Columbia model 105 LP player

[maxhifi]

Bought this off eBay about ten years ago. I got it NOS, and actually have the box for it too. Have had some free time over holidays and for some reason decided to put some effort into it. So far have polished cabinet with wax, and degreased/lubed 3 speed mechanism. These were sold for about $15.00 in the early 1950s, in order to attract people to the then new LP format which Columbia was promoting.

The case is solid wood (not plywood), and fairly crude. The turntable/motor appears to be made by Webcor (a guess, if anyone knows for sure I'd like to know), and the arm and crystal cartridge are Astatic.

The crystal cartridge has no output, and the idler and turret both have large flat spots due to the lack of a neutral position in the drive mechanism. I'm going to get in touch with the voice of music to see if he can supply me with a new idler and turret. Then have to figure out a way to keep them round when the turntable isn't on.

I've always been very impressed with the quality of 1950s mono Columbia records, and for that reason would like to return this record player to working order.