Repair & Restoration Services
I offer repairs and restorations of a wide range; from getting a neglected or damaged machine simply functioning or improving its sound to intensive mechanical overhaul and refinishing.
Click HERE for before & after photos of recent restorations.
Common Repairs:
Motor Clean & Lube: The motors in these machines, most of which are roughly 100 years old, can and should be improved with a thorough disassembly, cleaning, and lubrication. This restores smooth performance and prevents further wear on gears and bearings.
A spring in its barrel.
Mainspring Repair: Motor doesn’t work? No tension? Your mainspring might be unhooked or broken. I can repair or replace your spring and improve strength, performance, and playing time. If your motor works but you hear clanging or thumping as it plays, the spring(s) need removed, cleaned, and re-greased.
Removing a spring for cleaning and re-greasing. A messy and potentially dangerous job.
Reproducer Rebuild: Buzzing sound? Rattling? Blasting? Screeching? My favorite part of a good restoration is a thorough rebuild of the reproducer (aka “soundbox”). This is the part that holds the needle and it’s where the sound is produced. Designs vary widely, but most use rubber gasket material between a rigid diaphragm. This creates an airtight seal while still allowing the diaphragm to flex and vibrate, producing the sound. Unfortunately, rubber degrades quickly, and if your reproducer hasn’t been touched in 20-100 years, chances are that it is in need of a rebuild.
A recently rebuilt Victor Exhibition soundbox (also called a “reproducer”)
Reproducer rebuilds are typically simple and affordable if the reproducer is in good condition. However, pot metal reproducers (like most Victor Orthophonic soundboxes) are very fragile and can be problematic. The extent to which these can be repaired, if at all, will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Cabinet Repair and Cosmetic Improvement
Wood cabinets can need all sorts of repairs. Veneer lifting and damage is common. I can make your cabinet structurally sound. I can also refresh a worn finish, refinish a damaged lid to match the rest, fill holes, etc. If the condition warrants, I can perform a complete strip and refinish using historically-accurate materials and techniques. Small table top machines are good potential candidates. Note that completely refinishing large floor-model machines can be extremely labor-intensive and turn around time can be several months.
Because the machines I work on are vastly different from each other–and are found in varying conditions–I can’t easily quote prices for services here in any useful manner.
Please use the contact form or email me at banksmusicalantiques@aol.com with your specific need. Photos are highly encouraged. Don’t be shy–I like to help when I can. If I lack the parts or ability I can probably refer you to someone who can help you.
Click here for before & after photos of recent restorations.
All 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.
