Here you can learn about early sound recordings and the original machines that play them. Terms such as phonograph, gramophone, Graphophone, Victrola, Grafonola, etc. are just some of the many identifiers or brand names for machines that reproduced sound, mostly without the use of electricity. 

Many of these machines are visually beautiful–and they can sound beautiful, too–with the proper restoration and care.

For current machines and accessories for sale, click here.

RESTORATION AND REPAIR SERVICES

I offer restoration service, including historically-accurate refinishing. Please click on Photo Gallery to see my work and past projects.

I am a one-man operation fueled by my lifelong fascination with acoustic record players. I have over fifteen years of experience restoring wind-up machines ranging from the 1890s to the 1950s. Edison, Victor, HMV, Columbia, Brunswick, Sonora, Silvertone, many “off-brands,” and more.

I’m located in Southern California, approximately an hour from Los Angeles. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.

All content photos, and videos on this website copyright John Banks 2020. Please do not republish them on your website or elsewhere without my explicit permission. Thank you.

Hear one of my restored machines play a rare copy of the classic, “Charleston,” 1925: