Re: [Phono-L] Columbia No 15 viva tonal reproducer

[Arvin Casas via Phono-L]

Yes Steve.  Around 7.

Kind regards,

Arvin

From:  Phono-L  on behalf of SN Medved via
Phono-L 
Reply-To:  Antique Phonograph List 
Date:  Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 4:56 PM
To:  phonolist , Antique Phonograph List

Cc:  SN Medved 
Subject:  [Phono-L] Columbia No 15 viva tonal reproducer

Hello All,



On the Columbia No 15 Viva Tonal reproducer is the taped hole in the sound
tube on the back at around 7:00?



Thanks,



Steve
 
___ Phono-L mailing list
http://spgo1.io/f/a/-21ZZYe4nCQP7-nzlaC4lg~~/AABF2wA~/RgRYvJCVP0EIAOttBCEL6-5CCgADFV3bVvhY08xSGGFyY2hpdmVAbWFpbC1hcmNoaXZlLmNvbQlRBABEEmh0dHA6Ly9waG9uby1sLm9yZ0cCe30X
 Unsubscribe: phono-l-unsubscr...@oldcrank.org


___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org
Unsubscribe: phono-l-unsubscr...@oldcrank.org

Re: [Phono-L] Columbia Grafonola

[Arvin Casas]

They did.

I have the remnants of part of one, specifically for the Grafonola 75.  It
is a single sheet, roughly letter sized, folded to make a small booklet of
4 pages.  I suspect there may have been another spread of 4 as there are
staple holes on the surviving sheet.  Additional spreads may have been
included, but I can't be sure.

There is also a multi-model booklet in reproduction often for sale on
eBay.  It is also available digitally for onscreen reference only (it is
not printer friendly): http://www.nipperhead.com/old/colgraf.htm

Arvin


On 10/22/13 8:17 PM, Ron L'Herault lhera...@verizon.net wrote:

Your mention of an owners manual brings up an observation.   I have and
have
seen manuals for Edison and Victor, for many different models but almost
nothing for Columbia machines.   Did they not provide a manual?

Ron L

-Original Message-
From: phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org [mailto:phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org]
On
Behalf Of john coffman
Sent: Tuesday, October 22, 2013 4:53 PM
To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
Subject: [Phono-L] Columbia Grafonola

Hi all,I recently acquired a Columbia Grafonola with an electric motor  a
burled walnut case.The only info I could find on line was a picture of one
identical to mine which was referred to as a model 150E.Any info on this
model would be appreciated such as owners manual or rarity.Thanks,John
___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org


___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

Re: [Phono-L] Columbia Viva-Tonal 810 Photo Needed

[Arvin Casas]

Images can be attached actually.

If you look at Jim's original post and look for A non-text attachment was
scrubbed...  you will see a link to two images he attached (intentionally
or not - a signature perhaps?), scanned and cleared by the listserv.

Just a friendly fyi.

Arvin



On 9/22/13 6:54 PM, john robles john9...@pacbell.net wrote:

Yo can't attach images to email coming to the board, you have to use
Photobucket or some other photo host and include a link to it.  If you
don't have photobucket you can send me the link via email and I'll upload
it to mine for everyone. Or email the pic directly to Jim.
John





 From: RBaumbach phonol...@mac.com
To: Antique Phonograph List phono-l@oldcrank.org
Sent: Sunday, September 22, 2013 3:40 PM
Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Columbia Viva-Tonal 810 Photo Needed
 

I see that the image did not come through, so it was probably too large.
Here is a second attempt with a smaller file.



On Sep 22, 2013, at 1:09 PM, RBaumbach phonol...@mac.com wrote:

 I have attached a color image of the Columbia 810.  BTW, this image,
along with a number of other color images, is in the new edition of the
Columbia Phonograph Companion - Volume II.  There is more information
about the new edition here:
 
 
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/columbia-phonograph-companion/id65814124
9?mt=11
 
 
 
 
 Robert Baumbach
 
 On Sep 22, 2013, at 12:09 PM, Jim Cartwright jim...@earthlink.net
wrote:
 
 In collecting antique phonographs, I like to obtain twins, that is
similar
 but not identical models.Some years ago I obtained a Viva-Tonal 800
 which not too long ago was sonically restored using information 
 suggestions  provided by Anthony Sinclair carried out by local antique
 phonograph repairman, Jeff Cecil  now gives excellent performance.
So I
 was please to pick up its twin, the Viva-Tonal 810 at an antique mall
 yesterday.However, the 810 has been stripped  is bereft of its
original
 different color wood staining of different sections of the front doors,
 floral design above the doors, etc.  I want to have its original
appearance
 restored.The Viva-Tonal 810 came with a 1927 ad that gives some
idea of
 how it originally looked as does the black-and-white illustration in
 Baumbach's The Columbia Phonograph Companion - Volume II.However,
what
 is needed to facilitate restoration of the decorative details is a
clear
 color image of the Vival-Tonal 810.Can anyone provide such?
 
 
 
 Many thanks for any help any of you may provide!
 
 
 
 
 
 Jim Cartwright
 
 IMMORTAL PERFORMANCES, INC
 
 Austin's Eclectic Used Record Store Since 1971
 
 1404 West 30th StreetAustin, Texas 78703-1402 USA
 
 (512) 478-9954E-mail: jim...@earthlink.net
 
 
 
 
 
 -- next part --
 A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
 Name: not available
 Type: image/jpeg
 Size: 3917 bytes
 Desc: not available
 URL: 
http://oldcrank.org/pipermail/phono-l/attachments/20130922/c4a120e3/att
achment.jpe
 -- next part --
 A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
 Name: not available
 Type: image/jpeg
 Size: 2023 bytes
 Desc: not available
 URL: 
http://oldcrank.org/pipermail/phono-l/attachments/20130922/c4a120e3/att
achment-0001.jpe
 ___
 Phono-L mailing list
 http://phono-l.org
 
 ___
 Phono-L mailing list
 http://phono-l.org

___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org
___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org


___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

Re: [Phono-L] Columbia Viva-Tonal 810 Photo Needed

[Arvin Casas]

PS - The links get broken up in subsequent quoted replies so you always
have to go back to the original, non-quoted post.  If you don't want to go
back to find it, you can also cut and paste the link directly into a web
browser making sure to re-join any lines in the URL split by line wrapping.

For example:

theLinkToTheIma
Ge

theLinkToTheImaGe








On 9/22/13 10:29 PM, Arvin Casas it...@arvincasas.com wrote:

I can open them fine.

Such as this one taken from the original:

-- next part --
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 3917 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: 
http://oldcrank.org/pipermail/phono-l/attachments/20130922/c4a120e3/attac
h
ment.jpe








On 9/22/13 9:39 PM, john robles john9...@pacbell.net wrote:

Thanks, but those links cannot be opened. You get a 404 File Not Found
warning.
John





 From: Arvin Casas it...@arvincasas.com
To: Antique Phonograph List phono-l@oldcrank.org
Sent: Sunday, September 22, 2013 5:27 PM
Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Columbia Viva-Tonal 810 Photo Needed
 

Images can be attached actually.

If you look at Jim's original post and look for A non-text attachment
was
scrubbed...  you will see a link to two images he attached
(intentionally
or not - a signature perhaps?), scanned and cleared by the listserv.

Just a friendly fyi.

Arvin



On 9/22/13 6:54 PM, john robles john9...@pacbell.net wrote:

Yo can't attach images to email coming to the board, you have to use
Photobucket or some other photo host and include a link to it.  If you
don't have photobucket you can send me the link via email and I'll
upload
it to mine for everyone. Or email the pic directly to Jim.
John





 From: RBaumbach phonol...@mac.com
To: Antique Phonograph List phono-l@oldcrank.org
Sent: Sunday, September 22, 2013 3:40 PM
Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Columbia Viva-Tonal 810 Photo Needed
 

I see that the image did not come through, so it was probably too large.
Here is a second attempt with a smaller file.



On Sep 22, 2013, at 1:09 PM, RBaumbach phonol...@mac.com wrote:

 I have attached a color image of the Columbia 810.  BTW, this image,
along with a number of other color images, is in the new edition of the
Columbia Phonograph Companion - Volume II.  There is more information
about the new edition here:
 
 
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/columbia-phonograph-companion/id658141
2
4
9?mt=11
 
 
 
 
 Robert Baumbach
 
 On Sep 22, 2013, at 12:09 PM, Jim Cartwright jim...@earthlink.net
wrote:
 
 In collecting antique phonographs, I like to obtain twins, that is
similar
 but not identical models.Some years ago I obtained a Viva-Tonal
800
 which not too long ago was sonically restored using information 
 suggestions  provided by Anthony Sinclair carried out by local
antique
 phonograph repairman, Jeff Cecil  now gives excellent performance.
So I
 was please to pick up its twin, the Viva-Tonal 810 at an antique
mall
 yesterday.However, the 810 has been stripped  is bereft of its
original
 different color wood staining of different sections of the front
doors,
 floral design above the doors, etc.  I want to have its original
appearance
 restored.The Viva-Tonal 810 came with a 1927 ad that gives some
idea of
 how it originally looked as does the black-and-white illustration in
 Baumbach's The Columbia Phonograph Companion - Volume II.However,
what
 is needed to facilitate restoration of the decorative details is a
clear
 color image of the Vival-Tonal 810.Can anyone provide such?
 
 
 
 Many thanks for any help any of you may provide!
 
 
 
 
 
 Jim Cartwright
 
 IMMORTAL PERFORMANCES, INC
 
 Austin's Eclectic Used Record Store Since 1971
 
 1404 West 30th StreetAustin, Texas 78703-1402 USA
 
 (512) 478-9954E-mail: jim...@earthlink.net
 
 
 
 
 
 -- next part --
 A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
 Name: not available
 Type: image/jpeg
 Size: 3917 bytes
 Desc: not available
 URL: 
http://oldcrank.org/pipermail/phono-l/attachments/20130922/c4a120e3/a
t
t
achment.jpe
 -- next part --
 A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
 Name: not available
 Type: image/jpeg
 Size: 2023 bytes
 Desc: not available
 URL: 
http://oldcrank.org/pipermail/phono-l/attachments/20130922/c4a120e3/a
t
t
achment-0001.jpe
 ___
 Phono-L mailing list
 http://phono-l.org
 
 ___
 Phono-L mailing list
 http://phono-l.org

___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org
___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org


___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org
___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org


___
Phono-L mailing list
http

Re: [Phono-L] Columbia Viva-Tonal 810 Photo Needed

[Arvin Casas]

I can open them fine.

Such as this one taken from the original:

-- next part --
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 3917 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: 
http://oldcrank.org/pipermail/phono-l/attachments/20130922/c4a120e3/attach
ment.jpe








On 9/22/13 9:39 PM, john robles john9...@pacbell.net wrote:

Thanks, but those links cannot be opened. You get a 404 File Not Found
warning.
John





 From: Arvin Casas it...@arvincasas.com
To: Antique Phonograph List phono-l@oldcrank.org
Sent: Sunday, September 22, 2013 5:27 PM
Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Columbia Viva-Tonal 810 Photo Needed
 

Images can be attached actually.

If you look at Jim's original post and look for A non-text attachment was
scrubbed...  you will see a link to two images he attached (intentionally
or not - a signature perhaps?), scanned and cleared by the listserv.

Just a friendly fyi.

Arvin



On 9/22/13 6:54 PM, john robles john9...@pacbell.net wrote:

Yo can't attach images to email coming to the board, you have to use
Photobucket or some other photo host and include a link to it.  If you
don't have photobucket you can send me the link via email and I'll upload
it to mine for everyone. Or email the pic directly to Jim.
John





 From: RBaumbach phonol...@mac.com
To: Antique Phonograph List phono-l@oldcrank.org
Sent: Sunday, September 22, 2013 3:40 PM
Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Columbia Viva-Tonal 810 Photo Needed
 

I see that the image did not come through, so it was probably too large.
Here is a second attempt with a smaller file.



On Sep 22, 2013, at 1:09 PM, RBaumbach phonol...@mac.com wrote:

 I have attached a color image of the Columbia 810.  BTW, this image,
along with a number of other color images, is in the new edition of the
Columbia Phonograph Companion - Volume II.  There is more information
about the new edition here:
 
 
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/columbia-phonograph-companion/id6581412
4
9?mt=11
 
 
 
 
 Robert Baumbach
 
 On Sep 22, 2013, at 12:09 PM, Jim Cartwright jim...@earthlink.net
wrote:
 
 In collecting antique phonographs, I like to obtain twins, that is
similar
 but not identical models.Some years ago I obtained a Viva-Tonal
800
 which not too long ago was sonically restored using information 
 suggestions  provided by Anthony Sinclair carried out by local antique
 phonograph repairman, Jeff Cecil  now gives excellent performance.
So I
 was please to pick up its twin, the Viva-Tonal 810 at an antique
mall
 yesterday.However, the 810 has been stripped  is bereft of its
original
 different color wood staining of different sections of the front
doors,
 floral design above the doors, etc.  I want to have its original
appearance
 restored.The Viva-Tonal 810 came with a 1927 ad that gives some
idea of
 how it originally looked as does the black-and-white illustration in
 Baumbach's The Columbia Phonograph Companion - Volume II.However,
what
 is needed to facilitate restoration of the decorative details is a
clear
 color image of the Vival-Tonal 810.Can anyone provide such?
 
 
 
 Many thanks for any help any of you may provide!
 
 
 
 
 
 Jim Cartwright
 
 IMMORTAL PERFORMANCES, INC
 
 Austin's Eclectic Used Record Store Since 1971
 
 1404 West 30th StreetAustin, Texas 78703-1402 USA
 
 (512) 478-9954E-mail: jim...@earthlink.net
 
 
 
 
 
 -- next part --
 A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
 Name: not available
 Type: image/jpeg
 Size: 3917 bytes
 Desc: not available
 URL: 
http://oldcrank.org/pipermail/phono-l/attachments/20130922/c4a120e3/at
t
achment.jpe
 -- next part --
 A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
 Name: not available
 Type: image/jpeg
 Size: 2023 bytes
 Desc: not available
 URL: 
http://oldcrank.org/pipermail/phono-l/attachments/20130922/c4a120e3/at
t
achment-0001.jpe
 ___
 Phono-L mailing list
 http://phono-l.org
 
 ___
 Phono-L mailing list
 http://phono-l.org

___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org
___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org


___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org
___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org


___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

Re: [Phono-L] Looking for Cut Cornered Decca Storage Album

[Arvin Casas]

Thanks for your suggestion!  Howard expressed to me in the past that he's
not interested in supporting the mid-range machines so I try not to bother
him anymore.  I've reached out to a few other sellers I know in the UK and
will probably try the Netherlands and Germany too, just to widen the
search.

A good idea though.  Sadly a  storage record album isn't quite an EMG or
HMV Lumiere, haha.

Many thanks,

Arvin


On 8/30/13 9:32 PM, Vinyl Visions vinyl.visi...@live.com wrote:

Have you tried Howard Hope in the UK? Just Google his name and something
should come up...

 Date: Thu, 29 Aug 2013 19:51:53 -0400
 From: it...@arvincasas.com
 To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
 Subject: [Phono-L] Looking for Cut Cornered Decca Storage Album
 
 Hello Phello Phono Pholk,
 
 I'm on the hunt for a rare Decca 78 storage album that is actually part
of a
 Decca portable phonograph (perhaps I should say gramophone as this is
a UK
 machine ­ though it was bought in Virginia).
 
 These albums, like those made for the Columbia UK portables, were
designed
 to store under the upper lids of their gramophones (see the attached
photo
 of a Columbia Viva-tonal 202).  The albums had their spines at the
bottom
 of the book (rather than on the left) and had their top corners cut ­
not to
 save on expense - but to allow fingers plenty of access to insert and
pull
 the albums out from storage.  They had a very interesting accordion-like
 design that reduced stress on the sleeves at the spine, allowing you to
flip
 pages with less chance of snapping your shellac. (Save that for your
 Chiropractor.)
 
 Over the years many were separated from their machines, especially as
these
 albums continued to find use in the electric age vs the rest of the
machine..
 That said, these are rare, so in addition to my investigations
overseas, I
 thought I'd ask if anyone here might have a suggestion on where to find
one
 in this country ­ it at all?  I suspect record buyers might come upon
these
 more than machine buyers, but that's just a theory.
 
 If you happen to have one housing a stack of shellac or know someone who
 might have one, kindly drop me a line.
 
 Best to all,
 
 Arvin in MA
 
 
 
 
 -- next part --
 A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
 Name: columbia_album_correct.jpg
 Type: image/jpeg
 Size: 68916 bytes
 Desc: not available
 URL: 
http://oldcrank.org/pipermail/phono-l/attachments/20130829/9c71ed5b/atta
chment.jpg
 ___
 Phono-L mailing list
 http://phono-l.org
 
___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org


___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Phono! Vic 3 or Frankenphone?

[Arvin Casas]

I second PB Blaster enthusiastically.  It helps with this greatly.  Just
beware the scent (which the manufacturers themselves warn you about, ha
ha).

Arvin in MA



On 8/29/13 7:13 PM, Andrew Baron a...@popyrus.com wrote:

Regarding the turntable liberation, I've found that the product PB
Blaster works much more effectively than Liquid Wrench or WD40.  Any will
stain the felt but might be cleaned with a solvent afterward.

A soak over night can work wonders, and then the turntable should be
leveraged upward by placing the fingers of each hand under the rim at 9
and 3 o'clock and exerting upward force.  Based on the rust I see in the
photos, this still might need more help, so WHILE exerting a firm and
steady upward force with both hands (good thing there's two of you), give
the top of the spindle a sharp tap with a hammer.  It may take a few
tries, but be sure that the penetrating oil has had a chance to do its
job, and it's best to use a hard plastic mallet to avoid deforming the
spindle top, or taking other precautions.

Wedges can also be used in lieu of fingers, if applied simultaneously and
exactly opposite each other -- beware that you can bend the spindle if
you're not careful, even if using only your hands.

Good luck.

Andrew Baron
Santa Fe

On Aug 29, 2013, at 4:40 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote:

 Hi Harvey,
 
 Thanks for your insight! Nick is trying to get the turntable off as we
speak to check for those extra holes. It is rusted on tight and it has
been a long day today so we may wait til the weekend to actually get it
off. He says he can see under the turntable and that there do not appear
to be any extra holes just the three screws holding the motor on.
 
 Thanks again,
 Melissa 
 
 
 
 From: harvey kravitz harveykrav...@yahoo.com
 To: Antique Phonograph List phono-l@oldcrank.org
 Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 6:12 PM
 Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Phono! Vic 3 or Frankenphone?
 
 
 From what I can see the parts are from a later Victor III. The cabinet
looks old and original, but not to a Victor III. Did you take off the
turn table to see if there were multiple holes in the motor board? If
so, that would mean a swapped motor. If not, the cabinet can be new old
stock that was modified by the original owner, a dealer, or a handyman.
If there are no extra holes in the cabinet, I would strip and refinish
it. It would be a very unique machine.
 Harvey Kravitz
 
 
 
 
 
 From: Melissa Ricci riccib...@yahoo.com
 To: Phono-l phono-l@oldcrank.org; phonol...@yahoogroups.com
phonol...@yahoogroups.com
 Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 2:34 PM
 Subject: [Phono-L] Mystery Phono! Vic 3 or Frankenphone?
 
 
 Hello Everyone,
 
 Last night, Nick an I won an interesting phonograph at a local junk
auction. Someone has spray painted the entire cabinet gold...inside and
out! The double spring motor looks to be from a Victor III, the
turntable and the upper works appear to be from a Victor III and it came
with a ID plate (tacked inside the cabinet) that indicates it is indeed
a Victor III. It also came with a nice original wood horn.
 
 The problem is, we have never seen a Victor cabinet with this design
before. After quite a bit of research, we found that the Vic III came in
two cabinet types and neither of them match this one, not even close! We
own a late style Victor III to compare it to and it is definitely not
the same. Strange. The wood under the terrible gold paint looks old and
the back bracket looks to be correct. So we need to find out, is this a
Frankenphone made up of Victor III parts with a handmade cabinet or a
cabinet from a different machine? I was unable to find any cabinets with
the kind of moldings this one has. Here are a few links to pictures we
just took. 
 
 Any ideas are greatly appreciated!
 
 
http://s81.photobucket.com/user/musicalpets/media/Mystery%20Phono/DSC0970
1.jpg.html
 
 
 
http://s81.photobucket.com/user/musicalpets/media/Mystery%20Phono/DSC0970
2.jpg.html
 
 
 
http://s81.photobucket.com/user/musicalpets/media/Mystery%20Phono/DSC0970
3.jpg.html
 
 
 
http://s81.photobucket.com/user/musicalpets/media/Mystery%20Phono/DSC0970
4.jpg.html
 
 
 
http://s81.photobucket.com/user/musicalpets/media/Mystery%20Phono/DSC0970
5.jpg.html
 
 
 
http://s81.photobucket.com/user/musicalpets/media/Mystery%20Phono/DSC0970
6.jpg.html
 
 
 Thanks,
 Melissa
 ___
 Phono-L mailing list
 http://phono-l.org
 ___
 Phono-L mailing list
 http://phono-l.org
 ___
 Phono-L mailing list
 http://phono-l.org
 

___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org


___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

[Phono-L] Looking for Cut Cornered Decca Storage Album

[Arvin Casas]

Hello Phello Phono Pholk,

I'm on the hunt for a rare Decca 78 storage album that is actually part of a
Decca portable phonograph (perhaps I should say gramophone as this is a UK
machine ­ though it was bought in Virginia).

These albums, like those made for the Columbia UK portables, were designed
to store under the upper lids of their gramophones (see the attached photo
of a Columbia Viva-tonal 202).  The albums had their spines at the bottom
of the book (rather than on the left) and had their top corners cut ­ not to
save on expense - but to allow fingers plenty of access to insert and pull
the albums out from storage.  They had a very interesting accordion-like
design that reduced stress on the sleeves at the spine, allowing you to flip
pages with less chance of snapping your shellac. (Save that for your
Chiropractor.)

Over the years many were separated from their machines, especially as these
albums continued to find use in the electric age vs the rest of the machine..
That said, these are rare, so in addition to my investigations overseas, I
thought I'd ask if anyone here might have a suggestion on where to find one
in this country ­ it at all?  I suspect record buyers might come upon these
more than machine buyers, but that's just a theory.

If you happen to have one housing a stack of shellac or know someone who
might have one, kindly drop me a line.

Best to all,

Arvin in MA




-- next part --
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: columbia_album_correct.jpg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 68916 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: 
http://oldcrank.org/pipermail/phono-l/attachments/20130829/9c71ed5b/attachment.jpg
___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

[Phono-L] Wanted: Columbia tonearm assembly for Portable 150

[Arvin Casas]

Hello Phono-L Pholk,

I'm looking for a tonearm assembly for a rare 1926 Columbia portable, model
150 (page 204 in the Columbia Phonograph Companion, Vol. II).   I'm
looking for the arm and mount but do not require a reproducer.  Any leads
would be appreciated.

I don't recall how this list handles attachments, but I'll try to attach a
photo of a 150 recently sold whole on eBay for reference.

Many thanks!

Arvin


-- next part --
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: 150.jpeg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 320490 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: 
http://oldcrank.org/pipermail/phono-l/attachments/20130818/7a0aca04/attachment.jpeg
___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

Re: [Phono-L] Home Plating Recommendations?

[Arvin Casas]

Thanks Rich.  Have you tried home plating yourself (or consider it at
all)?  How did you find it in the end better for you to send it out?  How
badly off was/were the piece(s) you that required refinishing?

I'm genuinely interested in understanding how you came to your conclusion.
 Was it simply a matter of weighing cost and time or were there other
factors?

I'm not looking to do this for speed of result or cost efficiency.  I
recognize that an inherent third in the iron triangle is quality which
ideally I'd like to preserve, but if for learning purposes that is
sacrificed I'm willing to do, to a point.  Plating in my mind is not
irreparable, as say major woodworking, so I see no harm picking my 2/3 in
learning how a good job is done.

That's how I approach this hobby (as well as all my others). My research
and appreciation of the invention, innovation, and evolution of
phonographs includes exploring the mechanics of their inner workings and
the methods and processes of their manufacture and restoration.

I know one can easily just order one's dinner made, but sometimes it's
beneficial to learn how to cook, even if only to better appreciate a well
prepared meal, at least for me.



On 6/26/13 1:50 AM, Rich rich-m...@octoxol.com wrote:

The easy way to get all of this plated is to ship it off to Steve
Farmer. It will probably be both quicker and cheaper than the DIY boy
chemist approach.

On 06/25/2013 10:46 PM, Arvin Casas wrote:
 Yeah, color matching in the graphics design world as well as other
 industries is more complicated than most people understand.  One man's
 gold is another man's trash, to reverse the cliché.  Unfortunately I'm
not
 aware of any system such as Pantone that can be applied to metal
finishing
 - at least for lowly phono plebs.  It would be great to match my tonearm
 to a standard, get its code and have a finish replicated for it
 chemically.

 I have seen other options via a few cursory and early searches, but my
 query to the group was in the hope that someone might have a
 recommendation based on experience, even if negative.  Of course I'm
 always keen to experiment for the sake of continuing the knowledge of
our
 hobby  (as I know you know Ron from those funny posts of mine on
MOCAPS-
 laughing at not with me - regarding my trying to grow cactus for needles
 here in MA).  This last venture out into terra incognita however, was a
 little further into hostile territory than I normally prefer to endure.
 That's why I was hoping others out there might have had at least some
 cursory experience for me to explore further.  A few pennies lost or in
 vain is one thing, I don't enjoy risking my person.

 Speaking of risks to health, are there any chemists out there who could
 chime in with any information on what to avoid?  While I don't think we
 have a hall of martyrs for the preservation and restorations of things
 phonographic, I'd hate to be the one to inaugurate its building, lol.

 Arvin


 On 6/25/13 10:49 PM, Ron L'Herault lhera...@bu.edu wrote:

 Seems to me Caswell sells/sold a real gold plate kit too.  The problem
 with
 Gold, and nickel too, but not as bad, is that it is hard to match gold
 colors.  A little difference in karat amount or a few different other
 chemicals and you have a different gold color, greener, yellower,
 whatever.
 Have you tried googling home electroplating kits or brush plating kits?

 Ron L

 -Original Message-
 From: phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org
[mailto:phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org]
 On
 Behalf Of Arvin Casas
 Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2013 12:50 PM
 To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
 Subject: [Phono-L] Home Plating Recommendations?

 Hello All,

 I hope your summers have all started off well!

 I was wondering if any of you had any recommendations for home plating?
 (No, that is not some variation on getting on base on a first date,
but in
 regards to metal plate finishing as can be done at home.)

 Always the willing guinea pig for our hobby, I tried the Caswell Plug
N'
 Plate system and had some success with their Nickel product, but only
 so-so
 success with their faux Gold.  (When I tried contacting their customer
 service to troubleshoot, the owner came off as a bit emotionally
 incendiary in his replies to a newbie, so I decided it's not worth me
 continuing to experiment or use their products.)

 Are there any other possible approaches or solutions?  I have a few
gold
 plated pieces that have suffered some damage over the years prior to my
 coming into them, and I was hoping, short of sending them out (which I
 believe is priced per pound), to see if there was something I could
try at
 home on the few pieces that I have that need restoration /
preservation.
 I
 recall reading about home-brewed tank solutions (mixing gold chloride
 etc.,.
 using batteries), but can't recall where (or if they worked).

 Any recommendations?

 Thanks!

 Arvin


 ___
 Phono-L mailing list
 http://phono-l.org

Re: [Phono-L] Top After Market Othrophonic Reproducers

[Arvin Casas]

Thanks Dan.  Are you able to transplant that Brunswick reproducer on other
machines with/without an adapter?


On 6/26/13 12:17 AM, DanKj ediso...@verizon.net wrote:

   Brunswick used excellent reproducers on their Panatrope acoustic
models;  of all my portables, the Brunswick sounds best.
I don't know the model name or number :
https://www.box.com/s/zjxyhfwvzh6asqk0cw65



- Original Message -
From: Arvin Casas it...@arvincasas.com
To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2013 1:17 PM
Subject: [Phono-L] Top After Market Othrophonic Reproducers


 Hello Again,

 I was wondering what aftermarket ortho-style reproducers my phellow
 phono
 pholk have tried using, if any, and which ones they felt showed a marked
 improvement or at least performed admirably?

 I know that many in the U.K. have a fondness for the Meltrope III sound
 box
 (I understand its EMG lineage might be underlying the affection for it).
 Similarly, I was provided the chance to buy a Leventhall that has a
 Columbia
 mount which sounds rather good to these ears.

 Are there any others, say US Made, that garner such enthusiasm?

 I'm not unhappy with my Viva-Tonal and Orthophonic stock reproducers,
but
 like the stereotype of the pop rock guitarist, am always curious about
 other
 sounds.

 Hope everyone is wearing their sunscreen,

 Arvin

___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org


___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

Re: [Phono-L] Home Plating Recommendations?

[Arvin Casas]

Thanks Rich.  That's good to know and your explanation is much
appreciated.  

As I determined from the little wall adapter wand kit I got, it seemed
best for use on tiny bits, such as screw heads and smaller accent pieces.
I guess I luckily had some success with the nickel on my tonearm (it's a
smaller section of a portable Columbia in the 16X series), but trying to
over plate it with gold product had its issues, mostly due to the
difficulty in getting proper coverage and tone (the unnecessary dramatics
I had leveled on me when making post sale inquiries notwithstanding, lol ).

It is my understanding from having fasteners plated (not for me but for a
vendor I know), that any plating is best ordered in bulk as the jobs are
among other factors priced by weight.  Has the group (or a group) ever
gotten together for a job?

You mentioned Steve Farmer.  From my reading on other resources it sounds
like he may or may not still offer his services (I take such information
gleaned with a lump of salt).  Is he available as of 2013?  If so I'd
appreciate an introduction.

Thanks again Rich and all listening in.




On 6/26/13 9:22 AM, Rich rich-m...@octoxol.com wrote:

The physical equipment required to properly plate anything is expensive
and in some cases difficult to obtain and must be constructed from
scratch. The chemicals required to do the various required cleaning
steps are difficult/expensive to obtain in small quantities and toxic.
The mechanical prep is difficult and again requires polishing equipment
not commonly available. I have looked into this several times and the
result is always the same, high cost - less than desired results as a
DIY project. There are some things you can pull off at home and some you
can not. Gold and nickel plating of used antique parts is not easily
done even if you can successfully get the part properly polished and
cleaned. The smoothness - shine of the final product is determined by
degree of polish of the unplated part.

The electroless nickel process works well for easily polished small
parts such as screws and levers but become prohibitively expensive on
larger pieces but it does work. There are several different formulations
of the plating bath and the ones that plate the best are also the ones
that are difficult to obtain due to the shipping restrictions, and human
- environmental hazards

On 06/26/2013 07:17 AM, Arvin Casas wrote:
 Thanks Rich.  Have you tried home plating yourself (or consider it at
 all)?  How did you find it in the end better for you to send it out?
How
 badly off was/were the piece(s) you that required refinishing?

 I'm genuinely interested in understanding how you came to your
conclusion.
   Was it simply a matter of weighing cost and time or were there other
 factors?

 I'm not looking to do this for speed of result or cost efficiency.  I
 recognize that an inherent third in the iron triangle is quality which
 ideally I'd like to preserve, but if for learning purposes that is
 sacrificed I'm willing to do, to a point.  Plating in my mind is not
 irreparable, as say major woodworking, so I see no harm picking my 2/3
in
 learning how a good job is done.

 That's how I approach this hobby (as well as all my others). My research
 and appreciation of the invention, innovation, and evolution of
 phonographs includes exploring the mechanics of their inner workings and
 the methods and processes of their manufacture and restoration.

 I know one can easily just order one's dinner made, but sometimes it's
 beneficial to learn how to cook, even if only to better appreciate a
well
 prepared meal, at least for me.



 On 6/26/13 1:50 AM, Rich rich-m...@octoxol.com wrote:

 The easy way to get all of this plated is to ship it off to Steve
 Farmer. It will probably be both quicker and cheaper than the DIY boy
 chemist approach.

 On 06/25/2013 10:46 PM, Arvin Casas wrote:
 Yeah, color matching in the graphics design world as well as other
 industries is more complicated than most people understand.  One man's
 gold is another man's trash, to reverse the cliché.  Unfortunately I'm
 not
 aware of any system such as Pantone that can be applied to metal
 finishing
 - at least for lowly phono plebs.  It would be great to match my
tonearm
 to a standard, get its code and have a finish replicated for it
 chemically.

 I have seen other options via a few cursory and early searches, but my
 query to the group was in the hope that someone might have a
 recommendation based on experience, even if negative.  Of course I'm
 always keen to experiment for the sake of continuing the knowledge of
 our
 hobby  (as I know you know Ron from those funny posts of mine on
 MOCAPS-
 laughing at not with me - regarding my trying to grow cactus for
needles
 here in MA).  This last venture out into terra incognita however, was
a
 little further into hostile territory than I normally prefer to
endure.
 That's why I was hoping others out there might have had at least some
 cursory

[Phono-L] Top After Market Othrophonic Reproducers

[Arvin Casas]

Hello Again,

I was wondering what aftermarket ortho-style reproducers my phellow phono
pholk have tried using, if any, and which ones they felt showed a marked
improvement or at least performed admirably?

I know that many in the U.K. have a fondness for the Meltrope III sound box
(I understand its EMG lineage might be underlying the affection for it).
Similarly, I was provided the chance to buy a Leventhall that has a Columbia
mount which sounds rather good to these ears.

Are there any others, say US Made, that garner such enthusiasm?

I'm not unhappy with my Viva-Tonal and Orthophonic stock reproducers, but
like the stereotype of the pop rock guitarist, am always curious about other
sounds.

Hope everyone is wearing their sunscreen,

Arvin



___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

[Phono-L] Home Plating Recommendations?

[Arvin Casas]

Hello All,

I hope your summers have all started off well!

I was wondering if any of you had any recommendations for home plating?
(No, that is not some variation on getting on base on a first date, but in
regards to metal plate finishing as can be done at home.)

Always the willing guinea pig for our hobby, I tried the Caswell Plug N'
Plate system and had some success with their Nickel product, but only so-so
success with their faux Gold.  (When I tried contacting their customer
service to troubleshoot, the owner came off as a bit emotionally
incendiary in his replies to a newbie, so I decided it's not worth me
continuing to experiment or use their products.)

Are there any other possible approaches or solutions?  I have a few gold
plated pieces that have suffered some damage over the years prior to my
coming into them, and I was hoping, short of sending them out (which I
believe is priced per pound), to see if there was something I could try at
home on the few pieces that I have that need restoration / preservation.  I
recall reading about home-brewed tank solutions (mixing gold chloride etc.,.
using batteries), but can't recall where (or if they worked).

Any recommendations?

Thanks!

Arvin


___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

Re: [Phono-L] Home Plating Recommendations?

[Arvin Casas]

Yeah, color matching in the graphics design world as well as other
industries is more complicated than most people understand.  One man's
gold is another man's trash, to reverse the cliché.  Unfortunately I'm not
aware of any system such as Pantone that can be applied to metal finishing
- at least for lowly phono plebs.  It would be great to match my tonearm
to a standard, get its code and have a finish replicated for it
chemically.

I have seen other options via a few cursory and early searches, but my
query to the group was in the hope that someone might have a
recommendation based on experience, even if negative.  Of course I'm
always keen to experiment for the sake of continuing the knowledge of our
hobby  (as I know you know Ron from those funny posts of mine on MOCAPS-
laughing at not with me - regarding my trying to grow cactus for needles
here in MA).  This last venture out into terra incognita however, was a
little further into hostile territory than I normally prefer to endure.
That's why I was hoping others out there might have had at least some
cursory experience for me to explore further.  A few pennies lost or in
vain is one thing, I don't enjoy risking my person.

Speaking of risks to health, are there any chemists out there who could
chime in with any information on what to avoid?  While I don't think we
have a hall of martyrs for the preservation and restorations of things
phonographic, I'd hate to be the one to inaugurate its building, lol.

Arvin


On 6/25/13 10:49 PM, Ron L'Herault lhera...@bu.edu wrote:

Seems to me Caswell sells/sold a real gold plate kit too.  The problem
with
Gold, and nickel too, but not as bad, is that it is hard to match gold
colors.  A little difference in karat amount or a few different other
chemicals and you have a different gold color, greener, yellower,
whatever.
Have you tried googling home electroplating kits or brush plating kits?

Ron L

-Original Message-
From: phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org [mailto:phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org]
On
Behalf Of Arvin Casas
Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2013 12:50 PM
To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
Subject: [Phono-L] Home Plating Recommendations?

Hello All,

I hope your summers have all started off well!

I was wondering if any of you had any recommendations for home plating?
(No, that is not some variation on getting on base on a first date, but in
regards to metal plate finishing as can be done at home.)

Always the willing guinea pig for our hobby, I tried the Caswell Plug N'
Plate system and had some success with their Nickel product, but only
so-so
success with their faux Gold.  (When I tried contacting their customer
service to troubleshoot, the owner came off as a bit emotionally
incendiary in his replies to a newbie, so I decided it's not worth me
continuing to experiment or use their products.)

Are there any other possible approaches or solutions?  I have a few gold
plated pieces that have suffered some damage over the years prior to my
coming into them, and I was hoping, short of sending them out (which I
believe is priced per pound), to see if there was something I could try at
home on the few pieces that I have that need restoration / preservation.
I
recall reading about home-brewed tank solutions (mixing gold chloride
etc.,.
using batteries), but can't recall where (or if they worked).

Any recommendations?

Thanks!

Arvin


___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org


___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

[Phono-L] Columbia Viva-Tonal Portable Info Needed

[Arvin Casas]

Hello All,

I happened to pick up a Columbia Viva-Tonal 130 portable and was wondering
if anyone had any knowledge of this series?  Robert Baumbach's book makes
no mention of this model line.

I have a 160 and a 161, as well as the UK 202, but this US made 130 is an
odd one.  As best as I can see, there are elements of early Columbia
designs as well as later (which I'll list below).  I don't think I can
rely on the series number 130 to place its production.

Does anyone know more about these?  I'm curious to know when this was
released so I can restore it more precisely.  I am missing its reproducer,
for example.

Thanks,

Arvin


Columbia Viva-Tonal 130 Portable Observations


Early Columbia Portable Elements
* Brass Needle Cup / Drawer
* Rotary dial speed control
* Auto stop / manual brake mechanism tied into start lever in the manner
of the floor model Viva-Tonals (not the later UK portable design)
* Velvet turntable covering


Later Columbia Portable Elements
* Thin swan neck tonearm with male connection for female reproducer (I
have a late model HMV 23 from the UK that fits)
* Rubber / cloth molded coated inside horn

Unknown-Time Columbia Portable Elements
* No circlip but a locking spindle cap / hex nut.

-- next part --
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: photo 1[2].JPG
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 130826 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: 
http://oldcrank.org/pipermail/phono-l/attachments/20130515/5c787e81/attachment.jpe
___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

[Phono-L] Weird things to do just for a part.

[Arvin Casas]

Hi All,

I have a weird question.  In the process of restoring or acquiring pieces
for your phonographs, have sellers asked you to do odd things beyond
cutting a check?

I'm trying to restore my Columbia-Kolster Viva-Tonal 950 and found a guy on
youtube who has a speaker that matches what my 950 used to have.

I contacted the seller, we negotiated a price.  I tried to send him payment
through my bank's electronic system (kinda like Paypal but not so many fees)
but he said he had been ripped off that way and refused payment.

Complying with his wishes, I was in the midst of cutting him a paper check
(this time written by my bank and delivered by courier) when he backed out
saying the whole thing was fishy.

This seller, Gary in Wisconsin, now wants me to shoot my own youtube video
showing me and my 950 to prove that I exist. It's a little more than I'm
comfortable doing.

(Despite the fact that I'm often compared to Cary Grant, I'm not
particularly fond of videoing myself and posting them publicly.)

Gary says all the radio people do it, so I should too.

Has anybody else been put through the wringer like this just for a part?
Those of you who cross dabble with Radios, do you often video yourself on
youtube?

My faith in humanity was sucker punched by this weirdness.  Just wondering
what others think and what other stories people might like to share, odd,
weird, or otherwise.

Best Wishes from Massachusetts!

Arvin


___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

Re: [Phono-L] Weird things to do just for a part.

[Arvin Casas]

I considered hosting a video on my website in a password protected
directory but then I thought it's a long way to go to prove I exist.

I fully understand not wanting to get ripped off because it's incredibly
easy these days, but at some point you have to take that Indiana Jones
leap of faith.

What struck me as odd was that even a cleared check was not enough.
YouTube ergo Sum. :)

Part of me is just sad it's come to this.  I've met some great phono pholk
here and on other virtual meeting grounds and at no time did I really
question who folks said they were (maybe some iffy advice, but not their
existence!).  That's why I was wondering If this odd little war story of
mine has any corollary or precedence with the good fellows here.  It's a
bit more than just promising to mow your grumpy neighbor's lawn for a
summer just to get a peek at his 78's, lol.

C'est La Vie

Arvin


On 5/8/13 5:09 PM, Ron L'Herault lhera...@bu.edu wrote:

Boy, this Gary guy seems a bit paranoid.  He could always wait for the
check
to clear before sending the speaker.   OTOH, I think you can post private
video to Youtube.   You'd send the link to Gary and tell him to let you
know
when he'd seen it.  Then you could remove it, I would think.

Ron L

-Original Message-
From: phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org [mailto:phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org]
On
Behalf Of Arvin Casas
Sent: Wednesday, May 08, 2013 2:58 PM
To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
Subject: [Phono-L] Weird things to do just for a part.

Hi All,

I have a weird question.  In the process of restoring or acquiring pieces
for your phonographs, have sellers asked you to do odd things beyond
cutting a check?

I'm trying to restore my Columbia-Kolster Viva-Tonal 950 and found a guy
on
youtube who has a speaker that matches what my 950 used to have.

I contacted the seller, we negotiated a price.  I tried to send him
payment
through my bank's electronic system (kinda like Paypal but not so many
fees)
but he said he had been ripped off that way and refused payment.

Complying with his wishes, I was in the midst of cutting him a paper check
(this time written by my bank and delivered by courier) when he backed out
saying the whole thing was fishy.

This seller, Gary in Wisconsin, now wants me to shoot my own youtube video
showing me and my 950 to prove that I exist. It's a little more than I'm
comfortable doing.

(Despite the fact that I'm often compared to Cary Grant, I'm not
particularly fond of videoing myself and posting them publicly.)

Gary says all the radio people do it, so I should too.

Has anybody else been put through the wringer like this just for a part?
Those of you who cross dabble with Radios, do you often video yourself on
youtube?

My faith in humanity was sucker punched by this weirdness.  Just wondering
what others think and what other stories people might like to share, odd,
weird, or otherwise.

Best Wishes from Massachusetts!

Arvin


___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org


___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

Re: [Phono-L] Weird things to do just for a part.

[Arvin Casas]

That's an interesting thought.  When we were discussing price I finally
offered him 3x what he paid for (he mentions the price he found it for in
his video).  He had originally asked for 4x.  Oddly he settled on $5 LESS
than my final offer.  I wonder if he wants his $5?  He had already
calculated shipping before he said his price (based on my Zip Code which I
gave him with my ENTIRE address) so I don't think he is balking due to
shipping, I hope.

He did say he also wanted video proof to track my use of the part in my
restoration.  I can understand a reluctance to sell a whole unit to a chop
shop, but this is a part - an old, quite heavy speaker.  I don't plan on
repurposing the cone as a birthday hat and the metal for a door stop.

It's the weirdest buy I've encountered.  If anything, if I ever end up
with the piece, it'll be the highlight of my restoration tour!



On 5/8/13 7:00 PM, Vinyl Visions vinyl.visi...@live.com wrote:

Arvin,I have bought numerous things on eBay from all over the world, with
no real problems, except one. I didn't want to use PayPal and offered to
send cash or a money order drawn on a reputable bank. I know eBay frowns
on this practice, but I hate to have the seller pay more fees to use
PayPal and I have sent cash to sellers in Germany, Australia, Great
Britain, the USA and fortunately have not been ripped off by a seller.
The seller acted like this one and said it sounded fishy... I said how
could it be fishy if I send you cash or a money order and you wait until
you get paid to send me the item - she said she didn't trust money
orders. That being said, I am the one taking the risk - she gets paid
cash or a money order and I am trusting that she would send the part. I
understand that money orders can be forged, but not if she takes it to
her bank, deposits it and waits 7-10 days for it to clear, which I had no
problem with. What I finally figured out, was that she was not
  happy with the price it sold for and couldn't think of any other reason
to back out... This may be your problem with this seller, since he
refused your payment. He probably asked someone else about it and they
advised him that he was selling it too cheap. Could this be your issue?

 Date: Wed, 8 May 2013 17:52:20 -0400
 From: it...@arvincasas.com
 To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
 Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Weird things to do just for a part.
 
 I considered hosting a video on my website in a password protected
 directory but then I thought it's a long way to go to prove I exist.
 
 I fully understand not wanting to get ripped off because it's incredibly
 easy these days, but at some point you have to take that Indiana Jones
 leap of faith.
 
 What struck me as odd was that even a cleared check was not enough.
 YouTube ergo Sum. :)
 
 Part of me is just sad it's come to this.  I've met some great phono
pholk
 here and on other virtual meeting grounds and at no time did I really
 question who folks said they were (maybe some iffy advice, but not their
 existence!).  That's why I was wondering If this odd little war story
of
 mine has any corollary or precedence with the good fellows here.  It's a
 bit more than just promising to mow your grumpy neighbor's lawn for a
 summer just to get a peek at his 78's, lol.
 
 C'est La Vie
 
 Arvin
 
 
 On 5/8/13 5:09 PM, Ron L'Herault lhera...@bu.edu wrote:
 
 Boy, this Gary guy seems a bit paranoid.  He could always wait for the
 check
 to clear before sending the speaker.   OTOH, I think you can post
private
 video to Youtube.   You'd send the link to Gary and tell him to let you
 know
 when he'd seen it.  Then you could remove it, I would think.
 
 Ron L
 
 -Original Message-
 From: phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org
[mailto:phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org]
 On
 Behalf Of Arvin Casas
 Sent: Wednesday, May 08, 2013 2:58 PM
 To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
 Subject: [Phono-L] Weird things to do just for a part.
 
 Hi All,
 
 I have a weird question.  In the process of restoring or acquiring
pieces
 for your phonographs, have sellers asked you to do odd things beyond
 cutting a check?
 
 I'm trying to restore my Columbia-Kolster Viva-Tonal 950 and found a
guy
 on
 youtube who has a speaker that matches what my 950 used to have.
 
 I contacted the seller, we negotiated a price.  I tried to send him
 payment
 through my bank's electronic system (kinda like Paypal but not so many
 fees)
 but he said he had been ripped off that way and refused payment.
 
 Complying with his wishes, I was in the midst of cutting him a paper
check
 (this time written by my bank and delivered by courier) when he backed
out
 saying the whole thing was fishy.
 
 This seller, Gary in Wisconsin, now wants me to shoot my own youtube
video
 showing me and my 950 to prove that I exist. It's a little more than
I'm
 comfortable doing.
 
 (Despite the fact that I'm often compared to Cary Grant, I'm not
 particularly fond of videoing myself and posting them publicly.)
 
 Gary says all the radio people do it, so I should too

[Phono-L] Victor Portable V-2-55 - Inner Paint Recommendations

[Arvin Casas]

Hello All Phonograph Gurus and Aficionados,

I recently picked up a Victor orthophonic portable, the VV-2-55.  It's
structurally and mechanically sound with the outer / inner fabrokoid in good
shape (record pocket, turntable, etc.,), but the rest of the inner case
needs aesthetic attention, most notably the paint on the motor board and
tonearm.

The bronze color on mine has many blackened areas which could be dirt or
just worn off paint.  The yellow brassy-gold paint of the reproducer and
tonearm could use some touch-up as well.

Has any body repainted theirs?  Any recommendations on paints and materials?
I know one site believes these originally had crackle gold paint inside
(which I see in one tiny spot), but I don't think I want to restore it to
that level of bling.   The old bronze look is fine by me.

I've dabbled in the dry metallic finishes found in art / craft stores,
including the faux silver foils you apply like gold and silver foil (I've
used it as make-do chrome on screw heads).  They also make a dry powder you
can mix with a liquid or brush on dry and seal.  I don't know if that would
be a viable option vs regular old metallic paints.

Any cleaning or painting recommendations would be welcome.

Thanks,

Arvin




___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

Re: [Phono-L] abefed...@gmail.com wants to follow you. Accept?

[Arvin Casas]

I think to be safe, should any of these pop up (and they will, especially
as this list, with messages, easy to decipher email addresses, etc., is
archived on the web and can be indexed and crawled by Google and worse -
spam bots), you should clip out the offending links in your reply if you
wish to warn folks.

The more a link is quoted in replies, the more the bad stuff continues
to live another minute, to catch another unsuspecting or accidental click.

Arvin


On 4/16/13 2:29 AM, Mike Stitt smst...@gmail.com wrote:

We are replying and warning, not forwarding?
Mike


On Mon, Apr 15, 2013 at 10:13 PM, Rich rich-m...@octoxol.com wrote:

 So, why keep forwarding the bad link? Trim

 On 04/15/2013 10:37 PM, Mike Stitt wrote:

 I use WOT and it all lit up red.No, no no...
 Oldcranky


 On Mon, Apr 15, 2013 at 8:02 PM, Andrew Barona...@popyrus.com  wrote:

  snip.
 __**_
 Phono-L mailing list
 http://phono-l.org

___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org


___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

Re: [Phono-L] JICO Eagle Steel Needles?

[Arvin Casas]

Thanks Greg.  I was admittedly complacent, picking my way through the
translation, but this is much easier on the eyes / brain. :-)  I see the
steel needles are rated at around 5 sides. That would be useful for a few
muti-side classical pieces.

It also makes things easier when you're trying end a house party by putting
on your Gold Seal repeater and The Okeh Laughing Record.  ;-)

I've ordered a tin to give it a try.  We'll see how they fare, or if my
tester 78 is reduced to dust.

On the converse of that, I also saw for sale in Japan, a vintage needle
sharpening record.  Was anything like that ever attempted in the West?  I
wasn't sure if it was meant for steel or fiber.  Clever as it might be
though, I wouldn't want to be around to hear a needle being sharpened in
rich booming orthophonic sound, ;-)

Arvin



On 4/11/13 5:12 AM, Greg Bogantz gbogan...@charter.net wrote:

 Well, silly me, I should have known that Google is my friend.  A little
 poking around the internet yields this English language site that describes
 the various JICO styli available directly from Japan:
 
 http://stylus.export-japan.com/
 
 And the deluxe S.A.S. models are also available from LP Gear:
 
 http://www.lpgear.com/category/JICO.html
 
 Greg Bogantz
 
 
 
 - Original Message -
 From: Greg Bogantz gbogan...@charter.net
 To: Antique Phonograph List phono-l@oldcrank.org
 Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 9:06 PM
 Subject: Re: [Phono-L] JICO Eagle Steel Needles?
 
 
 What interests me is that this company has a fairly complete line of
  what appear to be good quality replacement styli for modern stereo
  cartridges.  Considering that Stanton and Shure do NOT make replacement
  styli for their premium models anymore, I wonder if anybody is importing
  these from JICO.  I don't see any indication that there is an
  English-friendly website equivalent to the Japanese one, so I can't
  decipher much of the technical imformation.  But the pictures and the
  smattering of English on the site indicates that they have Shibata or
  quadrahedral line-contact types available for the Audio Technica and
  Stanton lines, and the nearly impossible to find Micro-Ridge styli for
  the Shure models as indicated by the MR in their model numbers.   Decoding
  the prices in yen for these models, they aren't cheap but the fact that
  they are available at all is a revelation.  I'd sure like to find out more
  about these.
 
  Greg Bogantz
 
 
  - Original Message -
  From: Arvin Casas it...@arvincasas.com
  To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
  Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 8:09 PM
  Subject: [Phono-L] JICO Eagle Steel Needles?
 
 
  Hi All,
 
  I happened to run across these needles and was curious to see if anybody
  had
  any experiences with them?  These are modern antique phonograph needles
  made
  in Japan by a precision jewelry manufacturer called JICO.  The company,
  aside from precision jewelry bits, apparently makes styli for the retro
  hi-fi / audiophile market.
 
  In keeping with the recent trend/interest in Japan in antique phonographs
  (some may have seen the hobby kits coming out of Japan allowing you to
  build
  your own Edison, or other mechanically powered model gramophones),
  JICO
  is making carbon steel acoustic phonograph needles called Eagle.
 
  http://jico.co.jp/product/
  http://shop.jico.co.jp/accessories/
 
  I can't read Japanese, but from what I can decipher via my Google
  translation plug-in, these Eagle carbon steel needles are designed for
  8-10 plays.  They even package them in 50's style Japanese tins (modern
  graphics, but old style, sliding cover tins).
 
  Has anybody had a chance to try these?  I know very well we have
  contemporary US and European needle manufacturers, but this is the first
  I've seen of some coming out of Asia and not in a knock-off or
  counterfeit
  vein.  These are being made via hi-end Japan, not the darkened alleys of
  China or India.
 
  If anything, a curious FYI.  The quest for multiplay needles, the sequel.
  :-)
 
  Arvin
 
 
  ___
  Phono-L mailing list
  http://phono-l.org
 
  ___
  Phono-L mailing list
  http://phono-l.org
 
 ___
 Phono-L mailing list
 http://phono-l.org
 


___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

[Phono-L] Columbia-Kolster 950 - Radio Phonograph Combination

[Arvin Casas]

Hi All, 

I recently picked up a Columbia-Kolster 950, a Radio - Phonograph
Combination piece embedded inside a secretary (i.e., a desk - not a
human!).  It seems to have been bouncing about for some time in my region
(New England) before I rescued it from an oddly forgetful seller's
disgruntled girlfriend (a very unnecessarily long story).

The desk as furniture is rather nice - it's a traditional secretary with a
built in hutch above.  The secret of this secretary is the main drawer
which actually holds the phonograph.  From what I can gather the
industrial looking GE motor is intact, as well as all the wires -
involving the motor and the electric pickup (with its volume knob in
place).  I only brought it home Saturday evening and have yet to truly get
inside things.

Sadly the phonograph is all that remains of this unit.  All during the
courtship process of buying, the seller insisted that everything was
intact including the amplifier and speaker, yet admitted that I don't
know anything about these things.  As you would predict with such kinds
of hyperbolic, bi-polar sales pitches, this was not the case.  I noticed
quite loudly upon inspecting the piece in the freezer-cold room of the
storage facility, that these two key components were nowhere to be found.
The disgruntled girlfriend, who had been roused from sleep to meet us
after the appointment had been forgotten by the seller, was happy to let
us cart it away for a fair, adjusted sum.

If I can get the phonograph working again on its own, I may try connecting
the pickup wires to an amplifier.   Ideally, but perhaps with less
probability of success, I would love to restore this to something close to
the original (if not the original itself).  Does anyone here know what
once lived north of the phonograph in these late 1920's hybrids ?  All I
have is an empty cupboard, so to speak, so I don't even have a visual
reference of what was once there.  Is it possible to approximate the
original via Kolster radio components of the same specifications?  If so,
what might those specs be?

Even if it sits idle as a desk I'm happy to have it.  I feel like it's a
nice bridge piece to have in my Columbia collection, between the worlds
of mechanical and electric.

Thanks,

Arvin


___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

Re: [Phono-L] Columbia-Kolster 950 - Radio Phonograph Combination

[Arvin Casas]

Thanks Ron - Can you shoot me his info off list?


On 4/8/13 11:22 AM, Ron L'Herault lhera...@bu.edu wrote:

And I know a fellow in Georgia who does a great job restoring the pickups.
He's done a Vic and a Columbia for me.

Ronald L'Herault

Lab Supervisor, Biomaterials Division
B.U. School of Dental Medicine
801 Albany Street S203
Roxbury, MA 02119




-Original Message-
From: phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org [mailto:phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org]
On
Behalf Of ba...@barrykasindorf.com
Sent: Monday, April 08, 2013 10:10 AM
To: Antique Phonograph List
Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Columbia-Kolster 950 - Radio Phonograph Combination

Hi
I have a 950 that is complete for sale. And Roman in CT has one he got
from
me.

-Barry


- Reply message -
From: Arvin Casas it...@arvincasas.com
To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
Subject: [Phono-L] Columbia-Kolster 950 - Radio Phonograph Combination
Date: Mon, Apr 8, 2013 8:46 am


Hi All, 

I recently picked up a Columbia-Kolster 950, a Radio - Phonograph
Combination piece embedded inside a secretary (i.e., a desk - not a
human!).  It seems to have been bouncing about for some time in my region
(New England) before I rescued it from an oddly forgetful seller's
disgruntled girlfriend (a very unnecessarily long story).

The desk as furniture is rather nice - it's a traditional secretary with a
built in hutch above.  The secret of this secretary is the main drawer
which
actually holds the phonograph.  From what I can gather the industrial
looking GE motor is intact, as well as all the wires - involving the motor
and the electric pickup (with its volume knob in place).  I only brought
it
home Saturday evening and have yet to truly get inside things.

Sadly the phonograph is all that remains of this unit.  All during the
courtship process of buying, the seller insisted that everything was
intact including the amplifier and speaker, yet admitted that I don't
know
anything about these things.  As you would predict with such kinds of
hyperbolic, bi-polar sales pitches, this was not the case.  I noticed
quite
loudly upon inspecting the piece in the freezer-cold room of the storage
facility, that these two key components were nowhere to be found.
The disgruntled girlfriend, who had been roused from sleep to meet us
after
the appointment had been forgotten by the seller, was happy to let us cart
it away for a fair, adjusted sum.

If I can get the phonograph working again on its own, I may try connecting
the pickup wires to an amplifier.   Ideally, but perhaps with less
probability of success, I would love to restore this to something close to
the original (if not the original itself).  Does anyone here know what
once
lived north of the phonograph in these late 1920's hybrids ?  All I have
is
an empty cupboard, so to speak, so I don't even have a visual reference of
what was once there.  Is it possible to approximate the original via
Kolster
radio components of the same specifications?  If so, what might those
specs
be?

Even if it sits idle as a desk I'm happy to have it.  I feel like it's a
nice bridge piece to have in my Columbia collection, between the worlds
of
mechanical and electric.

Thanks,

Arvin


___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org
___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org


___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

Re: [Phono-L] Columbia-Kolster 950 - Radio Phonograph Combination

[Arvin Casas]

Thanks Bill!  Your photos were very helpful.

Arvin

On 4/8/13 10:18 AM, William Zucca rochr...@gmail.com wrote:

Dear Arvin:

I have a Columbia-Kolster 940 and have taken pictures of it for you.  Are
pictures allowed on this list?  I don't think so.  So if you send me your
personal e-mail address, I will attach the pictures.

Regards,
Green Mountain Bill


On Mon, Apr 8, 2013 at 8:46 AM, Arvin Casas it...@arvincasas.com wrote:

 Hi All,

 I recently picked up a Columbia-Kolster 950, a Radio - Phonograph
 Combination piece embedded inside a secretary (i.e., a desk - not a
 human!).  It seems to have been bouncing about for some time in my
region
 (New England) before I rescued it from an oddly forgetful seller's
 disgruntled girlfriend (a very unnecessarily long story).

 The desk as furniture is rather nice - it's a traditional secretary
with a
 built in hutch above.  The secret of this secretary is the main drawer
 which actually holds the phonograph.  From what I can gather the
 industrial looking GE motor is intact, as well as all the wires -
 involving the motor and the electric pickup (with its volume knob in
 place).  I only brought it home Saturday evening and have yet to truly
get
 inside things.

 Sadly the phonograph is all that remains of this unit.  All during the
 courtship process of buying, the seller insisted that everything was
 intact including the amplifier and speaker, yet admitted that I don't
 know anything about these things.  As you would predict with such kinds
 of hyperbolic, bi-polar sales pitches, this was not the case.  I noticed
 quite loudly upon inspecting the piece in the freezer-cold room of the
 storage facility, that these two key components were nowhere to be
found.
 The disgruntled girlfriend, who had been roused from sleep to meet us
 after the appointment had been forgotten by the seller, was happy to let
 us cart it away for a fair, adjusted sum.

 If I can get the phonograph working again on its own, I may try
connecting
 the pickup wires to an amplifier.   Ideally, but perhaps with less
 probability of success, I would love to restore this to something close
to
 the original (if not the original itself).  Does anyone here know what
 once lived north of the phonograph in these late 1920's hybrids ?  All I
 have is an empty cupboard, so to speak, so I don't even have a visual
 reference of what was once there.  Is it possible to approximate the
 original via Kolster radio components of the same specifications?  If
so,
 what might those specs be?

 Even if it sits idle as a desk I'm happy to have it.  I feel like it's a
 nice bridge piece to have in my Columbia collection, between the
worlds
 of mechanical and electric.

 Thanks,

 Arvin


 ___
 Phono-L mailing list
 http://phono-l.org




-- 
From The Hubbard House
On the park in Rochester, Vermont
where it's always 1929.
___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org


___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

Re: [Phono-L] Amberola III saga on EBay - an update with a twist

[Arvin Casas]

I believe it's back on eBay?  http://r.ebay.com/THp5oe

If this is it, I take it eBay didn't mind her canceling the won part
auctions?  


On 3/25/13 2:42 PM, Peter Fraser pjfra...@mac.com wrote:

Well since it's already disassembled, the buyer will hopefully make sure
it gets shipped that way!

She originally told me (in all caps - i thought canucks are polite?) that
she was parting it out because shipping the whole thing was too
complicated. Disassembly has hopefully eased that.



Sent from my iPhone

-- Peter
pjfra...@mac.com

On Mar 25, 2013, at 10:52 AM, Jim Nichol jnic...@fuse.net wrote:

 I also assume that the phono will be severely damaged in shipment, due
to lack of concern of the seller.
 
 Jim Nichol
 
 On Mar 25, 2013, at 1:35 PM, Andrew Baron a...@popyrus.com wrote:
 
 I was afraid of this.  I understood Al's intention in notifying the
seller of what they were doing -- no one could have anticipated that
this seller wouldn't honor the seller/buyer contracts -- but I was
instantly worried that the seller, once alerted to the true value,
would do something underhanded, again.
 
 Greed unfortunately rarely has boundaries.
 
 If there's a silver lining, it may be that the machine is put back
together and sold intact.  I can already picture the damaged screw
slots and dings in the wood from the slip of a screwdriver.
 
 Andrew Baron
 Santa Fe
 
 On Mar 25, 2013, at 2:37 AM, Anil Menon wrote:
 
 I know this has been an emotional and heated issue for many of us on
this board and on the ATM forum. Some of you know that after
discussions with Al, George and Rene, I decided to save the
Amberola. After several efforts to buy the machine outright and
offering and getting rebuffed on a 3,500 dollar offer in my second
effort, I decided to go after all 7 items. The seller, Leilani Gillard
from Peachland, BC, said to me what she told others on this forum,
namely, if you win all items, I will give you the cabinet and
everything else that came with the machine. Well, I won 5 of the
items, lost the horn to a bidder from Australia, and the lid went
unsold. I offered to buy the lid and pay for the rest. The seller came
back with a new offer of an additional 500 dollars for the cabinet.
I replied firmly no way and asked her to meet her commitment.
 
 And, well, in the catgegory of a never ending saga, here is a new
twist on the Amberoa III. Now, she has come back saying that she is
canceling all of the 7 bids and relisting as entire machine...see her
principled stance below! What a scream! I guess she wants to get a
higher return than what she got...this is adding stupidity on top of
greed?
 
 Enjoy the read below:-) Anil
 
 Dear 
 
 I am going to cancel all the auction you won and realist the machine
as one unite. I hope you understand . I already told the guy who won
the horn i wasn't going to sell it. I will give you your refund back.
I hope you understand i am just doing the right thing. It not about
the money now. Regards Lelani
 
 - peachland250
 
 
 ___
 Phono-L mailing list
 http://phono-l.org
 
 ___
 Phono-L mailing list
 http://phono-l.org
 
 ___
 Phono-L mailing list
 http://phono-l.org
___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org


___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

[Phono-L] Older Grafonola Auto Stop

[Arvin Casas]

Phono List Friends,

A newbie question / request.  I was wondering if anyone out there is
familiar enough with the older Columbia Grafonolas to help me with my 75's
auto stop?  

My 75, when the switch is engaged below the platter, stops arbitrarily
during play.  I've no idea if this is par for this older system or if there
is anything I can do to tweak and set the brake properly.

I've read and have followed what little documentation exists, and it is
still unclear to me how to get this to work, at least in the way I interpret
it should.  I recognize the mechanism was later improved (e.g., the
Viva-Tonal auto stop), but I don't know how well (or poorly) I can expect
this ancestor to function.

Please feel free to contact me / consult off list as I'm not sure this would
be of great interest to the majority of the Phono Listers.

Thanks!

Arvin


___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

[Phono-L] Go-To Recording for Testing a New Machine / Reproducer

[Arvin Casas]

Hi All,

I was wondering if folks have a favorite recording they reach for (or
require) when they are testing the chops of a new machine or a new/repaired
reproducer?

If you have one, why?  I'm interested in reasons technical (e.g., wide
frequency / volume variation) to personal (e.g., it's you post-repair good
luck charm, you like it enough that you don't mind hearing it over and over,
you know it so well that you know when it's the machine and not the record
underperforming, etc.,).

I'm fine tuning my Viva-Tonal reproducers and was just curious if folks had
certain obstacle course recordings they rely on for testing/inaugurating
their equipment.  I have none right now and am always looking for an excuse
to pick up some shellac. :-)

Thanks,

Arvin


___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

[Phono-L] Interesting Sharpener for Cactus / Thorn Needles

[Arvin Casas]

Hi All,

I just spotted this interesting take on the rotary cactus/thorn needle
sharpener.  It's from the Yahoo Auctions section in Japan:

http://page18.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/w83786020

Just wondering if folks have seen this before?  Is it new?  A reproduction?
Is it a kit? 

I don't speak Japanese so I have to rely on a google browser plug-in
translation, which is probably terrible.

 It may be a little overkil, but I just like its presentation.  I'm not at
liberty to drop 30,000 yen though.

Curioser and curioser,

Arvin



___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

Re: [Phono-L] Crisis of victrola conscience

[Arvin Casas]

John,

I'm inclined to agree with Tim.  She is looking to buy something you don't
have.  Point her to the crapophones on eBay and educate her as to why
yours is different or even better.  She might come to understand that the
trend she's chasing, design or retro-chic, is flawed.

Then again he might not.

I say let your conscience be your guide (cue up some Ukulele Ike if it
helps).  You are already having hesitations for valid reasons.  I wouldn't
negate those feelings.

Keep in mind, Craigslist shoppers aren't normally the buying audience that
appreciates quality or history over price.  Many aren't very bright (I say
this having procured a few machines on CL, haha).  You would be abhorred
to have someone tell you that they had plans to use your Victrola as an
ipod dock, firewood, or gut it out for use as a coffin.

I referred to it as your Victrola for a reason: it still is.  While you
have no right to determine the machine's fate after your time with it
ends, she had every right to keep her intentions to herself.  As it is
still yours, you still have a say about the machine's fate.  Your
custodianship hasn't run out yet - not until you've made the sale.

Afterwards, it's gone; you have no control sadly and have to bid it adieu
(perhaps if you're lucky, auf wiedersehen).  If you can let it go
imagining the worst, then proceed.  If not, wait.  The right buyer will
come along.

Or at least one that will keep his or her mouth shut.

Arvin

My $.02 - spend them or leave them in the take a penny dish.


On 2/7/13 9:33 AM, john robles john9...@pacbell.net wrote:

Hello all
I have a mahogany Victrola VI for sale on Craigslist. A woman has been
making 
serious inquiries on it. Her first question: Does it have a bracket and
horn? I 
said no and I explained that Victrolas have the horns on the inside
behind the 
doors. She writes back and says A bracket, elbow and horn would amplify
the 
sound. Where are you located?. I said that adding those items to this
machine 
would make it a fake, something it was never meant to be. My dilemma? I
want to 
sell the machine, and I have had very little response. She's the first
serious 
one. But I am concerned that if I sell to her she will mangle it. After
almost 
100 years of life, I don't want to be the one that sells it to Dr
Frankenstein.
Or am I just being too sentimental? I've sold lots of phonos in my time,
and I 
don't know what happened to them after I sold them. I'd like to hear your
opinions!
John Robles

___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

[Phono-L] Columbia Phonograph Companion Volume II

[Arvin Casas]

Hello All,

My recent attempt to purchase a copy of The Columbia Phonograph Companion
Volume II has ended in failure.  I went to the effort of buying through
Amazon UK through a now-known-to-me shady seller.  Thankfully I was able to
get my cool hundred or so back!

My adventures in the underworld over, I was wondering if any good folk out
there happen to have an extra copy of Mr Baumbach's out-of-print opus?  I've
tried scouring sources far and wide, from the office of the good author to
used book dealers to, as evidenced above, the darkened alleys of Amazon
marketplace UK, but apparently out-of-print means in my case, removed
from the face of the earth.  :O

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Not giving up yet! :)

Arvin




___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

Re: [Phono-L] Advice Sought: cleaning, restoring, and preserving portable phono case material

[Arvin Casas]

Sounds like quite a job Curt!  Glad you brought yours back from the edge.

I'd say mine is about 90% ok.  The rexine used on the case has a nice faux
wood grain embossed into it and decorative florals on the corners, but the
black color has dried and faded over time to a grayish blue.  I think
using some sort of coloring like shoe polish will help restore and protect.

It does have a few age tears / holes from wear and honest living which
expose the underlying light colored weave of the rexine. That 10% hole
damage is randomly spread about the case and makes it look like, er, it
had suffered an attack from a flock of well-fed birds.  ;)

I'll look into the liquid electrical tape - it's sounds like a great way
to patch! I'll give it a try, embossing as needed with some wrinkled
aluminum foil to impress some grain onto the patches.  Will the liquid
accept it or will it flex back?

Arvin


On 2/1/13 8:50 PM, Vinyl Visions vinyl.visi...@live.com wrote:

Hi Arvin,It kind of depends on the condition of the material on your
portable. I restored a Viva-Tonal last year that had been abused. The
material had holes in it that were duct taped over and it was a challenge
getting it back to presentable condition. If it just needs to be cleaned
- no problem. Soap and water or spray on bathroom cleaner will get the
grime off. If it has small tears or holes and is black in color, I found
that liquid electrical tape (get it at Home Depot or Lowes in the
electrical dept.) will fill and seal holes and tears and match pretty
close to the original material. Mine was a problem, since it had padding
under the covering and had large tears and cuts. For that, I cut off the
material from the bottom and removed the padding leaving an inch or so
around the edges, which I then glued down. I went to a fabric shop and
got some similar material which I glued to some 3/16 plywood that I cut
to the shape of the bottom of the case. Then, I screwed the material
covered plywood to the bottom and added some feet, which worked out
pretty good. So, again, current condition is the key to what needs to be
done to get it back to presentable. Some people may have been tempted to
scrap mine, which looked really rough, but a little time and creativity
brought it back to a state where it can be enjoyed and cosmetically it
looks good. Being a Viva-Tonal makes it worth the time to restore it,
since the sound quality is excellent...Curt

 Date: Fri, 1 Feb 2013 19:35:07 -0500
 From: aca...@spamcop.net
 To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
 Subject: [Phono-L] Advice Sought: cleaning, restoring, and preserving
portable phono case material
 
 Hi All,
 
 How would you go about cleaning, restoring/repairing, and preserving the
 outer case material of a portable phonograph?  I have just recently
come by
 a U.K. Portable Columbia Viva-Tonal.
 
 I've heard of using water with a splash of Dawn to clean off grime, shoe
 polish to restore color, and then sometimes shellac / clear polyfinish
as an
 additional seal (and to lock down loose, torn, and frayed fabric).
 
 Does that sound about right or are there more preferred alternatives?
 
 Thanks!
 
 Arvin
 
 
 ___
 Phono-L mailing list
 http://phono-l.org
 

___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

[Phono-L] Advice Sought: cleaning, restoring, and preserving portable phono case material

[Arvin Casas]

Hi All,

How would you go about cleaning, restoring/repairing, and preserving the
outer case material of a portable phonograph?  I have just recently come by
a U.K. Portable Columbia Viva-Tonal.

I've heard of using water with a splash of Dawn to clean off grime, shoe
polish to restore color, and then sometimes shellac / clear polyfinish as an
additional seal (and to lock down loose, torn, and frayed fabric).

Does that sound about right or are there more preferred alternatives?

Thanks!

Arvin


___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

Re: [Phono-L] Bamboo needles

[Arvin Casas]

On 1/12/13 6:49 PM, chris...@cox.net chris...@cox.net wrote:

How many resharpenings can you get from a single needle?

IMHO, it depends on how aggressively you cut them down, because that's
what you're really doing: cutting vs sharpening - at least with the
tools (I have a hole punch style, Wade #1).  Admittedly I've chopped off
more than I really should and get about 5 cuttings from a single needle
before they are too short to be of any use.  If I was more delicate, I
suppose I could squeeze out a few more.


 What's the difference between a Wade No. 1 and a No. 2 cutter?

I don't know about the #2 Wade but I will be trying out a scissor style
cutter (similar to the Columbia patented cutter) in a few days.  It
may/may not allow for more control over length as the Wade.

The #1 has a guide/feed chute to the cutting blade in which you insert the
needle. Subsequently, it establishes a determined minimum length.  While
helpful in aligning the needle to the blade (for the correct angle of
cut),  it does obstruct the view.  I'm hoping that the scissor style will
allow me to see both ends of the needle better, improving my gauge of the
amount and length to trim.  (I can report on my experience later if folks
care to know.)


 What's Walt Sommers' eBay seller name?

Walt is cyber_tigger


Arvin

___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

Re: [Phono-L] 1927/ Viva Tonal Columbia Felt Colors

[Arvin Casas]

Based on what I see in mine (and its cruder ancestor in my Grafonola 75,
1915), the auto stop is a mechanism that works in conjunction with the
motor via levers - a la the brake/stop/start underneath or above the motor
board.  It is completely outside the sound reproducing system.  It should
not have any connection to / intrusion upon anything from the horn all the
way to the sound box, so it shouldn't contribute to leaks.

Very odd.  What model is yours Jim?  (btw There's a nice 2-page ad on eBay
right now that has photos of the 1927 models, mine is the lowest end and
is only mentioned parenthetically, haha.)  I agree that for Columbia to
omit this in the higher end models (especially if they went to the effort
of using velveteen) is surprising.  Do you see anything under the platter
that might suggest there might once have been an auto stop?



On 1/9/13 1:13 AM, Jim  Cartwright jim...@earthlink.net wrote:

My large Viva-tonal (cabinet larger than Orthophonic Credenza, partially
because doors slide into sides of cabinet)has green velveteen on the
turntable.   After the local repairman sealed the horn  rebuilt the
soundbox it sounds splendid even on late 1930s recordings such as Beecham
conducting  Mozart's Symphony in E-flat with the London Philharmonic.
My
only regret is that it lacks the marvelous non-set automatic stop that
would
cut off at the end of any record.   A surprising lack in this next to top
of
the line model.   Might this have been because it would introduce air
leaks?

 

-Original Message-
From: phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org [mailto:phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org]
On
Behalf Of Arvin Casas
Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2013 9:03 PM
To: Antique Phonograph List
Subject: Re: [Phono-L] 1927/ Viva Tonal Columbia Felt Colors

 

Thanks for the helpful info everyone!  (Apologies for the late reply but I

only subscribe to the digest.)

 

I contacted the youtube poster of the videos that DanKj linked to and

posted on the phonoland board where I'm also a member.

 

Based on the responses from all three sources, it's Green-land for me! :)

I found one tiny oil stained mini-bumper in the cabinet late last night,

once green, so that confirms everyone's input.

 

I ordered a Victor sized green felt replacement from Walt @ Gettysburg and

will trim it down to size.  I have leftovers from a botched turntable job

on a Grafonola I restored a few months ago which I'll use for bumpers.

 

Ron - Interesting about the velvet.  Apparently they used felt early on,

as in my case, but by the 700  800 series Columbia had models with velvet

(I learned this via phonoland.)

 

Does the velvet help make the records sound smoother?  (Just kidding,

though perhaps there's an audiophile who might ardently argue that.)

 

Thanks again all.

 

 

 

 

On 1/7/13 9:52 PM, Ron L'Herault lhera...@bu.edu wrote:

 

My Vivatonals  both have what looks like green velvet on the turntables.

Bumpers look like green felt.

 

Ron L

 

 

On 1/8/13 2:51 AM, DanKj ediso...@verizon.net wrote:

 

  There's a 602 on YooToob, TT  felt visible:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CL4n1HyTfq4

 

___

Phono-L mailing list

http://phono-l.org



___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

Re: [Phono-L] 1927/ Viva Tonal Columbia Felt Colors

[Arvin Casas]

Interesting.  Makes me wonder about the authenticity of my 602 as it does
have the auto stop (unless I'm misunderstanding the NS feature Greg is
talking about).  I've yet to pop the motor board off, but so far
everything looks Columbia (from needle cups, to hinge hardware to
tonearm  reproducer)   How does one know if one has the non-set?  (Newbie
question, so please forgive me.*)

As for the auto stop on my Grafonola 75 (or 85 - the storage system
differentiating the models was missing, but I'm rebuilding one), that has
never really worked as it stops two or three times per record when
engaged via the motor plate switch.  Perhaps mine isn't calibrated
correctly or, as Greg mentions, it's just too difficult to maintain (for
service as well as consumer).

*I finally tracked down the Baumbach book (I had to order from Amazon UK,
shipped from New York!) so hopefully after it flies all over the Atlantic,
I'll have more info - if it's there at all! - and less newbie questions.
:-)



On 1/9/13 6:38 PM, Greg Bogantz gbogan...@charter.net wrote:

I have the models 611, 613, and 810 which do not have the non-set
(NS) 
auto stop feature, and I have never seen any of the VivaTonal models that
included the NS feature.  Checking the Baumbach book Columbia Phonograph
Companion, Vol II I see that the NS feature seems to have begun with the
new line of machines introduced in 1918 and continued thru the New
Columbia series from 1924 to 1926.  But it seems to have been dropped in
the later VivaTonal and electric series of machines.  The NS feature was
somewhat complicated and may have proven difficult to maintain which may
have been the reason that Columbia omitted it in their later models.
They 
used an improved auto-stop feature in the electronic model 920 that was
claimed to work on all types of records, but I have not seen one of these
to 
tell if it is similar to the NS or otherwise how it works.

Greg Bogantz


- Original Message -
From: Arvin Casas aca...@spamcop.net
To: Antique Phonograph List phono-l@oldcrank.org
Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2013 4:27 PM
Subject: Re: [Phono-L] 1927/ Viva Tonal Columbia Felt Colors


 Based on what I see in mine (and its cruder ancestor in my Grafonola 75,
 1915), the auto stop is a mechanism that works in conjunction with the
 motor via levers - a la the brake/stop/start underneath or above the
motor
 board.  It is completely outside the sound reproducing system.  It
should
 not have any connection to / intrusion upon anything from the horn all
the
 way to the sound box, so it shouldn't contribute to leaks.

 Very odd.  What model is yours Jim?  (btw There's a nice 2-page ad on
eBay
 right now that has photos of the 1927 models, mine is the lowest end and
 is only mentioned parenthetically, haha.)  I agree that for Columbia to
 omit this in the higher end models (especially if they went to the
effort
 of using velveteen) is surprising.  Do you see anything under the
platter
 that might suggest there might once have been an auto stop?



 On 1/9/13 1:13 AM, Jim  Cartwright jim...@earthlink.net wrote:

My large Viva-tonal (cabinet larger than Orthophonic Credenza,
partially
because doors slide into sides of cabinet)has green velveteen on the
turntable.   After the local repairman sealed the horn  rebuilt the
soundbox it sounds splendid even on late 1930s recordings such as
Beecham
conducting  Mozart's Symphony in E-flat with the London Philharmonic.
My
only regret is that it lacks the marvelous non-set automatic stop that
would
cut off at the end of any record.   A surprising lack in this next to
top
of
the line model.   Might this have been because it would introduce air
leaks?



-Original Message-
From: phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org [mailto:phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org]
On
Behalf Of Arvin Casas
Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2013 9:03 PM
To: Antique Phonograph List
Subject: Re: [Phono-L] 1927/ Viva Tonal Columbia Felt Colors



Thanks for the helpful info everyone!  (Apologies for the late reply
but I

only subscribe to the digest.)



I contacted the youtube poster of the videos that DanKj linked to and

posted on the phonoland board where I'm also a member.



Based on the responses from all three sources, it's Green-land for me!
:)

I found one tiny oil stained mini-bumper in the cabinet late last night,

once green, so that confirms everyone's input.



I ordered a Victor sized green felt replacement from Walt @ Gettysburg
and

will trim it down to size.  I have leftovers from a botched turntable
job

on a Grafonola I restored a few months ago which I'll use for bumpers.



Ron - Interesting about the velvet.  Apparently they used felt early on,

as in my case, but by the 700  800 series Columbia had models with
velvet

(I learned this via phonoland.)



Does the velvet help make the records sound smoother?  (Just kidding,

though perhaps there's an audiophile who might ardently argue that.)



Thanks again all.









On 1/7/13 9:52 PM, Ron L'Herault lhera

Re: [Phono-L] 1927/ Viva Tonal Columbia Reproducers and Silvertone machines

[Arvin Casas]

Mine is aluminum as well with the cover grill in the same pattern as
I've seen on restored Viva-T's.

How does one ID Columbia reproducers?  I know the older No 6 has it
stamped on back, but what about the others, mica and aluminum?  (Another
newbie question - please bear with me until I get the book!)



On 1/9/13 9:24 PM, Ron L'Herault lhera...@bu.edu wrote:

Both of mine have the aluminum diaphragm reproducer introduced in '26.  I
have not spotted a number designation on them.

Ron L

-Original Message-
From: phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org [mailto:phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org]
On
Behalf Of Steven Medved
Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2013 4:51 PM
To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
Subject: Re: [Phono-L] 1927/ Viva Tonal Columbia Reproducers and
Silvertone
machines


Hello Columbia Viva Tonal owners, What reproducer is found on your
machines?
Is it the Columbia 15A type? Any Silvertone owners of orthophonic machines
out there?  Does anyone have the Silvertone machines sold by Sears in 1927
that look like Victors with different names including the Kenmore?  For
those who want so see what I am talking about I can send a huge file off
list.  This huge file was made by someone else who made copies from the
original catalog.  I believe Wayne made it, what a wonderful catalog for
those who cannot remember 1927 Sears phonographs. Steve   Date: Wed, 9
Jan
2013 16:27:25 -0500
 From: aca...@spamcop.net
 To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
 Subject: Re: [Phono-L] 1927/ Viva Tonal Columbia Felt Colors
 
 Based on what I see in mine (and its cruder ancestor in my Grafonola
 75, 1915), the auto stop is a mechanism that works in conjunction with
 the motor via levers - a la the brake/stop/start underneath or above
 the motor board.  It is completely outside the sound reproducing
 system.  It should not have any connection to / intrusion upon
 anything from the horn all the way to the sound box, so it shouldn't
contribute to leaks.
 
 Very odd.  What model is yours Jim?  (btw There's a nice 2-page ad on
 eBay right now that has photos of the 1927 models, mine is the lowest
 end and is only mentioned parenthetically, haha.)  I agree that for
 Columbia to omit this in the higher end models (especially if they
 went to the effort of using velveteen) is surprising.  Do you see
 anything under the platter that might suggest there might once have been
an auto stop?
 
 
 
 On 1/9/13 1:13 AM, Jim  Cartwright jim...@earthlink.net wrote:
 
 My large Viva-tonal (cabinet larger than Orthophonic Credenza,
 partially because doors slide into sides of cabinet)has green velveteen
on the
 turntable.   After the local repairman sealed the horn  rebuilt the
 soundbox it sounds splendid even on late 1930s recordings such as
 Beecham conducting  Mozart's Symphony in E-flat with the London
Philharmonic.
 My
 only regret is that it lacks the marvelous non-set automatic stop
 that would
 cut off at the end of any record.   A surprising lack in this next to
top
 of
 the line model.   Might this have been because it would introduce air
 leaks?
 
  
 
 -Original Message-
 From: phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org
 [mailto:phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org]
 On
 Behalf Of Arvin Casas
 Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2013 9:03 PM
 To: Antique Phonograph List
 Subject: Re: [Phono-L] 1927/ Viva Tonal Columbia Felt Colors
 
  
 
 Thanks for the helpful info everyone!  (Apologies for the late reply
 but I
 
 only subscribe to the digest.)
 
  
 
 I contacted the youtube poster of the videos that DanKj linked to and
 
 posted on the phonoland board where I'm also a member.
 
  
 
 Based on the responses from all three sources, it's Green-land for
 me! :)
 
 I found one tiny oil stained mini-bumper in the cabinet late last
 night,
 
 once green, so that confirms everyone's input.
 
  
 
 I ordered a Victor sized green felt replacement from Walt @
 Gettysburg and
 
 will trim it down to size.  I have leftovers from a botched turntable
 job
 
 on a Grafonola I restored a few months ago which I'll use for bumpers.
 
  
 
 Ron - Interesting about the velvet.  Apparently they used felt early
 on,
 
 as in my case, but by the 700  800 series Columbia had models with
 velvet
 
 (I learned this via phonoland.)
 
  
 
 Does the velvet help make the records sound smoother?  (Just kidding,
 
 though perhaps there's an audiophile who might ardently argue that.)
 
  
 
 Thanks again all.
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 On 1/7/13 9:52 PM, Ron L'Herault lhera...@bu.edu wrote:
 
  
 
 My Vivatonals  both have what looks like green velvet on the
turntables.
 
 Bumpers look like green felt.
 
  
 
 Ron L
 
  
 
  
 
 On 1/8/13 2:51 AM, DanKj ediso...@verizon.net wrote:
 
  
 
   There's a 602 on YooToob, TT  felt visible:
 
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CL4n1HyTfq4
 
  
 
 ___
 
 Phono-L mailing list
 
 http://phono-l.org
 
 
 
 ___
 Phono-L mailing list
 http://phono-l.org

Re: [Phono-L] 1927/ Viva Tonal Columbia Felt Colors

[Arvin Casas]

Thanks for the helpful info everyone!  (Apologies for the late reply but I
only subscribe to the digest.)

I contacted the youtube poster of the videos that DanKj linked to and
posted on the phonoland board where I'm also a member.

Based on the responses from all three sources, it's Green-land for me! :)
I found one tiny oil stained mini-bumper in the cabinet late last night,
once green, so that confirms everyone's input.

I ordered a Victor sized green felt replacement from Walt @ Gettysburg and
will trim it down to size.  I have leftovers from a botched turntable job
on a Grafonola I restored a few months ago which I'll use for bumpers.

Ron - Interesting about the velvet.  Apparently they used felt early on,
as in my case, but by the 700  800 series Columbia had models with velvet
(I learned this via phonoland.)

Does the velvet help make the records sound smoother?  (Just kidding,
though perhaps there's an audiophile who might ardently argue that.)

Thanks again all.




On 1/7/13 9:52 PM, Ron L'Herault lhera...@bu.edu wrote:

My Vivatonals  both have what looks like green velvet on the turntables.
Bumpers look like green felt.

Ron L


On 1/8/13 2:51 AM, DanKj ediso...@verizon.net wrote:

  There's a 602 on YooToob, TT  felt visible:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CL4n1HyTfq4

___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

[Phono-L] 1927/ Viva Tonal Columbia Felt Colors

[Arvin Casas]

Hi All

I just picked up a great sounding (and looking) Viva-Tonal 602 this
weekend. The only things not up to spec, IMHO, are two cosmetic repairs
done: its bumper pads and turntable felt.

The bumpers are just the thick, light tan felt you find in hardware
stores. The turntable felt is a dark teal/green mix. Thankfully the grill
cloth is original which is brown.

I'd like to replace the bumpers and turntable felts. Does anyone know what
colors Columbia used in 1927? I know the older Grafonolas from a decade
earlier used an olive green (or what over time came to that shade now).
For the Viva-Tonals, did they stay with green or switch to browns (given
the grill cloth is brown)? I don't know if they even cared to match! lol

Thanks!

___
Phono-L mailing list
http://phono-l.org

Re: [Phono-L] Newbie Question - How To Tell an Acoustical Record

[Arvin Casas]

Hi All,

I'm a newbie too (to this list and acoustic phonos) and recently explored
Fiber/Bamboo, so I thought I would share my experience in the hope that it
helps.

There's a seller in Portland OR named Hideki Watanabe from whom I've
bought a few homemade ones, cut from seasoned 100+ year old Japanese Susu
Dake bamboo.  They play very well, so long as your records are clean!

Hideki lists on eBay (search for hmv203) but you can, if you like, buy
off of eBay if you contact Hideki directly.  Hideki also sells less pricey
ones cut from younger US grown bamboo.

Here's a rundown from an email exchange we had back in November (his
prices may or may not have changed since):

I sell US-made white bamboo fiber needles and Japanese vintage smoked
bamboo fiber needles. 25 US-made fiber needles are $11.00+$3.00 SH, 50
US-Made fiber needles are $20.00+$3.00SH,  25 Japanese fiber needles are
$18+$3.00SH and 50 Japanese fiber needles are $34+$3.00SH.

As you can see, they are more expensive (the above were without eBay
seller fees) than those found on the other site recently mentioned (which
I found *after* I bought my set), but I think those were in packs of five
(?).

No matter the source, if you play fiber, you will need a sharp cutter,
especially if you don't want to break out an X-acto after a few plays
(it's purely for convenience and accuracy).  They too are often listed on
eBay (some more fancier than others).  I went with a simpler hole puncher
style cutter that I keep by my needle cups.  One quick snip and they're
ready to play again.  I recall seeing DIY cutter instructions as well
during my initial research if you prefer to make your own equipment.

Hope that newbie testimonial helps those who don't already know!

Arvin in MA


On 1/4/13 6:53 PM, Bob Maffit maff...@bresnan.net wrote:

tom:

thanks, I will give it a try.

later

Bob

-Original Message-
From: phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org [mailto:phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org]
On
Behalf Of Tom Jordan
Sent: Friday, January 04, 2013 4:08 PM
To: 'Antique Phonograph List'
Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Newbie Question - How To Tell an Acoustical Record

FYI
I Googled Bamboo Phonograph needles and got a few hits.

One site even gives step by step instructions for making your own
Bamboo/fiber needles.

I'm not recommending any of these, but thought that it might be helpful.
Tom

-Original Message-
From: phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org [mailto:phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org]
On
Behalf Of Mike Stitt
Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2013 9:27 PM
To: Antique Phonograph List
Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Newbie Question - How To Tell an Acoustical Record

Don't forget you must train your records when using bamboo.
Mike\Oldcranky

On Thu, Jan 3, 2013 at 6:35 PM, Bob Maffit maff...@bresnan.net wrote:

 Steve:

 Other than finding the Bamboo needles in phonographs I have obtained,
 I haven't found a source for them.

 Do you know of any?

 later

 Bob

 -Original Message-
 From: phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org
 [mailto:phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org]
 On
 Behalf Of Steven Medved
 Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2013 7:12 PM
 To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
 Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Newbie Question - How To Tell an Acoustical
 Record








 If you want to preserve a record you need to use a quality needle and
 change it after each play.  The Chamberlain needles on eBay are fully
 polished, but the diameter is too large and they contact the shoulders
 at the beginning of each play.



 You see many victrolas with records that look new, at least you used to.
 When the reproducer was new with soft gaskets the reproducer was
 compliant and they changed needles each time.  70 years later with
 hard gaskets and the same needle the records wear.



 I believe that as long as the record is shellac a steel needle is OK
 unless the record is rare or an early one then you would want to use
 bamboo.  The vinyl 78's and the flexible Marconi records I would not
 use a steel needle with.



 I suggest medium tone needles, you get less distortion.



 The shellac records were made with an abrasive so they will accomodate
 steel needles, I learned the hard way vinyl is badly affected by steel
 needles.
 I do not think electrically recorded records are adversly affected by
 a steel needle, I have never noted any problems.  The run in groove
 appeared around 1930 to 1933 from what I have been told. I welcome
 comments. Steve



  Date: Wed, 2 Jan 2013 23:06:36 -0500
  From: chris...@cox.net
  To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
  Subject: [Phono-L] Newbie Question - How To Tell an Acoustical
  Record
 
  Hi all,
 
  I've just gotten my first keeper wind-up phonograph, a Victor VV
  8-35 (which a list member is refurbishing the mechanics of, I can
  hardly wait!), and I have a really elementary question: How do I
  tell which records can be safely played with a steel needle?
 
  I suspect all Victor batwings are OK. But is there a general rule of
  thumb besides date (would that be pretty much 1930s and before?) As
  late