Columbia AO
The Graphophone Type AO was at the top of the Columbia roster in 1901. It is difficult to list all the technical innovations that were introduced with the Graphophone AO. Begin with the mind-boggling ornamentation of the quarter-sawn oak cabinet. Move on to the TRIPLE spring motor. Continue with the lowered position of the mandrel, designed to improve the tracking of the reproducer. The list goes on and on.
Here we see the results of radical innovation -- the reproducer now exerts its weight from ABOVE the record, as Edison was to adopt some years later. Columbia made ground-breaking use of die-castings in the reproducer carriage assembly. Over time, these castings, though state-of-the-art at beginning of the 20th century, have a tendency to weaken. In this instance, the entire carriage has been meticulously rebuilt by a skilled machinist, bringing it back into proper alignment and insuring reliable functioning.
The triple spring motor -- a design Columbia was to use for the next 10 years.
The stunningly fancy cabinet has been lovingly restored to return it to the appearance it had when it left the factory. Even the banner decal is a scrupulous, historically accurate copy. We've got this buddy who's retired. He has devoted his recent life to individually hand producing decals that are so true to the originals that it's INSANE. We started out in this business 40 years ago. Back then, replica decals were... well... quite frankly, JUNK! They didn't even come close to the appearance of he originals. Nowadays, we've got our retired buddy, and is personal commitment to make each decal with unfailing accuracy.
On the rear panel, another replica decal of perfect historical accuracy.
The condition --- SUPERB. Beautiful, bright, smooth-playing. Free of grease, gunk and grime. We have equipped it with our perfect copy of a Columbia aluminum horn -- literally indistinguishable from the original. This is the horn that the AO was supplied with at the factory.
Price: With Columbia style all-aluminum horn, $1850. including one record, plus s/h. (NY State residents must add tax where applicable.)
Contact: phonotim@gmail.com
Telephone: 585-582-1586
FAX: 585-582-2624
US Post: PHONOPHAN
PO Box 747
Henrietta, NY 14467 USA