Reproducer Rebuild

Price: $50.00 - includes new inner gaskets (isolators charged separately). Additional parts (if needed) other than the inner and back gaskets (mounting flange), are an extra cost and will be quoted during the estimate.

 

This is an important part of the phonograph not to overlook! The reproducer is the sole control of the quality of music your phonograph will make. Old reproducers seldom play at their full potential, and often have very harsh, buzzing sounds when played! When properly rebuilt and adjusted, reproducers can offer a full range of sound reproduction, with a very smooth and even tone.

​

Key signs to look for that suggest the reproducer may need to be rebuilt:

Rattling, buzzing, harsh tone, and distorted sound.

​

Motor Cleaning (Excluding mainsprings)

Price: $100.00 - Full cleaning, including complete disassembly, greasing, and oiling (governor cleaning included in price). Mainspring labor will be charged separately since the number of springs varies between machines.

 

Although a machine might play in its current condition, it is always a good habit to first completely disassemble, and clean the inner workings of the phonograph. Years of dirt, dust, and grime, can cause these machines to not run as smoothly as possible, and without proper oiling, this can often lead to problems down the road such as worn bearings, broken gears, inconsistent speed while playing, and the inability of the machine to play an entire record.

​

Key signs to look for that suggest the motor may need to be cleaned:

Grinding sounds, variable speed (records randomly speed up and slow down when playing), not being able to play through an entire record, and excessive noise (please note: some machines, even when properly cleaned and adjusted, still make a lot of motor noise i.e Early Phonographs)

​

Upper works cleaning (cylinder phonographs only)

Price: $75.00 - Complete cleaning of all the upper works gears, mandrel, bedplate (if needed), feed screw, and carriage rod. Broken parts repair/replacement is an additional cost and will be quoted during the estimate.

 

Full Mainspring Service

Price: $45.00 per spring ($55.00 for Edison Diamond Discs and Edison Triumphs)

 - Includes removal of spring barrels from the motor,  cleaning, regreasing of

original springs, and reassembly. 

New spring pricing varies depending on the machine (spring length, thickness, and width). New springs vary from $60.00-90.00 each, plus the installation fee.

​

Basic Mainspring Service

Price: $35.00 per spring ($45.00 for Edison Diamond Discs and Edison Triumphs)

- For customers sending the spring barrels only (you remove the barrel from your phonograph, and reinstall the repacked springs)

=Icludes cleaning and regreasing of spring barrels and original springs. 

New spring pricing varies depending on the machine (spring length, thickness, and width). New springs vary from $60.00-90.00 each, plus the installation fee.

​

The spring is the heart of an antique wind-up phonograph. Without this, the machine will not be able to run. The springs must be properly cleaned and lubricated to ensure both the operation and longevity of the machine. If springs are not properly taken care of, their lifespan will greatly be reduced, and can break while playing.

​

Key signs to look for that suggest the springs may need to be cleaned and lubricated:

Thumping noise while winding and playing, scratching sound while winding, variable speed while playing, and the inability of the machine to play a full record.

 

Governor Repair

Price: $25.00 - Includes governor disassembly and cleaning. Additional fees may apply depending on the required parts. New springs (x2, 3, or 4 depending upon machine) $3.00 each.

The governor of an antique phonograph controls and maintains the speed at which the turntable spins. When worn out, dirty, or broken, machines will not play properly. These pieces should be dissembled and cleaned in order to ensure smooth operation.

​

Key signs that suggest the governor may need to be rebuilt:

Inconsistent speed when playing, the machine plays too fast or too slow, or the speed is not consistent and the motor makes a very loud and constant crunching noise (the governor spring may be broken).

 

Cabinet Cleaning, Polishing, and Buffing

Price: $45.00/hour - including removal of hardware. With this process, your phonograph’s cabinet receives a gentle cleaning using a combination of Howard’s Restore-a-finish and Kotton Klenser products. This will help remove years of dirt and grime buildup that has become trapped by old waxes and polishes. After cleaning, the cabinet will be given a wood feeder and treated with lemon oil and beeswax.

 

Key signs that the cabinet needs to be cleaned and polished:

The finish appears dull and ‘muddy’, flecking and grain are not easily visible, and various blemishes can be noted around the cabinet.