What Should I Lookout For With An Edison?

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SignatureSeriesOwner
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What Should I Lookout For With An Edison?

Post by SignatureSeriesOwner »

I finally got a reply to an e-mail I sent nearly a week ago for a $30 Victrola that "needs work." He's working on getting pictures, but the "Victrola" is an Edison LU-37. From what I have briefly read, it was an upright introducer in 1922, and one of the last uprights Edison produced.

What should I look for in this? I know, typical broken spring issues, but anything else? I have no DD records, and neither does he, so is there another way to test the reproducer?


Anything else you guys can think of?

Thanks!
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Brad
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Re: What Should I Lookout For With An Edison?

Post by Brad »

SSO,

In general, you will find the same sorts of issues as with other machines. The one item that can get a little pricey is the reproducer. If the diamond is missing or damaged, it will have to be replaced. A replacement diamond stylus will run $100+ (and some will question the quality) whereas a replacement reproducer will run $30-100+. Diamond disc records are not as common as shellac, however, there are plenty available and many will claim they sound better.

If the motor runs, $30 is not a bad price if you want to possibly take on a project machine.
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SignatureSeriesOwner
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Re: What Should I Lookout For With An Edison?

Post by SignatureSeriesOwner »

Thank you, I appreciate the info.

The guy who is selling it basically has no idea if it works, so, I may just have to go and see.
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larryh
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Re: What Should I Lookout For With An Edison?

Post by larryh »

That machine is the smallest edison cabinet model. The horn is tiny and and tinny in my opinion. If it were me I would wait for a larger model. Almost anything bigger from the S 19 up would be a huge improvement in sound. I wouldn't spend a lot of money on that model. I just saw a nice upright Oak C 19 go for 75.00 at a garage sale I missed on craigs list. I have seen a number of 250, (which is the larger horn) machines on craigs list for under 150 and that would be a much better choice. I got my C 19 for 25.00 at a auction. It didn't have a reproducer, but at 25.00 it was well worth it. I have an eye on a beautiful oak edison coming up soon at a sale near me, I will see what happens with it.
Some people may be fans of the small machine and perhaps it would suit you well. I traded mine which was in fine shape for a William an Mary console and was tickled to get in comparison. It needed work but its a much more worthy of timely repairs in my book, it looks impressive and sounds well too.

good luck
Larry

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