Edison C-4 possibility

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DGPros
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Edison C-4 possibility

Post by DGPros »

Hey Guys, I may be venturing into some new territory. I am going to see an Edison C-4 radio, phono combination. I know the background on the model,last model from the company, plays only needle cut records etc. I have done some research and it sounds like it would cost me around $500 to have others repair the radio and phonograph. I would do the cabinet.How many were made? I know it's low but can't find any sort of figure. I have attached a few pictures and would like to get some ideas on this. Is there anything I should be looking for that is not obvious? It's pretty rough and would like to hear some thoughts from you guys. Thanks
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edison c4.jpg
edison c4 inside.jpg
edison c4 front.jpg
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Skihawx
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Re: Edison C-4 possibility

Post by Skihawx »

I tried to sell a restored and operating one a few years ago for $500 -$600 and had no takers.
I would watch how much money I invest. If it your own time then it is all free.

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Re: Edison C-4 possibility

Post by EarlH »

I refinished one a few years ago for someone and they are nice looking, but the market is pretty weak for them. It had to have the power transformer replaced and the speaker needed work as well along with all the usual stuff. I think Edison had trouble with those power transformers right out of the chute though. And it had always been kept in a dry place. It refinished very nicely though.
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DGPros
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Re: Edison C-4 possibility

Post by DGPros »

Skihawx wrote:I tried to sell a restored and operating one a few years ago for $500 -$600 and had no takers.
I would watch how much money I invest. If it your own time then it is all free.

Thanks I saw how low they have been selling. Hard to believe with such a nice looking, working machine. It would be added to my collection (always wanted an old working radio) but I am worried about the cost it would take to get her going again.
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DGPros
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Re: Edison C-4 possibility

Post by DGPros »

EarlH wrote:I refinished one a few years ago for someone and they are nice looking, but the market is pretty weak for them. It had to have the power transformer replaced and the speaker needed work as well along with all the usual stuff. I think Edison had trouble with those power transformers right out of the chute though. And it had always been kept in a dry place. It refinished very nicely though.

Wow, she really did come out nice. Thanks for the input and photos
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Re: Edison C-4 possibility

Post by ChuckA »

The last 4 C4's I restored averaged $425, two needed power transformers, 3 needed speakers re-coned. What condition are the chassis? If you have rust you are looking at a good probability one or more transformers are bad, besides the power transformer the interstage is a weak point.

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DGPros
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Re: Edison C-4 possibility

Post by DGPros »

ChuckA wrote:The last 4 C4's I restored averaged $425, two needed power transformers, 3 needed speakers re-coned. What condition are the chassis? If you have rust you are looking at a good probability one or more transformers are bad, besides the power transformer the interstage is a weak point.

Chuck
I am going to look at it tomorrow. I haven't seen anything but the pictures I posted. Thank you, these posts are very helpful.
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Re: Edison C-4 possibility

Post by marcapra »

I have owned two C-4s. I sold one for $600 because I got a better one. Then I sold the better one, which was in Excellent condition on the cabinet. I had the pickup rebuilt by George Epple and it sound great for 78 rpm records. Then I sold it for just $500 in order to get the more desirable and rarer Edison C-2 (1928) which can play both DD's and 78s. It takes a serious Edison collector to buy one these Edison radio/Phonos, but they are definitely worth having!!! Besides the C-2, I also have a beautiful Edison R-6 and an R-7 both from 1930, which were the last products from the Edison phonograph and radio division. To the poster above, wow! you sure know how to restore a cabinet so it pops!

I just added pics of my old C-4. Gosh! I can't believe I sold it for just $500!
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DGPros
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Re: Edison C-4 possibility

Post by DGPros »

Well, I just couldn't do it. She came down to $200 but it just didn't seem worth the time and effort. Maybe if my other projects were finished and /or she had a few Edison needle cut records to go along with it, I would have changed my mind. Thanks for the help. Gary
In short, is not liberty the freedom of every person to make full use of his faculties, so long as he does not harm other persons while doing so?
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