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Zonophone sound box
Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2019 12:11 pm
by vansteem78
When looking up my Zonophone Grand Opera machine circa 1906. One book states that it uses some Victor parts but other characteristic Zonophone parts. Is this sound box a characteristically Zonophone part?
Re: Zonophone sound box
Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2019 12:23 pm
by Uncle Vanya
Well, its marked "Zonophone", but the front ring, stylus bar, stylus bar springs, diaphragm and rubber would all be interchangable with those of a Victor Exhibition.
Re: Zonophone sound box
Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2019 12:35 pm
by vansteem78
Ha ha yes I know it says Zonophone as does the machine but just trying to figure out which parts are from Victor and which parts 'are characteristically Zonophone.' As I just said the machine says Zonophone but there is a Victor motor etc. etc. The bracket holding the arm is not Victor, The brake is not Victor so thought I'd ask about the sound box. I guess if it was Victor it would say maybe Zonophone Exhibition?
Re: Zonophone sound box
Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2019 2:24 pm
by Django
If you wouldn't mind, please post some pictures of the whole machine. It's nice to see and show off machines, especially the unusual ones.
Re: Zonophone sound box
Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2019 2:36 pm
by Jerry B.
When your Grand Opera was made, Zonophone was owned and controlled by Victor. The parts showed Victor influences. The sound box on your machine closely resembles an Exhibition.
Re: Zonophone sound box
Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2019 3:06 pm
by vansteem78
A few photos of my Zonophone machine as requestd. The horn is cloth covered and large.
Re: Zonophone sound box
Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2019 3:11 pm
by Django
Very nice. Thanks for posting.
Re: Zonophone sound box
Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2019 3:15 pm
by vansteem78
Any time. Lots of time with facebook problems system wide today!
Re: Zonophone sound box
Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2019 3:24 pm
by Uncle Vanya
vansteem78 wrote:Ha ha yes I know it says Zonophone as does the machine but just trying to figure out which parts are from Victor and which parts 'are characteristically Zonophone.' As I just said the machine says Zonophone but there is a Victor motor etc. etc. The bracket holding the arm is not Victor, The brake is not Victor so thought I'd ask about the sound box. I guess if it was Victor it would say maybe Zonophone Exhibition?
No. This is the reproducer which was used from around 1906 until the end. A Victor product through and through.
Re: Zonophone sound box
Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2019 4:07 pm
by Jerry B.
I've read that once Victor acquired Zonophone assets Zonophone machines were kept in production to compete with the Columbia lineup. Victor wanted the buying public to believe that even the most modest Victor was beyond comparison with any Columbia.
Jerry Blais