What to know before buying a GEM

[winduphere]

I have been looking for an Edison GEM and see alot of variations. I am particulary interested in a black GEM and see some on the internet. A few have pot metal pulleys and pieces broken off. What should i be aware of when making a purchase? It is also important for there to be a crane hole. What size horn then is used?
I want a nice running machine and not a dust collector...
Thank You!

[Jerry B.]

If I were buying a Gem for the first time I would probably look for a Model B Gem. I believe the Model A Gem, particularly the early examples, were rushed into production to compete with the Columbia Q. The B Gems were much better from a performance aspect. The Gem B has a hole for a crane to support the Gem Morning Glory horn. The later B has a slightly larger hole for a more robust crane but either is fine. I personally use a Gem B with 2&4 minute gearing for use at family gatherings so it is possible to find one that performs well. But I suspect many would argue that you get a Gem to work fairly well and then place it on the shelf to look at it and play a more substantial model.

Jerry Blais

[MicaMonster]

I’ll add to what Jerry said, by mentioning that the pulleys are easily found as replacement parts. With ANY GEM that crosses my workbench, I do the following:

1. Check pulley for wobble.
2. Replace mainspring (ALWAYS)
3. Oil all bearing points, and grease gears)
4. Install a new drive belt.

I love GEMS. The curse of the GEM is that they weren’t easily user serviceable (you had to remove 4 screws to access motor), so a lot of them tend to have excessive gear wear. BUT THEY ARE GREAT MACHINES. They were made in great number, so the chances of finding a good playing one with little to moderate gear wear still exists.

Changing a spring in one isn’t a walk in the park, because the spring is confined by the motor cage, and not a spring barrel.

Good Luck In Your Search!!!!

W

[Jerry B.]

Many of us enjoy a good project. I would always be cautious when considering the purchase of an incomplete Gem A. There were many major factory modifications with design changes so many parts are not interchangeable.

Jerry B.

[dutchman]

I thought my $25 GEM C would get at least some mention, had the spring replaced and, as Jerry B said, played it a few times and it now resides on top of my big Pathé
. They are nice machines. Bill K

[Marty Bufalini]

I play my (maroon) Gem fairly frequently and love it! I think it's user-friendly. But, now you guys have me wondering about replacing the main spring, which I have never done.

[Jerry B.]

you guys have me wondering about replacing the main spring, which I have never done.

If it plays through a four minute cylinder the spring does not need replacement. That's about as good as it gets. Enjoy your Gem.

Jerry B.

[Marty Bufalini]

It does play a 4 minute all the way through. Thanks, Jerry.

[winduphere]

The paint on the Gems appears to be kinda thick. Is it possible to have an original machine with
Missing or worn decals, cleaned, preped ,and restriped without doing a repaint?

[winduphere]

With the gem paneled horn, I think it's 19".
What type of connector between the reproducer and horn was used? Will it be the commen rubber tube or something else?