Model C talking book record player from '55

[radiotvnut]

As many of you know, I collect these older talking book players that were made available to the blind for playing talking books. Here's a model C machine from 1955 and was the last model that was single speed (33 rpm). The model D played 33 and 16 rpm and newer machines added the 8 rpm speed. This particular unit was made by DeWald and needed a new cartridge, as well as the usual amp service. At a later date, I'll work on the cosmetics and clean/lubricate the drive mechanism. This model uses an ElectroVoice 51 dual-sapphire power point cartridge. When one side is worn, it's necessary to remove the cartridge from the holder, reverse it, and then re-insert it back in the holder.

Here's the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25omE5Cnl4U

[Electronic M]

Interesting phono. IIRC I have one of the newer ones with the 8RPM speed tucked away somewhere...I think mine says something about being property of the library of congress...

[radiotvnut]

All of the Library of Congress ones were Government property and were supposed to be returned when no longer needed or when a newer model was issued. I recall a friend who had one of the last record players issued tried to return his machine once records were discontinued and they told him to keep it because they already had a mountain of them in their way. On ebay, I still see record players and even the newer cassette players and digital players for sale. Technically, it's illegal to sell any of this stuff and they can come after you if they so desire. As far as these old record players, I don't think they'd say too much about anyone owning one (since the format is no longer in use); but, I don't think they'd be too happy if they caught people trying to sell them.

I have one of the 8 rpm machines from the mid '60's that I got from a friend who has connections with the state talking book library and the library gave him the record player in the first place. He said he just happened to be at the right place at the right time because they would have been recycled had he not got them. AFAIK, most of the records and record players that our state TB library had ended up getting recycled.