Zonophone parts

[fonograph]

Help....I'm not not an Zono expert, but I have a chance at a Type A glass side zono but I suspect on the horn and the reproducer. It 's not cheap, so want to make sure the parts are correct for the machine. The reproducer is a Standard Sound Box made in Pilly and the horn is all brass origin unknown. can someone weight in before I spend thousands on a incorrect machine.
Thanks,
Bob

[phonogfp]

I mean this with all respect, but if you're not familiar with Zonophones (or any other particular machine you're considering), you really shouldn't be spending thousands of dollars on one. There are many books out on the subject of antique phonographs with clear detailed photos of machines to help prevent costly mistakes.

That said, a Zonophone horn is best evaluated at the elbow, and there is not a good photo of the elbow and tightening bolt. I will say that the Standard Sound Box is quite interesting. It's not original Zonophone equipment, but it might well make the deal especially sweet!

Best of luck,

George P.

[Curt A]

George, I was with Bob when he got this machine. He's a long time collector and this machine is particularly nice and original. The horn is original, but the clamp on the elbow was broken off. He also got with the machine a repro brass horn, which has the elbow and clamp intact. The thought was this - use the original horn, remove the broken elbow and resolder the repro elbow/clamp back on the original horn. Other than that, his main concern was the reproducer and apparently you believe it to be a good replacement. We couldn't find any info on the United Standard reproducer, which looks very much like a Jr Exhibition. What do you know about this particular reproducer...?

[fonograph]

No disrespect taken George. These machines don't come on the market very often so I'm glad to get the opportunity to even purchase it. The horn has been sawed off just before the thumb screw but the fact that it has been modified makes me believe that it's original and old.. I've got a replacement elbow. The horn was folded, then soldered, with no "beads:, like a conventional bell horn. I might be able to secure a V Concert reproducer to go with the machine, but I hate to invest if the horn is wrong.

[fonograph]

I popped the mica out of the reproducer and it says Standard Sound Box Philadelphia Made in US. Have not been able to google any info on this reproducer.

[phonogfp]

Bob,

Thanks for taking my advice in the spirit it was intended.

However, it sounds like you have already taken possession, according to Curt. If that's the case, I can only offer my congratulations. Type A Zonophones are indeed not commonly available.

George P.

[phonogfp]

I popped the mica out of the reproducer and it says Standard Sound Box Philadelphia Made in US. Have not been able to google any info on this reproducer.

I believe the Standard Sound Box was a product of Robert L. Gibson.

George P.

[Zwebie]

fonograph wrote:
I popped the mica out of the reproducer and it says Standard Sound Box Philadelphia Made in US. Have not been able to google any info on this reproducer.


I believe the Standard Sound Box was a product of Robert L. Gibson.

George P.

Kind of looks like a Johnson "New Century" to me.

Bob S.

[phonogfp]

Yep - you're right. Johnson quickly bought the rights to Gibson's designs, and the Exhibition sound box was designed by Gibson as well.

George P.

[JerryVan]

Would be really interesting to know what's under the paper label in that reproducer. But, would be a shame to ruin it to just to find nothing. The thought being that it might have New Century info hidden under there. Either way, that's a choice reproducer, albeit wrong for a Zonophone. It should make excellent trading stock for the correct reproducer.