Edison Standard - need advice

[muffinass]

Hi everyone,

Been away from my collection but I've come across an Edison Standard phonograph with 170 cylinders. Price for the phonograph is $300 (I think negotiable); ditto for the cylinders, although he's asking $2-$4 per.

I've always wanted to have a phonograph (I collect gramophones) but the price has always pushed me away from getting one.

Would you say $400 or max $500 would be a fair price for the Standard and cylinders? Does the machine look like it might need an overhaul? (I've worked on gramophones before but not phonographs)

Lastly, is having a 2/4 min. phonograph better than one that's restricted to one speed? I figured when the day would come that I will buy an Edison, I would do it right and get one that could cover both speeds.

Thanks in advance for the advice!

[FellowCollector]

170 cylinders alone, presuming the one you pictured is a representative condition of all the rest, are worth well more than $300. 2/4 minute gearing is obviously a bonus but if you have a wonderful grouping of (mostly) nice condition 2 minute cylinders then you have plenty of listening pleasure ahead. The Amberola 30 is a mystery since it's not mentioned but the Standard appears to be nice from the pictures. If you get everything for $500 it's a steal as you probably already know since nice condition 2 minute cylinders are generally valued considerably more than $2 or so each - especially the 'interesting' ones. Who knows what great titles may be in the lot? Chances are good there are some great titles in there. I would have snapped this deal up immediately at $600 if I knew about it.

Doug

[phonogal]

The cylinders in the picture appear to be a mix of 2 and 4 minute cylinders. The standard looks like it is only a 2 minute and the amberola pictured is a 4 minute machine.

[Phonolair]

Personally if I had been looking for a Edison cylinder machine I would have picked up the Standard A for $300, it looks complete.

170 cylinders with boxes for $300 is also a good buy, that's less than $2 each.

If you think you can get them for less that fine, it's part of the game. But I would not walk away and leave them on the table for $600 either.

Best Regards, Larry

[NEFaurora]

The Standard phonograph pictured is a Edison Standard Model "A" phonograph since it has the speed control through the top of the bedplate. It appears to be in good shape. That Amberola 30 appears to have seen some good use. I would estimate it's cost at around $250. (Considering it works)... It appears to have some minor veneer loss on each of the sides.

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

[martinola]

Lastly, is having a 2/4 min. phonograph better than one that's restricted to one speed? I figured when the day would come that I will buy an Edison, I would do it right and get one that could cover both speeds.

Actually, I find that I am happier playing cylinders on speed-specific machines. Somehow I can never get the 2 minute setting on a 2/4 minute machine to play back as smoothly or quietly as the 4 minute setting. I am sure that there are machines out there that can do great service to both but I suspect it depends on getting lucky in your hunt.

If you got both the Standard and the Amberola, you'd be set for everything (except the wax Amberols). Good luck on your hunt!

Martin

[muffinass]

Thank you everyone for the advice.

The Amberola picture was posted by accident (he's selling both machines at about the same price, $300).

I'm tempted to offer him $400 for the Standard and cylinders (my budget is really limited) but am weary of having to invest in restoring the phonograph.
Also, as I have no experience with phonographs, I wouldn't know what to look for when testing the machine out.

What issues should I be aware of when looking to buy cylinder machines?

Thanks again!

[tinovanderzwan]

300 for the standard is an ok price it looks ok and the motor is complete if you buy the cylinders aswell as the stadard than 600,- sould be a fair offer
i would leave the amberola where it is it looks very worn and for 300,- i've seen better if i would see this machine in an auction house i would leave when the bidding goes over 150,- there are many other barn finds for about that price

i'm also a low budget collector the trick is don't be greedy there are plenty of fish in the sea and with patience another will come along at the right price
so if this sale don't work out there will be another

before you know it you've got a house full of them

tino