Music Box Repair, Re-oiled, Starts Off At Right Speed But Slows Down Again?
GRAMOPHONES and PHONOGRAPHS
Help from Ian Calderbank - UK
For Assistance and Information about Gramophones
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GRAMOPHONES HOME PAGE
HELP & INFORMATION
Listing OF TOPICS
(Click on Topic to get to relevant Section)
Ownership A GRAMOPHONE - How do I test it before Purchase? FAKE GRAMOPHONES - how to recognize them
HOW TO OPERATE A GRAMOPHONE
Gramophone Needles
GRAMOPHONE NEEDLES - When should I change them?
GRAMOPHONE NEEDLES - Where tin can you buy them?
GRAMOPHONE Volume - Too Loud or Soft - what can exist done?
GRAMOPHONE NEEDLES - Wooden, Thorn & Fibre
GRAMOPHONE NEEDLE - Correct angle to record playing surface
Tin YOU PLAY ALL 78 RPM RECORDS with a "Steel Needle" on a Current of air-up Gramophone?
TUNGSTYLE NEEDLES - What are they?
GRAMOPHONE NEEDLE TINS - Are they Collectable?
Gramophone Servicing & Bug
GRAMOPHONE SERVICING
TURNTABLE TURNS SLOWLY or stops when playing a tape
BRAKE PROBLEMS
Audio QUALITY - Poor Audio from your records
GRAMOPHONE NEEDLE SLIDES ACROSS Tape SURFACE
TURNTABLE SPEED - How to check it is revolving at 78 RPM
Information
CLEANING A PORTABLE GRAMOPHONE Case
CLEANING 78's
VOICE RECORDS - Private Recordings
CAN Y'all PLAY VINYL RECORDS (45'southward, LP'southward, 33.iii) on a Current of air-upward Gramophone?
TRANSCRIBING 78's onto CD
Are 78'south VALUABLE?
NIPPER - The Dog in the HMV advert
TRANSPORTING A GRAMOPHONE
FULLOTONE Gramophone Company & Catalogue 1931 - 1932
GRAMOPHONE DESCRIPTIONS - Please see my Homepage for Gramophones Sold from my Collection
Wind the Gramophone upwards fully, it should play a complete record side without slowing down or stopping, if it slows downward this usually indicates a weak mainspring(southward) or the grease around the mainspring(s) has go pasty and congealed over the decades. The mainspring(s) volition need re-greasing or at worst a new leap. Sticky or congealed grease tin can as well be evidenced by hearing "bumps" from the motor (mainly on HMV motors).
"Bumps" are caused past the spring coils suddenly springing apart with a "bump" in the sticky grease, a couple of "bumps" when the motor is winding right down afterwards playing a tape is acceptable.
It is not a simple or cheap job to supersede or repack the mainspring(southward) in new grease and is best left to a Gramophone Engineer; the spring(s) accept to be removed from the jump drum and cleaned forth their length. Toll of cleaning and repacking spring(s) in new grease about GBP50 + GBP10 per extra spring, additionally to supply a new spring would toll about GBP60. Plus of class postage stamp or taking the Gramophone or motor-board to a repairer. (Run across the topic "TURNTABLE TURNS SLOWLY or stops when playing a tape" on this Webpage )
Obviously the sound will non be of CD/DVD quality, but it should not sound tinny, raucous or distorted: don't forget to ensure you lot are using a new needle before testing.
If poor sound quality is experienced this can indicate the role that holds the needle (Soundbox / Reproducer) requires attention. Servicing a Soundbox is a task for a Gramophone Engineer costing virtually GBP25 + Parts assuming the Soundbox is repairable and non a sealed unit.
Alarm:- Exist wary of purchasing a Gramophone without a Winding Handle.
Call me cynical, merely whenever I hear of a gramophone existence sold without a winding handle I suspect there is a problem with the motor.
Apart from the difficulty and cost of getting the Gramophone to an Engineer; to replace a mainspring will toll at least GBP80/GBP90.
Would you purchase a automobile without starting the engine?
There is no universal winding handle that fits all Gramophones, they are normally unique to the motor manufacturer and model of gramophone. By all means electronic mail me to contact a couple of Gramophone Part Suppliers in the promise you might exist lucky.
When a handle is missing the usual story is "The gramophone worked perfectly until we lost the handle in a business firm movement".
Tin can'T GET THE WINDING HANDLE Back IN THE GRAMOPHONE? - See the "GRAMOPHONE SERVICING" topic.
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Collectors often refer to Reproduction Gramophones equally "Crapophones".
If you run across a horn Gramophone in good condition with a shiny contumely trumpet; alarm bells should immediately showtime ringing. I have prepared a cursory Guide on spotting a reproduction Gramophone; merely email me for gratuitous copy.
The majority of Horn models on the market today are Reproduction; many have the HMV "Dog & Trumpet" Trademark on the front end.
Inappreciably a week goes past in which I don't have to disappoint somebody - Subsequently asking me to identify & date their Gramophone they are shocked at sometimes later on spending hundreds of pounds to find it was fabricated 10 months not x decades ago.
A Fake Horn Gramophone need not be new, they have been around at least since the 1970'south, somebody tin quite honestly say they have had a Gramophone in the family for 50 years - But it is still a worthless reproduction.
Some other worrying bespeak almost ownership a Crapophone is that some are so poorly designed they volition destroy your records.
The problem is the "tracking" of the needle across the record, I won't go into a tedious technical explanation; but to prevent undue record article of clothing almost
It was reported to me by a lady that surface fabric from the record was crimper upwardly effectually the needle during play.
With just a single play the owner of this load of Crapophone destroyed her records.
If you just want a decorative object for display & don't wish to play records, by all ways purchase a repro Gramophone, but considering it has absolutely no real value, don't pay besides much.
For a genuine Gramophone that will appreciate in value & rarity, seek advice from a Specialist Gramophone Dealer or a Collector. He or she tin can point out things that are wrong, for example a 1924 Soundbox (Needle Holder) on a 1918 Gramophone reduces its Collectability & value.
HMV Horn Gramophones here in the UK are very popular amongst Collectors & if it is perfectly genuine volition concur its value for time to come generations.
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Change the Gramophone Needle Afterward PLAYING ONE Tape SIDE.
Whenever ii surfaces rub together infinitesimal article of clothing to ane or both surfaces occurs. Gramophone Needles are fabricated out of a soft steel designed to exist worn away during playing in preference to dissentious the 78. With the surplus steel worn away & the needle re-profiled, minute permanent damage to the record starts to occur. Later on a couple of record sides with the same needle you volition observe obvious sound quality deterioration. Replace the needle with a new one & the sound will exist back to normal. Don't get paranoid about record wear; you lot won't notice information technology initially, but when you lot play a favorite tape many times & don't change the needle it will all of a sudden strike y'all that the record does non sound equally skillful as when you get-go obtained it. Our forefathers could just popular out & buy another copy of the record, we can't.
You exercise get used to frequently changing Needles, merely practically on less important records I sometimes play a maximum of two record sides with one needle.
A little known fact is that the material used to make early 78'southward was nearly 75% "Filler"; this "Filler" was composed of a mixture of powdered limestone & slate; hence the resilience of the 78 to the soft steel of needles.
Another betoken is "Are y'all Absolutely certain that the Needles yous obtained with your Gramophone have non been used & but put back in the Tin?". If in whatsoever doubt, think nigh getting new needles.
Height quality precision made Needles as used by members of the Gramophone Fraternity hither in the U K can be plant on my Website - Click GRAMOPHONE NEEDLES
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Not all Gramophone Needles are the same. Unfortunately poor quality Needles are existence produced in the Far E & unwittingly sold past Antiquarian shops throughout the World. If you inadvertently use these Needles autonomously from poor sound quality you adventure permanent record damage . A friend of mine can supply superlative quality precision made Needles as used by members of the Gramophone Fraternity here in the Britain - Click GRAMOPHONE NEEDLES
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"Wooden", "Thorn" or "Fibre" Needle are terms applied to non-metallic or non-steel Gramophone Needles.
In that location are two basic designs for the non-metallic needle which tin be near 2.5cm long:-
Round - About twice the diameter of a steel needle made of a hardwood or a hard plastic type substance.
Triangular - Made of a hardwood for instance bamboo.
The Gramophone part that holds the Needle is called the Soundbox, on the majority of Soundboxes yous will detect the needle holder is triangular not round, this is to accommodate the triangular type of needle. The Needles require re-pointing after one or two record sides. The Round type crave a special Sharpening device & the Triangular a special cutter, depending on the original needle length information technology can be cut at to the lowest degree eight times until it is too curt to use.
The Cutters / Sharpeners are quite difficult to obtain.
The term "Thorn" derives from the Rose found. If the thorns are left to dry they can be used equally a gratis alternative to steel Needles, soft thorns directly off the bush-league are unsuitable. Companies like IM & BCN produced round needles of a very difficult plastic textile, these were called Fibre needles. HMV produced wooden triangular needles which just to confuse terminology they also called Fibre Needles.
Whenever a 78 is played minute wear occurs to the record. Don't get paranoid for 78's were designed to be played with steel needles & have been played with them for generations; just modify the steel needle later on each record side, clothing is designed to occur to the needle non the tape. Wooden needles are used by Collectors on special records to further reduce any chance of habiliment.
It has been said that because woods is not as practiced a heat conductor as steel, the heat generated by friction in the record groove could crusade tape damage - Heat measurements by CLPGS member Pete Clinch indicate this insignificant; Temperatures Ambient 18.55C, Medium Steel Needle 19.35C, Bamboo Needle 20.25C.
Wooden/Fibre Needles are now being produced over again, e-mail if yous wish me to put you in contact with a Supplier.
Unless you have an extremely rare 78, use precision fabricated steel needles, but alter the needle after each record side. Practically, on less of import records I sometimes play a maximum of two record sides with one needle. Steel Needles are designed to absorb the vesture, the soft steel is worn away rather than the record, by the end of play the Needle point profile has been changed, hence the requirement to replace the needle.
Top quality precision made Needles as used past members of the Gramophone Fraternity hither in the U Grand can be institute on my Website - Click GRAMOPHONE NEEDLES.
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(Revised 16th November 2022)
Emile Berliner demonstrated the first disc record in 1888, since then the cloth used to make 78 rpm records has changed substantially. Originally most 75% of the fabric used to make early 78's was equanimous of a mixture of powdered limestone & slate hence this abrasive material wore downward the soft steel needle rather than the record surface.
Over the decades the textile used to make 78's became less abrasive because a wider sound frequency response could be obtained from using a softer material.
The age of the Wind-up Gramophone with its heavy selection-up arm and steel needle was over by the mid-1930's. Cheaper Electric Record Decks / Players gradually replaced Wind-upward Gramophones, these Record Decks still used a steel needle, but the pick-up arm was far lighter and hence record wear was reduced.
It was now possible to play more one tape side without irresolute the needle.
With Air current-up Gramophones gradually becoming obsolete; by the 1940'due south the material used for 78's was far softer, this improved sound quality and immune a wider frequency range.
Past the 1950's records were made of fifty-fifty softer textile because most people had got rid of their obsolete wind-upward Gramophones and endemic Electric Record Players or Radiograms which do not use a steel needle.
After hearing from a Collector who had just destroyed his Uncle'due south two 1950'southward Private Recordings past playing them on a Gramophone with a Fibre needle (Not-Steel) I investigated and plant a warning on a 1950's record sleeve - "Play ONLY with an electric pick-upward of head, practice NOT play on an old type Gramophone and exercise Not use fibre or ordinary needles".
I take no responsibility for this advice, only in general I am happy to play 78'due south produced up to the 1940's on a Wind-upwards gramophone with a steel needle unless the record is rare, in that case I utilize a fibre needle. For records later than this, I look at the record, some look thin & of obvious soft material, these I volition play on an electric Record Thespian with lightweight stylus.
If you are going to risk playing 1950's / 1960's records on a wind-upwardly gramophone I would recommend you use "Soft Tone" Needles. They are non fabricated of softer material, but they are thinner and therefore give less resistance in the record groove besides the volume volition exist reduced hence calling them "Soft Tone" Needles.
I cannot emphasize strongly plenty if using steel needles - Use A NEW NEEDLE FOR EACH Tape SIDE.
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Tungstyle Gramophone Needles were adult to overcome the problem of having to replace the Needle after playing each record side. They were available circa second half of 1920's / 1930's.
"The capable of playing 150 records" is a complete exaggeration, today thankfully we take the Advertising Standards Agency to curtail exuberant adverts. With the weight of the heavy Soundbox (the part that holds the needle) plus the Tonearm, the Tungstone Fibre filament is soon worn away with normal use. The thick Tungstone holder is then left to gouge out the record grooves.
Tungstyle needles were sold in tins each containing 10 needles. Some gramophones mainly HMV take a clip or slot to hold a Tungstyle needle tin, I would suggest y'all never place a Tungstyle needle tin in the clip or slot because y'all volition scratch the soft enamel paint on the outside of the tin.
Unlike steel GRAMOPHONE NEEDLES nobody as far as I know produces Tungstyle Needles today.
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Needle Tins are certainly very collectable. Keep an eye out in Antique / Junk Shops, mutual tins price about �eight. If you find needles in a tin purchased from an Antique Shop information technology is inadvisable to use them; you can't tell even with a magnifying glass if the needle has been used & just put back in the tin can. Gramophone needles should exist used for 1 record side only. Meridian quality precision fabricated Needles as used by members of the Gramophone Fraternity here in the U G can be found on my Website - Click GRAMOPHONE NEEDLES
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The part that holds the Gramophone Needle is chosen the Soundbox. The needle is gripped in the Soundbox by a thumbscrew, typically the needle protrudes near 1cm from the Soundbox. Nigh Soundboxes fit on the Tonearm in a fixed position. However some Soundboxes are free to rotate on the Tonearm. A tape should never be played with the Needle vertical to the record surface, the correct angle for the needle when playing is pointing forwards in the direction the turntable is turning at an bending of approximately 60 degrees to the record surface.
Before commencing to play a record; apply the turntable brake so fully wind the Gramophone by turning the winding handle clockwise, after a while resistance will increase & this is the time to terminate winding, the gramophone is now fully wound-upwardly. A common worry is that of over-winding; after feeling an increase in resistance if you continued winding y'all would and then feel solid resistance, at this point if you forced the handle round farther then you would be in trouble, only it would accept a conscious effort & a fair caste of forcefulness to over-wind the Gramophone. Every bit with the generations before you; don't worry about over-winding.
Release the Gramophone brake, on about Gramophones you accept a manual brake lever. Some Gramophones are started automatically past moving the Tonearm or Needle arm to the right, the Tonearm moves confronting a spring hence some resistance will exist felt, in improver to moving the Tonearm to the right you should too insure the transmission brake if present is released.
The Tonearm should always be placed to the correct of the record to ensure the Gramophone Needle is pointing in the direction of play. When the turntable has obtained total speed gentle place the needle onto the tape. Upon being fully wound a Gramophone in good condition should play at least 1 complete record side without the requirement for more winding during play, if the record slows during play see the Topic "Turntable turns slowly or stops when playing a record" on this Web-Page. At the end of play if the Gramophone does not have an automatic brake; lift the Soundbox off the record & use the transmission brake, the turntable should circumduct one revolution or more than earlier stopping. Upon application of the brake if the turntable stops immediately this is bad, because it jolts the motor. In this case put your manus gently against the turntable and so that it gradually slows & stops before applying the brake.
Replace the gramophone needle with a NEW precision made quality Needle preferably after playing EACH record side, MAXIMUM of two sides to prevent undue wear to records - see the topic "GRAMOPHONE NEEDLES - When should I alter them?" on this page.
The needle is secured in the Soundbox (Needle holder) by a thumbscrew; loosen this but plenty to release the old needle and replace the old needle with a NEW ane and retighten the thumbscrew to secure information technology.
Top quality precision made Needles as used past members of the Gramophone Fraternity here in the U K tin can be found on my Website - Click GRAMOPHONE NEEDLES
When the Gramophone is not in use for a while, let the motor run downwardly completely & apply the brake. This takes the force per unit area off the main spring(s)- Then, wind the handle a couple of turns to slightly tension the main leap, this volition ensure that the slight take a chance of it becoming asunder through vibration at one finish does not occur. The Principal Spring is packed in grease, past taking the tension off, the grease can become back within the coils & the springs life will become prolonged.
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The part that holds the needle is chosen the Soundbox, this is connected to a pipe called the Tonearm.
Some designs of Soundbox / Tonearm connectedness allow the Soundbox to rotate thus y'all don't know the correct position to place the needle in relation to the record surface.
With the needle vertical to the tape surface rotate the Soundbox clockwise until the angle of the needle would exist when playing a record is pointing forward in the direction the turntable is turning at an bending of approximately 60 degrees to the tape surface. The 60 degree bending should be measured with the needle resting on top of a record not the turntable.
Another common Soundbox design has a pin within the back of the Soundbox - Push the Soundbox onto the Tonearm which has an "L" shaped groove to engage the pin and so rotate the Soundbox fully clockwise (about 7mm) to obtain the approximate 60 caste needle angle.
If the joint between the end of the Tonearm & Soundbox is loose, peradventure wrap a layer of thin tape effectually the cease of the Tonearm so that the Soundbox is held rigid on the Tonearm; thus the needle is ever retained at the right angle.
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I take no responsibility for these instructions should anything go wrong. I do recommend reading the instructions from beginning to finish rather than the "simply look at the instructions if things go wrong" approach.
Gramophones vary slightly, but the principle of servicing is still the same. The Soundbox is the round part that holds the needle, to foreclose the Soundbox from existence accidentally damaged it is best removed. On most types of Soundbox, plough information technology anti-clockwise by about a quarter of an inch & gently pull information technology off the Tonearm. Others might only pull straight off later loosening a locking ring, there are still other rarer types.
Put the brake in the "Off" Position. Let the motor run downward completely. Elevator off turntable by property the opposite edges of the rim & lifting. Sometimes freeing the turntable is difficult:- very slightly take some of the weight of the Gramophone on the turntable rim & "with your third hand" a sharp tap with a wooden or safe mallet might exist required on the middle spindle to gratis information technology. If the turntable nevertheless will not lift off, mask the turntable cloth or felt; then advisedly spray WD-40 onto the middle spindle and leave overnight for the WD-40 to soak-in. This is the method on the vast bulk of turntables, merely there are rare variations, for instance a spiral type centre spindle secures some turntables. On some portables a "C-Clip" on the centre spindle holds the turntable in place, this should be removed past pushing information technology to 1 side, if you but lift it direct up & off you will chance breaking information technology.
Winding Handle Removal - Well-nigh winding handles are removed by turning them anticlockwise - a precipitous tap with the edge of your hand (gentle Karate chop) might be required to free information technology. If yous still have a trouble; Place the gramophone on its left side after removing or securing everything within the gramophone. Mask the area around the winding handle escutcheon; then advisedly spray WD-40 into the escutcheon ensuring that you don't get spray on other parts of the gramophone. Leave overnight for the WD-40 to soak-in. A very few winding handles mainly on some portables like the HMV 102, just pull straight out.
Undo the screws that secure motor deck, unremarkably there are 4. Some Gramophones contain an automatic brake/offset machinery consisting of two metal pointers held together with a spring. This machinery needs to exist pushed to one side so that the motor deck can be lifted clear. You might accept to undo a small pin that fits between the 2 pointers by gently push the pointers down & gently lift the pin to disengage it. Elevator the motor deck from Gramophone & place it motor upwards on cloth. If the Gramophone has the two metal pointers for the automatic brake/outset mechanism ensure these practise not jam between the motor lath & cabinet as you lift the motor board out. Some Gramophones have a knob to facilitate lifting the motor board out.
You might discover oil/grease instructions under the motor deck. Take the opportunity to expect for any manufacturers label that might bespeak model & production appointment, Decca Gramophones normally take this, HMV's with an internal wooden horn sometimes have the model number stamped into the wooden pinnacle of the horn. Use Grease (Car grease) on the Cogs & sparse oil (Sewing motorcar or Cycle oil) on bearings. Apply Oil & Grease in moderation. You lot will see the "Governor" this is the office that regulates the motor speed, it consists of weights (commonly 3), a spindle, circular disc & a pad that rubs against the round disc. The spindle should exist lightly oiled, only the leather or cloth pad that rubs against the governor circular disc should be saturated in oil. Some Gramophones accept an Automatic brake mechanism on the elevation of the motor deck this usually works by friction, if you are unsure what to Oil, DON'T Oil this part.
Reassembly is the opposite of the above. A useful tip is that prior to replacing the turntable - Air current up the gramophone about 8 turns & and so with brake in the off position put the turntable on with information technology going, the turntable will then settle down & reseat itself properly. If the turntable was fitted with a "C-Clip", slide it from one side into place; practise not strength it over the superlative of the spindle. On almost Gramophones when the Soundbox is replaced on the tone-arm & turned clockwise a quarter inch the needle volition exist correctly positioned for playing records. The correct playing angle between the needle & the record is virtually 60 degrees.
Tin'T GET THE WINDING HANDLE BACK IN THE GRAMOPHONE?.
Most winding handles but unscrew and spiral back in to a Gramophone.
Especially with a wooden Table Summit or Floor standing models information technology is sometimes hard to relocate the handle considering in that location can be quite a distance from the side of the gramophone to the minor location hole in the motor.
While the handle is being inserted a tip is for a friend to check it is going in perfectly horizontally while y'all ensure it is perfectly vertical.
This tin can relieve many an unhappy hour trying to reinsert a handle that y'all know should fit.
Alarm:- Y'all will run into the main jump(southward) of the motor contained in a round drum. DO Non attempt to grease the springs past opening this drum, a master leap tin be upward to fourteen anxiety long with razor sharp edges, if information technology suddenly expanded it could seriously harm your wellness. Replacement Springs to fix nigh Gramophones are available in the U.k. & can be easily fitted by somebody who knows what they are doing. At that place is no need to send the complete Gramophone for repair, but transport the motor board, or if you are feeling adventurous, you could ask the repairer how to remove the spring drum & just send this to keep the postage price downwardly. Merely email me for details of efficient competent Gramophone Engineers who requite an International as well as a UK service.
These are merely basic instructions, if you have any queries, merely email.
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A correctly adjusted restriction should NOT stop the turntable "immediately", this sudden wiggle would eventually cause damage to the motor; upon applying the brake the turntable should continue to revolve a couple or so turns & come to a gentle stop.
The principle of braking on most Gramophones is that a safe or other material pad rubs against the 'within' rim of the turntable thus causing it to slow & stop. On older or simpler models the pad rubbed confronting the outside turntable rim.
If the brake is on the inside of the rim the turntable must first exist removed - see how to remove the turntable in the "Gramophone Servicing " section on this Web-page.
If y'all get a squealing sound when brake practical this is usually caused past a build up of dirt & safety on the turntable rim, this must ALL be scraped off ensuring no vestiges still remain.
The Brake not working is commonly acquired by the safe or fabric of the brake pad having been worn away. Depending upon model Gramophones can take transmission or automatic brakes or both. Sometimes the position of the brake on the motor deck is adaptable, loosen the screws & position the brake so that the pad will be closer to the turntable rim. The clips holding the restriction pad to the restriction are sometimes quite fragile, even if you accept a suitable replacement material it might be inadvisable to risk braking a holding prune. Yous could send the restriction to a Gramophone Engineer for repair (Just email me for details of efficient competent Gramophone Engineers). Another proffer is to carefully cutting a small piece of textile & (super)glue information technology onto the cease of the old brake pad (build upwardly the thickness gradually). If possible, remove the brake from the Gramophone starting time & trim off whatsoever excess cloth before reinstallation.
Automatic brakes are not a precise science. Even with the automatic brake in perfect working society, playing the aforementioned record is not a guarantee of the record stopping each fourth dimension, some records do not stop at all.
With automatic brakes it is sometimes the machinery not the brake pad at fault. The majority of automatic brake mechanisms utilize the "Run-out Groove" on a record, this is the wavy groove found nigh the centre of a record, before records did not have this. When the Gramophone needle gets into the "Run-out Groove", the Tonearm is moved suddenly & this trips the automatic stop mechanism. The but manner of adjusting the automated restriction is trial & error, the systems vary, sometimes y'all will see screws belongings a bar with a serrated edge, adjustment of this bar increases or decreases the sensitivity of the machinery. If you see a screw property a fibre washer & a couple of metal washers together, don't oil this part information technology works on friction.
Basically if you want to play with the automatic brake. Await at information technology carefully, try & work how it is supposed to work. Earlier making any aligning; note the original position, make one aligning at a fourth dimension & test it.
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Upon existence
fully wound a Gramophone in skillful condition should play at least i consummate record side without the requirement for additional winding during play.78'due south are not nonetheless. During the decades of record production the composition of the material used for 78'southward changed along with constriction of the record groove. Yous will detect some records play without problem, but others volition run slow or fifty-fifty cause the turntable to stop revolving.
The problem is the motor mainspring (in that location could exist more than one) is not powerful plenty to overcome the friction between the needle & the record groove. This problem is commonly associated with HMV Gramophones.
The usual cause is the grease the mainspring is packed in has go glutinous over the decades; the spring coils stick together, hence the springs cannot office properly. Unlike most manufacturers, HMV surrounded their mainsprings in a grease that is particularly susceptible to this problem.
Information technology can of course, just less lightly be that the jump has weakened, requiring replacement.
Things to try:-
1. The beginning matter is to check is the Gramophone Needle. Needles should ideally be inverse afterwards playing merely ane side of a tape, maximum two sides. If the Needle is not changed apart from causing possible record damage it becomes blunt resulting in increased friction. Use only NEW "Good Quality" Gramophone Needles from a reputable source; non shoddily manufactured Needles from the Far Due east that apart from poor sound quality, can crusade record speed problems.
two. If the Gramophone has not been used for many years, it could be the grease in the motor has become congealed. Fully wind the Gramophone & permit information technology run downwards, try this x times.
three. "Soft Tone" Gramophone Needles are thinner than other needles & hence reduce tape groove friction, in that location use might help alleviate the problem, run into the topic "Gramophone Book too Loud / Soft - what can be done" on this webpage.
4. Has the Gramophone been oiled & greased in living memory? - Inadequate servicing leads to increased friction in the motor. Servicing is not a hard job, look at the "Gramophone Servicing" topic on this webpage. During servicing pay particular attention to the speed governor friction pad, this should be saturated in Oil.
5. Gramophones take a speed regulator. Increase the speed of the turntable, this might just requite the turntable a little more momentum to continue it going at full speed, you volition not find if a 78 is actually playing at 80 rpm.
vi. I have never encountered this but information technology worked for one Collector. Ane of the original selling points of the cleaner and lubricant WD-40 was that information technology could clean 78 rpm records. I don't know what state her records were in, but afterwards cleaning them her gramophone would play a complete record side. WARNING - If using WD-xl be conscientious to mask the record label because the spray goes everywhere.
7. If the previous suggestions do not work professional help by a Gramophone Engineer is probably required.
As mentioned earlier the master spring can weaken, merely past far the most mutual trouble is that the grease packed around the leap has become glutinous over the years. The master leap is contained in a circular drum. DO Non attempt to grease springs past opening the pulsate, main springs tin can be upwardly to 14 feet long with razor precipitous edges, if it suddenly expanded it could seriously harm your health. A "Bound-make clean" is probably what is required, but this is no easy job, the repairer volition have to remove the spring(south) from the pulsate, clean along their length to remove the old grease, then repack the spring in the drum with modern grease. If a new bound is required, do not worry, for here in the UK they are available to fit most Gramophones. A Portable Gramophone could be posted to a Gramophone Engineer for repair, but rather than send the consummate Gramophone, simply send the motor board - see topic "How to service a Gramophone" on this webpage. If you are feeling adventurous, you lot could inquire the repairer how to remove the spring drum & simply send this.
If you lot e-mail, I can requite you details of efficient competent Gramophone Engineers.
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Ensure you are using a new needle (You lot should use a new needle for each record side to minimise record vesture).
The function that holds the needle is called the Soundbox or Reproducer. Depending upon the manufacturer of your gramophone the Soundbox can be rotated. Place a record on the stationary turntable then gently identify the needle on the record. Ensure that the angle of the needle is approximately sixty degrees to the record surface and likewise the bottom of the Soundbox is not in contact with the record surface. If this is not the case adjust accordingly.
The Soundbox should be free to move upwards and down and the Tonearm which is the pipe that connects to the Soundbox should exist free to move from side to side so the needle can transverse the record when playing. If any of the joints announced to offering whatsoever resistance they should be lubricated. I recommend WD-40 or equivalent. Be careful to mask any areas you don't want the WD-40 spray to accomplish and exit overnight to soak in..
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Beneath is a picture of a "Strobe Disc" which when placed on top of a turntable tin be used to accommodate information technology to 78 rpm.
Correct click the above Moving picture & save it on your PC as a moving picture; print & so cut it out with scissors, you need not be careful cut round the outside, only use a sharp knife to accurately cut the heart hole for it to fit centrally over the turntable spindle. You can besides enlarge the pic on your computer before printing, providing you do it proportionally.
Position your Gramophone near an electrical light bulb.
Please notation this Disc is ONLY suitable for use in the United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland & Countries where the electricity supply is 50 cycles/second, in America for example information technology is sixty cycles/second.
Although the speed of 78 was generally adopted in 1925, it was not finally standardized in the UK until the mid 1950's. With some manufacturers making records slightly faster than 78 I tend to set up a Gramophone merely a fleck faster than 78 rpm.
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You will non get CD quality audio from your 78's, but the audio obtained should exist perfectly acceptable without baloney or sounding tinny. In the groundwork you lot unremarkably feel tape surface racket.
Some explanations for poor quality sound:-
The main culprit is - Has the needle been changed in living memory? Ideally the Needle should be inverse after playing each record side (see the topic on this webpage "When should I change my Gramophone Needle").
The Soundbox is the part that holds the needle. This contains a diaphragm made of mica (articulate plastic appearance) or metal tinfoil usually protected past a metal encompass. The diaphragm is unremarkably held in identify past safe gaskets. Over the years the gaskets harden or the diaphragm can get damaged this tin can be the causes of raucous or a tinny sound especially with metal diaphragms. In many cases Soundboxes can exist rebuilt with new parts, if you lot e-mail I will put yous in contact with a couple of competent Gramophone Engineers. Some Soundboxes particularly on cheaper gramophones are of one piece construction & cannot be repaired others accept a pot-metal back which goes brittle & disintegrates upon undoing screws. If the Soundbox cannot be serviced, consider a replacement, they start at about �twenty.
It can exist said the greater the unobstructed distance from the diaphragm to the mouth of the horn; the amend the audio quality. Some inexpensive portables have no internal horn & the sound comes from the Soundbox directly out of the back of the gramophone, do not look glorious bass tones from these. Having said this, only a short distance from the diaphragm to the mouth of the horn is enough to drastically improve sound quality. Subsequently all, if you cup your hands effectually your mouth your voice is clearer at a greater distance.
If volume is a problem see the topic on this webpage "Gramophone Volume to Loud / Soft - what tin be washed?"
The apply of soft needles tend to ameliorate sound quality, but at the expense of volume.
Finally the obvious reason - 78's do wear out; in many cases caused by not changing gramophone needles regularly. Wear is sometimes evidenced past a slight gray appearance to the grooves.
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The expression "Put a Sock in it" significant "Exist serenity" evolves from "open horn" trumpet Gramophones. If y'all had a trumpet Gramophone, the most constructive style of reducing unwanted volume was to shove a sock down the trumpet. On an 'Electric' Record Role player you have a convenient Volume control, excess or unwanted volume has always been a problem with the acoustic Gramophone. As Gramophones evolved the Soundbox (the function that holds the needle) became more efficient, the frequency response increased, just also the book. Every bit recording techniques improved, 78's got louder, a record recorded in the 1940'south or 1950'due south plays much louder than a 1920'southward tape.
To assistance cope with the problem, different types of Gramophone Needles were manufactured. The employ of "SOFT TONE" Needles will reduce unwanted Book from your Gramophone.
Occasionally the exact contrary might be required, for instance if you wish to play a Gramophone in a large room or a portable outside of the business firm. The utilise of "LOUD TONE" Needles will increase book.
Both "Extra" Loud & Soft Tone Needles were available, but these are hard to obtain & possibly not worth the effort.
Top quality precision fabricated Needles as used by members of the Gramophone Fraternity here in the U K can be institute on my Website - Click GRAMOPHONE NEEDLES. Needle type is not the complete answer, but it volition help.
Some models of Gramophone accept doors in front of the horn, I'g not joking, just manufacturers recommended reducing volume past partially or most completely closing these doors. A play a joke on to reduce volume on a portable without doors is to shove a sponge or fabric into the mouth of the internal horn.
A fellow Collector was receiving to much volume from his Gramophone & family when he played his portable model. His way to silence both the Gramophone & family protestations was to invert an open box over the Gramophone when playing. The Collector used a 64 litre plastic storage box, perchance also experiment with a cardboard box?
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John Slumber is a Gramophone Engineer, I have seen the results after he has cleaned the cases of Portable Gramophones - extremely impressive. If you desire to contact him, just electronic mail me.
You could either give it to John & permit the Professional exercise information technology, or:-
I am told this is what tin be washed.
I have no responsibility for these instructions should anything go wrong
To restore & clean a blackness Refine (imitation leather) portable gramophone instance:-
Routine is as follows:
i. Make clean all over with warm water & detergent (Not likewise moisture) to remove grime.
2. Re-colour with shoe dye, let dry thoroughly.
three. Whatsoever minor gaps in the Rexene joints where the wood is showing through can be disguised with "Magic Marker Pen".
four. Apply shoe polish & polish with soft cloth.
five. For extra finish utilise a car interior vinyl cleaner.
This is OK as long as the example is black! If coloured, use the aforementioned principle, just you may detect difficulties with colour matching the shoe dye, shoe smoothen & "Magic Mark Pen".
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Special Record Cleaning Pad's were supplied by some manufacturers.
But for more vigorous cleaning please read the following:-
I have no responsibility for these instructions should anything go wrong
Please Notation - These instructions Merely apply to the normal 78 rpm record of which 99.99% were made of blackness shellac. It does non apply to the rare examples of 78'south made from other materials like gelatine or newspaper laminates.
Whichever of the followings method you lot use, ensure the paper label in the center of the tape is protected. I would exercise on a record that if something went incorrect you lot would not exist unduly upset. Clean any loose grit off tape surface with a dry cloth or soft brush.
Many record Collectors advocate Lather & water. Soak a cloth in a mild washing-upward solution & wipe it over record surface turning often to remove clay. With the record surface slightly damp play the tape with a NEW Needle, this will aid clear the playing groove. After cleaning do non place the damp record side on top of the turntable, you volition mark the felt or cloth.
WD-xl was available in the 1940's primarily every bit a lubricant, the original advertising stated that information technology could be used for cleaning 78's. The product is bachelor from hardware or car accessory shops. PROTECT the label & lightly spray i side of the 78, let it soak in for a couple of minutes, wipe off any excess spray around the tape edge, y'all don't desire to mark your turntable. With a NEW Needle play the record on your Gramophone, the Needle will clear the gunge out of the tape grooves. Wipe of the loose gunge & replay the tape with some other NEW Needle, wipe the record again. Ensure the WD-40 has been wiped off completely & dried before placing the make clean side down onto the turntable, you lot don't want to marking the turntable textile or felt. Spray-blazon article of furniture polish can exist used instead of WD-40.
Personally I find that playing a dirty record with a NEW Needle clears most of the dirt. I accept only resorted to WD-xl on a couple of really bad cases when gunge was actually stuck to the record surface.
Top quality precision made Needles as used by members of the Gramophone Fraternity hither in the U G can be found on my Website - Click GRAMOPHONE NEEDLES
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Vocalisation Records seem to turn upwardly with amazing regularity (1930'south - 1940's). Introduced in the UK mid-1930'due south, rather like Vending Machines; Vocalization Recorders could be found in Hotels, Railway Stations etc for people to record their voice (Price in mid-1930's 6d (or 2.5p in today'south currency). The records produced were generally of soft aluminum. The wrapper for these records normally states, "play with a wooden needle". Take this warning seriously - Just one play with a conventional steel needle can irreparably impairment the record. The reason steel needles tin can't be used is that the part holding the needle (Soundbox/Reproducer) on a wind-up Gramophone is rather heavy, coupled with a hard steel needle you can run into how the soft aluminum record tin be damaged.
If you have a current of air-up Gramophone it might be worth considering purchasing a few wooden needles (follow the links from my Homepage). Alternatively during the Globe Wars when steel was not available Gramophone Records were sometimes played with the precipitous thorns from Rose Bushes, the Rose Thorn could exist used as a wooden needle substitute.
Assuming you lot don't have a gramophone with a wooden needle, it is however possible to hear the tape. - Electric Record Players mostly have a lightweight stylus & can often be found with a flip-over stylus for 78's. If you have access to 1 of these, it might exist possible to play & record from it. A problem to overcome might be, due to the minor size of the record, some Tape Players will cease playing earlier the end of the record. Only play your record on a Tape Player the absolute minimum number of times to obtain a satisfactory recording onto other media; for case onto a PC via a vocalization/video cam or microphone, the recording could and then be burnt onto a CD.
It should besides be noted these records were basically a cheap novelty item; avoid excessive playing even with a wooden needle.
I accept no responsibleness for any of the to a higher place data should anything go wrong
There are companies that will transfer Voice records to CD, ane that has come up highly recommended tin be found on the LINKS Folio of my Website.
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The Answer is "NO".
Air current-Up Gramophones ordinarily have a speed control; the turntable speed might be reduced to nearly lxx rpm.
Even with modification to the motor speed Governor inside the Gramophone, a speed of 33 or 45 rpm required for vinyl records is not possible.
Turntable speed is not the primary problem.
78's are manufactured from a hard composite material & deigned to be played with a steel needle held in place by a heavy Sound Head (Soundbox).
45's & 33'due south or LP's are produced from a soft vinyl cloth; this is hands scratched & hence would be destroyed if a steel needle were used.
Vinyl records are played with a diamond or sapphire stylus held in identify past a lightweight arm so that about no pressure is put on the record surface.
The sound from a wind-upwardly Gramophone is produced mechanically by the needle moving a diaphragm in the heavy Soundbox; the audio from a vinyl record cannot be amplified mechanically.
Record Players with their lightweight styli produce sound via electrical amplification.
If you lot wish to play both 78'south & vinyl records:-
A solution might be to purchase an electrical Tape Thespian. Many Record Players contain styli that will play both types of record at the correct speeds.
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The best style is to have it professionally transcribed onto CD - ane company that has come highly recommended can exist plant on the LINKS PAGE of my Website.
Quite oft with the junk given away with the week-end papers are magazines containing items yous thought you would never desire or need. Autonomously from the Brevel Toasters & multi-use electrical plugs are often advertised players that play all types of records, tapes & CD'southward. These can often transcribe records to CD or to a PC via a USB port.
Electrical Record Players (1950's / 1980'southward) generally take a lightweight stylus & can often be constitute with a flip-over stylus for 78's. If you lot take access to one of these, it might be possible to play & record into a microphone continued to a PC. If you want to buy ane, look at Dansette; not the best brand, dorsum in the 1960's I thought they were rubbish compared to HMV etc., but now they seem the most Collectable & might appreciate in value.
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This information is largely relevant to the Uk mainland only.
With anything in that location are exceptions, simply unfortunately 78's are not usually valuable, literally millions were produced & collections regularly turn up at general household auctions. When people dice, relatives sometimes notice literally 100'due south of 78'south in the loft. They sell for about �30 per 100 at auction providing the lot contains a few interesting tittle's. A typical collection of 78's would probably consist of mainly 1940'south records, Bing Crosby, Gracie Fields, Layton & Johnson, Dance Bands etc. etc. In full general Classical records even in albums are worth virtually nil, a person interested in Classical music would prefer a CD not a scratchy old 78.
There are exceptions some Single sided recordings of early on Opera singers (earlier almost 1915) are "sought afterwards", Caruso on the HMV label is worth virtually nada, but you take hit the jackpot if you lot have him on the Zonophone label. In general Record Collectors seek single sided (old) records , Jazz & Stone & Ringlet (Elvis Presley on the Sun not the RCA label is valuable). Just considering it is a 78 does not mean it is an Antique, at the stop of the twenty-four hours you have to enquire yourself would y'all like to listen to this record?.
Contact a local record dealers via yellow pages & give them a few titles & become their opinion. If you lot take a large quantity i.e.. several hundred, allow me know & I volition try & put you in contact with somebody in your area. That leads on to the other problem with 78'south, their weight & size for storage. Y'all might be able to sell them by placing a free advertizing in your local newspaper or "Gumtree" the costless local advertizement website. My apologies for beingness so downbeat virtually what could have been a one time cherished collection.
An alternative is to purchase a genuine Gramophone & expand the record collection.
My hobby is the Gramophones themselves not 78's so I am not the all-time person to volunteer communication on records. If you have anything y'all suspect is valuable endeavor the record websites on the Internet. Or email me for a list of a few United kingdom Dealers in 78'southward.
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The Dog & Trumpet transfer (decal) originates from a painting by Francis Barraud who was born in London in 1856. Francis's brother Mark owned a Fox-Terrier chosen Nipper, when his brother died the Canis familiaris came to alive with him. At that place are various versions as to how the painting came to be painted. This is the family memories of E M Barraud who's great uncle was Francis Barraud - Nipper would oft sit in a pensive mood as if hoping his old Master would render from the expressionless & walk through the door. Circa 1898 Francis painted the Domestic dog in its favorite position & added a Phonograph in the hope that the Phonograph Company would purchase the picture from him. Some other version of the story:- Francis could non help but notice how the Dog would listen attentively to a cylinder phonograph, it was possible Francis'south brother had recorded his voice on a cylinder, this was popular at the time, the Dog could have been listening to his old owner. At whatsoever charge per unit Francis painted a moving-picture show of the Dog listening to the Cylinder Phonograph, the title he gave to the picture was the immortal "His Master'due south Vox". The Cylinder Phonograph was almost certainly an Edison Bong, fable has information technology that the Edison Bong Visitor showed no involvement in the Film. Francis thought the Picture show was rather dark & visited the newly formed Gramophone Visitor to ask for the loan of a shiny brass horn to copy into his Moving-picture show.
Barry Owen the Director of the Gramophone Company (HMV) immediately recognized the significance of the Painting & asked Francis to castor out the Edison Bell Phonograph replacing it with ane of their Disc Machines. Francis sold the Film & Copyright to the Gramophone Company in 1900 for �100, Victor likewise registered the copyright in America & Canada. As the fortunes of Victor & The Gramophone Company increased Francis was commissioned to paint copies of the picture, at least 24, he even received a substantial pension from the Company until his death in 1924. Nipper was reputably buried at Kingston-upon-Thames England. There is a Public Firm in London with HMV memorabilia named later on the picture, "The Dog & Trumpet" in Marlborough Street.
For Nipper Fans in that location is the first-class book "The Collectors Guide to 'His Master's Voice' Nipper Souvenirs" past Ruth Edge & Leonard Petts.
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The moving parts of the Gramophone need to be protected during transportation.
I accept no responsibility should something get wrong. The caste of EXTERIOR protection required volition vary depending upon the method of transportation & is for you to decide.
This is Important for All Designs of Gramophone Wind up the gramophone a few turns & let the turntable circumduct, when it stops, apply the brake. Plough the winding handle 2 revolutions clockwise, this volition slightly tension the master spring(southward). The reason for doing this is that the tension will help avoid the possibility of the end of jump connections becoming jolted free during transportation.
Portable Gramophones Equally the proper noun suggests are designed to exist carried and hence there will be clips to secure the Tonearm (Pipe) / Soundbox (Needle Holder) and secure the winding handle inside the Gramophone. However, if the Gramophone is to be posted I would propose packing chimera wrap inside of the lid to further stabilise everything.
If your Gramophone has a fundamental lock, NEVER EVER LOCK A GRAMOPHONE. Afterwards many decades a lock can neglect resulting in damage trying to reopen.
For non-portable Gramophones
Remove the winding handle - run into the Gramophone Servicing topic on this webpage. Wrap the handle in newspaper; the end could be greasy.
The Soundbox is the part that holds the needle & is fragile. Ideally the Soundbox should be removed, but if you detect it awkward but protect it with chimera-wrap. To remove the Soundbox meet the Gramophone Servicing topic on this webpage.
Wrap the Tonearm which is the pipe that connects to the Soundbox (Needle Holder) in chimera wrap. Depending upon the blazon of Tonearm you might be able to immobilize it by putting elastic bands around it.
Cover the turntable etc. with scrunched upwardly newspaper to keep everything in identify. If the restriction becomes disengaged the turntable tension will even so exist applied to the spring(s)because the turntable cannot motion.
If the Gramophone has a lid information technology should be secured airtight enclosing the packaging that protects the turntable.
If your Gramophone has a key lock, NEVER EVER LOCK A GRAMOPHONE. After many decades a lock can neglect resulting in damage trying to reopen.
A Floor standing Gramophone can be either transported upright or on its back. If transporting on its back place the Gramophone on thick blankets, secure the lid and so that it tin can't open, simply not with sticky tape that can mark the exterior. The lid could be jammed confronting something that is padded during transport or held closed with string provided the outside is protected.
When you unpack the Gramophone if you find the Turntable has lifted slightly off the centre spindle see the Gramophone Servicing topic on this webpage as to how to relocate the turntable.
Ideally ii people should bear a heavy floor standing Gramophone. If one person has to movement the heavy Gramophone past moving it forward one corner at a time, hold the torso of the Gramophone; do not grip the hat, you will twist it & impairment the hinge.
If information technology has an exposed horn textile be careful not to stick your fingers through it.
With trumpet horns, you lot don't want the horn squashed; cover over the horn elbow stop, make full the horn with small scraps of polystyrene, cut a circular piece of polystyrene a bit smaller than the mouth of the horn & button this in to proceed the bits of polystyrene in place. This will make the horn solid, wrap it in a bin liner for exterior protection.
If you lot place the horn upright on the flooring be careful not to stand up on its rim.
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Music Box Repair, Re-oiled, Starts Off At Right Speed But Slows Down Again?,
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