The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Make: THOMAS A. EDISON, INC.
Model: B-80
Serial # SM17911
Year(s) Made: 1914
Original Cost: 80.00
Case/Cabinet Size: Standard (17"H, 18.5"W, 23.5"D)
Turntable/Mandrel: 12"
Reproducer/Sound-Box: standard Diamond Disc
Motor: 1-Spring
Horn Dimensions: n/a
Reproduction Parts: n/a
Interesting Facts: This is one of the only Diamond disc machines that is belt driven. The B-80 was the first phonograph to be completed ten days after the December 1914 factory fire. Total sales of the A/B-80 was 13,012 units delivered. Different than most other Diamond Disc machines, the B-80 has a turntable that is flush with the motor board.

The B-80 in honor of Featured #80.

[youtubehd]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIfUU5ShDmM[/youtubehd]

Nice machine - - I've always liked the quirkiness of the A/B-80s. I must point out that the reproducer is not a Diamond B. I think the original selling price was $80.00 as well.

Nice cabinet too! I'd like to see the interior of that one.

Thanks for posting!

George P.

Sorry about that... I copy + pasted and didn't quite make everything correct. Info is correct now.

LOL... I suppose I'm embarrassed to say that I've had the cabinet since 2009 and also have not seen the inside. ...not sure what key would be correct for this. Maybe I can find one at the Wayne MME next month.

This is a very particular machine. Very different from others and more in the vein of the Amberolas. Is the horn fixed, or does it move with the arm, like most of the diamond discs do? It looks like some kind of a compromise to keep production going, using warehouse stock while rebuilding the factory. Fascinating. And actually not bad sounding either.

Good Question Syncopeter, Is the arm driven across the record or pulled along by the grooves?

The arm/horn is driven by a feedscrew like the other Edison Disc models.

George P.

I suspect the cabinet door uses a pretty standard lock that probably takes a key with a hollow barrel. Try any you have or borrow some.

bob27556 wrote:Good Question Syncopeter, Is the arm driven across the record or pulled along by the grooves?

Victor held a patent that described the grooves leading the tone arm across the record which is why Edison needed to use the motor and gearing to drive the tone arm to avoid infringement.

Very interesting machine and looks good too. I really like the look of the bedplate compared to the usual DD machines. I wonder why they didn't keep this setup?
I assume the little knob on the outside below the crank is a speed regulator?
Love the cabinet.
Thanks for sharing.
Andreas