph more, there is an audible "thump" as it runs. However, I allowed my thumb to slide with just a hint of pressure on the turntable as it was playing and the thumping stopped. Any ideas? I'm certain a good cleaning and lube is in order and would take care of it, but just thought I'd ask.
Thank any and all who may have some input and guidance. I'm super excited about it and can't stop messing with it!
Cheers,
Garreck
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Post by gibsonj on Jun 25, 2015 10:53:52 GMT -6
Hello Garreck
Congratulations on your find (have to warn you that old phonographs are habit-forming). I focus on Edisons and can't help with your model/age questions. The conditions you describe with the pops and thumps are most likely spring-related. After all these years, the grease in the spring barrel hardens and cakes such that the spring can expand or contract normally. This contributes to not being able to wind up completely, and to thumps as the spring unwinds. Take a look at the spring barrel on your motor, and see if there is a plug/screw access on the barrel. If there is, sometimes you can add new grease via this access port, wind and unwind the spring a few times to re-distribute the new grease and "re-energize" the old grease. If this doesn't work, then a spring cleaning and re-lube is in order. You can do this yourself, but great care is needed since these springs are very powerful (particularly in wound-up position), and can cause injury. You have to be sure they are wound all the way down BEFORE you crack open the barrel. Doing a search on spring motor maintenance or spring lubrication will give you lots of descriptions and experiences with the process. Sometimes, a pop or thump is also the result of the spring becoming disconnected to its anchor inside the spring barrel. This would cause not being able to wind the spring up completely as well, and requires getting inside the spring barrel to correct.
Hope this helps.
John
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Post by garreck27 on Jun 26, 2015 14:35:35 GMT -6
Thanks John,
I appreciate the feedback. I'll pull the player apart this evening and see if I can find a "lube port". Also, I purchased the book: "The Complete Talking Machine; A Collectors Guide to Antique Phonographs" as was recommended by the gentleman who I purchased the needles from. The book will arrive tomorrow and I was told this is an excellent resource for a beginner/newbie owner in regards to maintenance, care and identification of models.
And yes, I can see how this is addicting. I've already been scanning pages for sales!
Thanks again.
Garreck
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