Berliner Automatic Grand Sound Box

[gramophone78]

I thought I would show a seldom seen Canadian sound box patented on March 24 1903. The paper label is difficult to see clearly, unless you have one apart.

[Dave D]

Looks like the hole for the thumbscrew was drilled right on through. Is it?
Dave D

[gramophone78]

Looks like the hole for the thumbscrew was drilled right on through. Is it?
Dave D

No. The needle chuck on these AG's is made in two parts. A threaded tube is placed through the chuck and soldered into place and then the needle hole is drilled out. Seems like a complex way to make these.. . I'm surprised the rubber ring in the back is still present. Normally they are long gone.

[gramophone78]

I received a PM asking the size of this AG sound box. So, to put it into perspective....here it is between a regular Canadian Automatic and a ordinary Exhibition. As you can see....this sound box is a monster.

[Lucius1958]

Now, this has me puzzled: if the diaphragm is full sized, what do those screws on the front bezel attach to?

Bill

[gramophone78]

Now, this has me puzzled: if the diaphragm is full sized, what do those screws on the front bezel attach to?

Bill

Much like the smaller Automatic that uses a three prong spring steel spider on the reverse to retain the inner part to the outer casing (sealing the whole sound box).

The AG uses three curved spring steel keys held by a screw. These keys fit into a groove that is in the main body and retains the front cover that also seals the whole sound box tight.

Hope all this makes sense.

[Victrolaboy]

How good is the sound quality from this reproducer?

[Tpapp54321]

Sorry if this is a dumb question but how were these sold? As a upgrade or sold with a specific Canadian model berlinder? Thanks in advance.
-Tom

[gramophone78]

Sorry if this is a dumb question but how were these sold? As a upgrade or sold with a specific Canadian model berlinder? Thanks in advance.
-Tom

Both. It was offered on certain Berliner "letter" model's "standard" (front & rear mount) and also as an upgrade on model's with the smaller "Automatic" sound box.

It is normally seen (unless replaced later) on rear mount Berliner's that have the rarely seen cantilever type arm (as shown below on a type H).

As for the sound....they are very loud. Too loud in this short test video I made with it on a Vic. II.

https://youtu.be/Z1arkQTwRn4

[gramophone78]

Here are the first four Canadian sound boxes starting at 1900 from left to right.
Of mention, both the Automatic and Automatic Grand hold the March 24 1903 patent date.