[Malcolm Fear]

I have an old portable wind up gramophone (great for picnics).. The brand name is "Regal". The actual wind up motor is a "Thorens" (believe it or not).
It doesn't work anymore. It winds up okay, but will wind forever.
Any ideas where I can get it repaired in Sydney?

[TG]

Hi Malcolm,

The main spring is probably broken or has come off the spindle - do not try to do a DIY repair as the spring is under enormous tension and can cause severe injury if it is suddenly released by opening the spring box.

I have a contact for a (the?) Sydney gramophone repairer - I'll send it to you directly.  If the gramophone has never been serviced it may be worth having a full job done on it.  The diaphragm on the playing head of most gramophones only has a 20-30 year life expectancy - you'll be stunned at the difference a new one makes.

I also have a wind-up gramophone with a Thorens turntable - it dates from 1915.

Cheers
Tony

[Malcolm Fear]

Thanks for the info. I will get onto it soon.