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Very nice, nipper! Looks like you have a VV-XI of somewhat later vintage than my 1917 model G. Mine still has the original "skinny" tone arm and Exhibition, but I see yours has the "fat" arm, for which the no. 4 is a better match, acoustically speaking. Could you give details about the recording: label, group, title, etc.? Thanks.

To echo Jerry's point, it looks to me as though that Mercury disc is one of the later vinyl 78s, in which case it is totally unsuited to the machine you have, and the disc will be ruined if you play it with that heavy acoustic sound box and steel needle, as pictured. Does your machine display the same symptoms you describe when playing a shellac 78? If so, then I second Jerry's advice about cleaning and lubing the machinery. There are folks who do this servicing professionally, and members here can recommend them, if you have a need. BTW, I lived in New Orleans during my junior high school years, 1953-56, so I know where you are, Bob1. McMain Junior High School, Class of '56. Ah, the memories!

Jerry has offered excellent advice. In addition, I suspect that tone arm is not original to the machine. A good way to evaluate if the tone arm is appropriate for the machine is to see if the needle either can touch the turntable spindle, or at least come close. This tone arm looks too short, and very much resembles components used in portable phonographs of the 1930s/40s. If your tone arm does not touch the turntable spindle, report back and we can recommend a parts supplier who can likely help you. Finally, here's one of the free articles on the APS website which you may find helpful: https://www.antiquephono.org/#/collectiondetails/16 George P.

1. The angle in your 4th photo looks about right. 2. There is supposed to be no resistance/balance within the tone arm. The full weight of the reproducer rides on the record. What you have appears to be correct. Either you're not winding it far enough, or there is an issue with the motor. Possibly weak springs or old, dried-up oil. It could also have to do with the record you're playing which is not really suitable for a phonograph of that era. The compsition of those later discs is not as hard as the shellac discs produced in the 1920's and earlier. This causes drag when played on an early phonograph. Are you using a new needle? Worn needles, (i.e. used more than once), will laso create excessive drag, record wear, and terrible sounds.

How far are you winding it before playing?

This is a 1920's phonograph from Chicago. It plays 78 rpm discs. My wife's grandmother received it as a wedding gift. First 3 photos are overview. There is one thing wrong now. The player used to play normally. Now, it looks like the weight of the reproducer is dragging the record to a stop. I have a few questions to post to the forum (apologies in advance for things that are obvious to APS regulars): 1. When the player is used, is the needle supposed to be perpendicular to the disc? I have been rotating the needle slightly. See 4th photo, this is angle of needle. 2. Is the tone arm and reproducer arm supposed to be balanced to let the needle ride gently on the disc? Now, my reproducer arm flops down with no resistance. I think the set screw has worn through the metal of the reproducer arm. See photos 5, 6, 7, 8. The groove where the set screw tightens to the reproducer arm has lost all of its metal. I don't think the groove should cut all the way through. If a solution is recognized, please advise. The video shows the player rolling to a halt. This is the problem. I have a piece of tape on the swivel to help alleviate the problem. 3. Does anyone remember seeing this reproducer arm for sale on any of the "for sale" parts sites? Thanks. Bob L. Metairie, LA USA 09 rolling to a stop.mp4

Correct. I was hoping that one of those collectors, more informed than myself, might consider that and chime in on the cylinders themselves.

Amazing article!!!

There probably are collectors around who can tell from just looking at these brown wax cylinders if they are Bettini or not. If not, someone would have to check them personally and maybe even play them (though the conditon seems to be rather bad).

Can another amplifier and speaker be substituted, until the real thing comes along?

Well, that's the story on the cartons, but what of the cylinders? Is it conceivable that someone in fact had some Bettini cylinders and simply wanted suitable looking cartons to place them in, (fake or not)? The moldy cylinder is not likely playable, but what do the others look like?

Thanking all for your fast responses and information!

That‘s what I think about these boxes too. They were made a long time ago (could be the 70s), but are fake labels.

Concur, on all points.

I don't consider myself an authority on the variations of Bettini boxes, but I've been told by a couple of knowledgeable collectors that these boxes are fantasy pieces. If so, I would encourage whoever winds up with them to destroy them, as they must have been made to deliberately deceive. Had I found these in a shop, I'd have been fooled by the moldy cylinders wrapped in cotton. Diane, I hope your relative wasn't swindled. Your willingness to append your eBay listing speaks well for your ethics. George P.

Hello, I am new to this forum and hoping someone could help with some information. Four Bettini were found in a crate with other Edison cylinders packed away in a wooden crate. They were found in a distant relative’s possessions covered with dust (no top was on crate) as I was clearing out the house. Since the four of these looked so different, I posted one, the empty cylinder, on eBay. I received a message from a buyer saying this was a fantasy from the 1970s and immediately took the item down and reposted it with an update. The person that owned these would have been in his 80s in the 70s and he never talked about nor did we ever see any antique phonographs, just found two horns that were in great disrepair. I opened one of the three full cylinders and unwrapped the cotton from the wax cylinder. I’ve left the other two untouched. Any information would be appreciated. Thanking you for your time.. Dee

Nice audio too.

Perfect! A simple, unintrusive repair! Very clever! Nice phonograph, by the way 🙂

So, I'm back in Spain - and here's the gramophone after Pedro fixed it, he did a really good job! A bronze ring now supports the arm and it swivels freely! Here it is playing a 50-ies Eartha Kitt, it's fitted with a Decca telematic soundbox since I play a lot of electrically recorded records and that soundbox performs really well even bass-wise. Lately I started making my own bamboo needles, using black bamboo which I find works a lot better than the other kind, it grows here on the farm! PXL_20260227_113156318.TS~3.mp4

SOLD.

Thank you so very much for posting these photos and the video. Really love the Tinfoils, especially the Hardy!! Lee Baker

I appreciate the help, hopefully something will turn up soon.

Rob and Joan: I can't wait to read your article. I'm sure it will be full of great facts and details. It's also nice for collectors to learn about such rare artifacts. This doll is incredible and the sound quality and clarity is great, especially for a doll. Rod Thanks for bringing the Rolf's article to life. The presentation is awesome! Scott.