1920s wind up Columbia Grafonola Gramophone model 202
A wonderful fully functional vintage wind up late 1920s Columbia Grafonola gramophone, model 202, with several shellac 78 speed records and a packet of 100 brand new needles.
The Grafonola differs from a Gramophone in that this amplifies the music with just the ‘sound box’ and internal horn which is the round piece to which the needle is attached, rather than requiring a large exterior horn to be heard. The sound is then further amplified through the box, beneath the turntable. This version is more compact and so easier to store and transport. The volume and quality of sound is plenty loud enough and of a very listenable quality.
This one has the additional benefit of an automatic start and stop mechanism when the tone arm is lifted towards the start of the record and when the record is finished. This is implemented with the bar to the back left of the turntable.
The amazingly impressive fact about these gramophones is that they work entirely without a power source besides the manual wind up lever which is unfolded from the case and wound to power the spinning turntable.
The sound is transmitted acoustically via the needle, through the ‘soundbox’ angled, as it should be at around 60° which is connected to the tone arm.
In case you are unfamiliar with 78s, these types of record preceded vinyl. They are usually made of shellac and are much stiffer and more brittle than vinyl records. They are smaller too, and run at around 78rpm as opposed to 33 or 45 with vinyl.
The needles are made of soft steel and can be purchased cheaply online in bulk (they should ideally be changed every side of a record due to degrading sound quality). They are quickly and easily changed with the simple thumbscrew.
A packet of 100 brand new ‘medium tone’ (volume) needles are included, in the swing-lid pot built into the front right of the deck.
The lever to the back right is a manual brake which will stop the record at any point, and the sliding lever to the front left adjusts record speed to fit with your dancing ability… It is 78rpm in the central position and can go a bit slower or faster. The winding handle pulls out for transport.
Unlike many, this gramophone has an auto stop lever which is pushed once the needle reaches the end of the record and the turntable stops spinning. As well as going silent, wear to the needle and record is prevented by this uncommon and useful function. It also means your winding isn’t going to waste on silence. It also starts the turntable rotating automatically when the tone arm is carried towards the record’s starting point. This can be disengaged if preferred.
In order to get your collection started I will be including a small variety of gramophone records from my collection.
The polished case is in good condition and the latch works smoothly. The brown felt pad to the deck is in good condition, with just light cosmetic wear and the mechanics are working well and have been oiled. The leather handle cover is worn and a little loose and has been reattached for aesthetic reasons but should be used with care. Beneath the leather the metal handle strap is sound. There are marks commensurate with its near century of age over the chassis but overall it looks fantastic and works well.
I have dozens of gramophone records for sale for use with this and similar gramophones:
Sets of gramophone records, mixed batches of shellac 78s for gramophone players
*** SEE IT IN ACTION! ***
Here is a video of this actual gramophone playing a record:
YouTube has prevented me using the sound of the record for copyright reasons, but if you want to hear it, contact me on the contact page of this site and I’ll send you the video with sound.
I have written a ‘How-To’ guide on the use of gramophones on this website:
This Columbia Grafonola is a fantastic looking piece of music history. It is a wonderful period piece to wow your friends and family and a great way to get a party started!
Measures 41cm X 30cm X 17cm with the lid closed.
£265
A wonderful fully functional vintage wind up late 1920s Columbia Grafonola gramophone, model 202, with several shellac 78 speed records and a packet of 100 brand new needles.
The Grafonola differs from a Gramophone in that this amplifies the music with just the ‘sound box’ and internal horn which is the round piece to which the needle is attached, rather than requiring a large exterior horn to be heard. The sound is then further amplified through the box, beneath the turntable. This version is more compact and so easier to store and transport. The volume and quality of sound is plenty loud enough and of a very listenable quality.
This one has the additional benefit of an automatic start and stop mechanism when the tone arm is lifted towards the start of the record and when the record is finished. This is implemented with the bar to the back left of the turntable.
The amazingly impressive fact about these gramophones is that they work entirely without a power source besides the manual wind up lever which is unfolded from the case and wound to power the spinning turntable.
The sound is transmitted acoustically via the needle, through the ‘soundbox’ angled, as it should be at around 60° which is connected to the tone arm.
In case you are unfamiliar with 78s, these types of record preceded vinyl. They are usually made of shellac and are much stiffer and more brittle than vinyl records. They are smaller too, and run at around 78rpm as opposed to 33 or 45 with vinyl.
The needles are made of soft steel and can be purchased cheaply online in bulk (they should ideally be changed every side of a record due to degrading sound quality). They are quickly and easily changed with the simple thumbscrew.
A packet of 100 brand new ‘medium tone’ (volume) needles are included, in the swing-lid pot built into the front right of the deck.
The lever to the back right is a manual brake which will stop the record at any point, and the sliding lever to the front left adjusts record speed to fit with your dancing ability… It is 78rpm in the central position and can go a bit slower or faster. The winding handle pulls out for transport.
Unlike many, this gramophone has an auto stop lever which is pushed once the needle reaches the end of the record and the turntable stops spinning. As well as going silent, wear to the needle and record is prevented by this uncommon and useful function. It also means your winding isn’t going to waste on silence. It also starts the turntable rotating automatically when the tone arm is carried towards the record’s starting point. This can be disengaged if preferred.
In order to get your collection started I will be including a small variety of gramophone records from my collection.
The polished case is in good condition and the latch works smoothly. The brown felt pad to the deck is in good condition, with just light cosmetic wear and the mechanics are working well and have been oiled. The leather handle cover is worn and a little loose and has been reattached for aesthetic reasons but should be used with care. Beneath the leather the metal handle strap is sound. There are marks commensurate with its near century of age over the chassis but overall it looks fantastic and works well.
I have dozens of gramophone records for sale for use with this and similar gramophones:
Sets of gramophone records, mixed batches of shellac 78s for gramophone players
*** SEE IT IN ACTION! ***
Here is a video of this actual gramophone playing a record:
YouTube has prevented me using the sound of the record for copyright reasons, but if you want to hear it, contact me on the contact page of this site and I’ll send you the video with sound.
I have written a ‘How-To’ guide on the use of gramophones on this website:
This Columbia Grafonola is a fantastic looking piece of music history. It is a wonderful period piece to wow your friends and family and a great way to get a party started!
Measures 41cm X 30cm X 17cm with the lid closed.
