Project description
Looking for an experienced restorer to bring a vintage mechanical wind-up gramophone back to full working order. The instrument is a classic pre-electric tabletop model with a hand-cranked spring motor, a wooden or metal horn, and a mechanical turntable that plays through a needle-and-diaphragm soundbox rather than any electronics. Decades of storage have taken their toll: the spring motor turns unevenly and needs cleaning, re-lubrication and possibly a spring replacement, the turntable bearing is worn and causes wobble during playback, and the soundbox diaphragm has lost its seal so the sound comes out faint and distorted.
The horn shows several dents and a dull, flaking finish that needs careful straightening and refinishing without damaging the original metal or papier-mache structure underneath. The wooden cabinet has scratches, a bit of loose veneer, and a tarnished crank handle and hinges that should be cleaned and polished to match the original look as closely as possible. The governor mechanism that regulates playback speed also needs inspection and careful adjustment so the turntable runs at a steady, correct speed instead of drifting up and down.
I am hoping for a full mechanical service: complete disassembly, cleaning of every moving part, replacement of worn felt, leather and cork gaskets, careful lubrication with period-appropriate materials, reassembly and precise calibration of the speed governor. Cosmetic work should preserve the antique character rather than make the piece look brand new — a light, sympathetic touch-up rather than a full repaint or replating. Please share examples of similar wind-up gramophone or phonograph restorations you have completed, along with your approach to sourcing period-correct replacement parts such as springs, soundbox gaskets and crank handles. A written estimate of time and cost, along with photos at each stage of the restoration, would be greatly appreciated. Local pickup and delivery of the instrument can be arranged, or I can have it shipped well packed if you work remotely and can provide clear packing instructions beforehand.
The horn shows several dents and a dull, flaking finish that needs careful straightening and refinishing without damaging the original metal or papier-mache structure underneath. The wooden cabinet has scratches, a bit of loose veneer, and a tarnished crank handle and hinges that should be cleaned and polished to match the original look as closely as possible. The governor mechanism that regulates playback speed also needs inspection and careful adjustment so the turntable runs at a steady, correct speed instead of drifting up and down.
I am hoping for a full mechanical service: complete disassembly, cleaning of every moving part, replacement of worn felt, leather and cork gaskets, careful lubrication with period-appropriate materials, reassembly and precise calibration of the speed governor. Cosmetic work should preserve the antique character rather than make the piece look brand new — a light, sympathetic touch-up rather than a full repaint or replating. Please share examples of similar wind-up gramophone or phonograph restorations you have completed, along with your approach to sourcing period-correct replacement parts such as springs, soundbox gaskets and crank handles. A written estimate of time and cost, along with photos at each stage of the restoration, would be greatly appreciated. Local pickup and delivery of the instrument can be arranged, or I can have it shipped well packed if you work remotely and can provide clear packing instructions beforehand.
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