Edison Diamond Disc antique store find

[Deppizzymo]

Firstly, hello I am Alex and completely new to this forum and phonographs in general. I never thought I would own a phonograph but saw this in an antique store yesterday and could not pass it up. I have always appreciated old furniture and things made of oak specifically so it kinda fits with my interests. I thank everyone in advance for the help they can lend me.

I picked up what I have gathered to be an Edison Diamond Disc cabinet at an antique store yesterday for $40. The crank still turns and the turntable spins. The stops/brake seem to work on it as well. The cabinet itself is in great shape with a nice patina. Just looking at other pictures I can tell I need a reproducer and a horn at the very least which I am sure are not very cheap or easy to find. I was wondering two things. Firstly, how did I do for a start of $40 and secondly... Can anyone tell what else I might need to get this playing again? I would hate to set off on an adventure and find myself buying expensive parts I know nothing about without asking someone first. Let me know what kinds of pictures are needed to make an educated recommendation and I can take them. I have attached three quick photos and a video of me turning the crank and the turntable spinning.

[phonogfp]

Hello Alex, and welcome to the forum.

You have an A-100, and the oak cabinet is a plus because these are overwhelmingly found in mahogany. For $40 you did well.

As you have surmised, you need a horn and reproducer. The horns to these are soldered to a vertical lift tube (also missing). The parts you are missing (including the lift lever at the top of the vertical tube) are commonly found. If you were in my area (western New York State), I could supply you everything you need (minus reproducer and oak grille) for free. Let us know the city where you live and perhaps someone on here can help you.

The reproducer you need is the common nickel-plated variety, which you can find for around $100 more or less. Just be sure the diamond stylus is good before you buy one. For this reason, you should stick with a reputable dealer, either here on the Yankee Trader or on eBay.

Speaking of Yankee Trader, you should advertise your needs there. Be sure to follow the format described in that section. Here's what you need:

* Complete horn/lift tube assembly for A-100. Will accept complete mechanism if necessary.

* Oak grille for A-100

* Nickel Edison Disc reproducer (second style with flanges cast into weight) with good stylus.

If you cannot find an original oak grille, there is a fellow who makes excellent reproductions, but you can cross that bridge when you come to it...

Good luck!

George P.

[emerson]

Hello Alex, Nice find, but this machine will play only Edison Diamond Discs---unless you buy a regular 78 adapter ---easy to find. As for George P. the advice comes one heck of a knowledgeable gentleman, you'll understand the more you enjoy the hobby. Old phonographs are really nice to hear especially around Christmas time---when you will hear the Carols from 100 years ago.

[Deppizzymo]

Thanks so much for your replies. I have been looking around on eBay here and there in an uneducated kind of way for parts. I am located in Northeast Missouri so quite a ways away from New York. I will post in the classifieds section. If anyone is bored on this lovely day and finds some cheap eBay listings send them my way. I really appreciate it.

[Phono-Phan]

Alex,
Nice find for $40. The A-100 models are great, especially in oak. Where are you located? I am sure that members on this forum would have the parts that you need. If you are anywhere near Central Wisconsin, I have most of what you are looking for and would be more than happy to assist you getting your new treasure playing again.
Ken Brekke

[Jerry B.]

All of the above advice is terrific. Could one of our Diamond Disc experts also add what other DD models have the same horn assembly? Jerry

[phonogfp]

I don't claim to be an Diamond Disc expert, but any of the B-motored Disc Phonographs with a 100-size horn would work. This would include the B-19 (Chalet), H-19 (Hepplewhite), the early BC-34(Baby Console), the L-35 (London No.1), L-36 (London No.2), L-37 (London No.3), and LC-38 (London Console No.4).

Alex's A-100 is slightly later production (without the motor plate pinstripe), so simply swapping out the mechanism with one of the above machines could be done without affecting historical accuracy.

George P.

[audiophile102]

Alex, welcome to the forum. Your A100 looks like a fine restoration project. Once you get it up and running you will discover that there are really great diamond disk records to enjoy. I have an A250 and I play Edison records almost every day. My machine came without a grill so I made my own, but I would not recommend it unless you have a lot more time than money. Read about my efforts here. http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... =7&t=22628 Good luck with your project.

John

[Deppizzymo]

Alex, welcome to the forum. Your A100 looks like a fine restoration project. Once you get it up and running you will discover that there are really great diamond disk records to enjoy. I have an A250 and I play Edison records almost every day. My machine came without a grill so I made my own, but I would not recommend it unless you have a lot more time than money. Read about my efforts here. http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... =7&t=22628 Good luck with your project.

John

All I gotta say is WOW and that is above anything my skill set and tool set would allow

[phonogfp]

That horn on eBay looks a bit large to me, but it's very difficult to tell from pictures. But there's absolutely no reason for you to be paying $40 plus shipping for this sort of thing.

My advice to you will be difficult, but SLOW DOWN and allow a few days/weeks for someone to help you out. You'll save money and possibly a lot of aggravation trying to fit the wrong parts into your A-100. I know you're excited and you want to get your phonograph up and running right now. We've all experienced that urge. But that's the urge that makes us vulnerable to poor decisions. Just take a breath. What you're doing is not going to be difficult - - that A-100 will be singing by spring.

Did you see the reproducer offered to you on Yankee Trader?

George P.

Hey - - what happened to that eBay horn posting???