Decca model 66 gramophone help please - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

DuncanLeece · 18th Nov 2022, 8:42 pm

I am hoping someone can help. I have volunteered to repair this little Decca model 66 gramophone for a nice family that has owned it from new, recently in the keeping of now deceased Great Uncle. Clearing the late gent’s possessions, the gramophone was found, having been out of use for decades, apparently awaiting a new spring.

I rarely work on this type of machine, but agreed as it is in lovely condition, almost unmarked and clearly cherished, even down to having its two original keys on the obligatory bit of string!

The winder showed little resistance and neither did the turntable, so a broken spring sounded likely. But I was unprepared for this problem…..the spring unit has clearly been removed in the past, probably by its elderly owner, presumably for repair, but now is missing.

I wonder if anyone can give me pointers to a source for spares? The motor is marked 15D, Swiss Made, and I guess is maybe a Paillard?

I have placed an ad in the Wanted section below, just in case anyone has a spare motor they would be kind enough to part with, but I wonder if anyone can give me pointers to any other source for spares?

As I said, this kind of portable gram is not my usual fare, so I am floundering a bit to know where to turn!
Seems way too good a machine to scrap.

Thank you
Duncan

Richardgr · 2nd Dec 2022, 2:59 pm

Is this the one?
Gramophone museum

Techman · 2nd Dec 2022, 3:07 pm

The spring barrel is completely missing, so it's pointless trying to do anything with it. My advice would be to go back to the family and ask them where it is. If it's been with the same family from new, then they must know where it is if they're clearing the uncles stuff out.

18th Nov 2022, 8:42 pm	#1
DuncanLeece Pentode Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Banff, Aberdeenshire, UK. Posts: 104	Decca model 66 gramophone help please I am hoping someone can help. I have volunteered to repair this little Decca model 66 gramophone for a nice family that has owned it from new, recently in the keeping of now deceased Great Uncle. Clearing the late gent’s possessions, the gramophone was found, having been out of use for decades, apparently awaiting a new spring. I rarely work on this type of machine, but agreed as it is in lovely condition, almost unmarked and clearly cherished, even down to having its two original keys on the obligatory bit of string! The winder showed little resistance and neither did the turntable, so a broken spring sounded likely. But I was unprepared for this problem…..the spring unit has clearly been removed in the past, probably by its elderly owner, presumably for repair, but now is missing. I wonder if anyone can give me pointers to a source for spares? The motor is marked 15D, Swiss Made, and I guess is maybe a Paillard? I have placed an ad in the Wanted section below, just in case anyone has a spare motor they would be kind enough to part with, but I wonder if anyone can give me pointers to any other source for spares? As I said, this kind of portable gram is not my usual fare, so I am floundering a bit to know where to turn! Seems way too good a machine to scrap. Thank you Duncan Attached Thumbnails

2nd Dec 2022, 2:59 pm	#2
Richardgr Heptode Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Täby, Sweden Posts: 703	Re: Decca model 66 gramophone help please Is this the one? Gramophone museum Attached Thumbnails

2nd Dec 2022, 3:07 pm	#3
Techman Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Lincolnshire, UK. Posts: 5,000	Re: Decca model 66 gramophone help please The spring barrel is completely missing, so it's pointless trying to do anything with it. My advice would be to go back to the family and ask them where it is. If it's been with the same family from new, then they must know where it is if they're clearing the uncles stuff out.