Phonograph Repair & Restoration

Victor Victrola

Pathé

Edison

Sonora

Columbia

Standard

Vitanola

Thorens

Palliard

Kimball

Welcome to Our Shop

Common Phonograph & Gramophone Repairs

Mainspring Repair: The mainspring, often a tightly wound coil of steel, when would with the hand crank – stores and releases energy to drive the turntable. Over time, these springs can become worn, damaged, or lose their tension entirely, leading to issues with the phonograph’s functionality.

To perform mainspring repair, we carefully disassemble the phonograph, assess the condition of the mainspring, and either restore or replace it as needed. Most springs can be repaired and re-greased at a lower cost than replacement.

*It most common for us to remove the phonograph’s motor board on location for bench repair in our shop. No need to worry about risking damage by transporting the phonograph as a whole.

Motor Refurbishment: We believe in fair and transparent service. If your repairs are straightforward and require minimal bench time, we won’t charge you for a full overhaul – you only pay for the time we invest, which is often much less than you’d expect. We’re dedicated to providing hassle-free experiences, which is why our repair estimates are always complimentary before any work begins. Whether you require new governor springs, a broken mainspring replacement, or a comprehensive motor disassembly for thorough cleaning, inspection, adjustment, and testing, we’ve got you covered.

Reproducer Refurbish & Repair: Our prices encompass a complete rejuvenation package, featuring ultrasonic cleaning, fresh gaskets, mica replacement, meticulous polishing, and precise adjustments. For any additional parts or specialized repairs necessary, we offer the lowest fair pricing, with no surprises. Your satisfaction is our priority, which is why we never proceed with any repairs or add parts without your explicit approval. Rest assured, all our work undergoes rigorous testing, and we stand by our commitment by guaranteeing the quality and performance of every restoration.

Structural Repair:

Aesthetic Repairs: These repairs are focused on improving the overall appearance of the woodwork while preserving its original integrity. They may include tasks such as:

• Refinishing: Stripping off the old finish, sanding, and applying a new finish (e.g., varnish, lacquer) to restore the wood’s luster.
• Polishing: Buffing the wood to a shine, which can remove scratches, dents or water marks and enhance the natural wood grain while respecting the original patina.
• Wood Staining: Applying a stain to enhance the wood’s color or match it to the intention of the original finish.
• Inlay or Veneer Repair: Fixing or replacing decorative inlays or veneer that may have become damaged or detached over time.
• Cleaning: Removing dirt, grime, or old adhesive residue from the wood surface.

Advanced Structural Repairs: These are essential for ensuring the phonograph’s functionality and stability. They may include tasks such as:

• Crack and Split Repair: Mending any cracks or splits in the wood to prevent further damage.
• Gluing and Clamping: Rejoining loose or separated parts using specialized wood glue and clamps.
• Reinforcement: Adding internal supports or braces to strengthen weak or compromised areas.
• Replacement: Replacing severely damaged or missing wooden components with carefully crafted replicas or matching materials.
• Alignment and Adjustment: Ensuring that all wooden parts are properly aligned to maintain the phonograph’s operational integrity.

General Maintenance and Restoration:

• Gasket Replacement: Worn gaskets can affect sound quality and allow dust ingress. We can replace gaskets throughout the phonograph to ensure proper operation and longevity.
• Re-felting: The felt on the turntable platter can wear down or become dry and brittle. We can replace the felt with a high-quality, period accurate manufacturer matched material.
• Speed Calibration: Ensure your records play at the correct speed with a governor speed adjustment. This helps preserve both record and motor life as well as delivering accurate sound pitch. .
• Additional Services:

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  Cleaning and Lubrication: A thorough cleaning and lubrication of all mechanical parts is crucial for smooth operation and prevents future wear.Custom Repairs: We have the expertise to handle a wide range of phonograph repairs, even beyond the common ones listed here.Stylus Replacement: The stylus, which makes contact with the record groove, wears down and needs periodic replacement to maintain sound quality.

Remember: This list is not exhaustive. If you have any concerns about your phonograph’s performance, don’t hesitate to contact us for a diagnosis and repair quote. We’re passionate about bringing these beautiful machines back to a state of good health!

Most repairs can be performed in place, in home. For those that can’t, we can guide you through removing the motor board, boxing and shipping directly to us for repair. Easy.