Edison Home 'B' Cylinder Phonograph, I Think..??

[OrthoSean]

Adding a speed control is an interesting concept and I can see why someone might have done it. I have often wondered if Edison removed the external speed control a bit too early in the game because there were still occasional variations in cylinder speeds after this time. Interestingly, the external control was left on the Triumph. I own a D and D2 which both have an external control but I don't know how long after that they kept it. This can be a handy feature even when playing some dubbed Blue Amberols. I have a couple, both early and late which play very fast at 160 rpm and need to be adjusted by ear.

Jim

I've always thought the same thing, one dub which needs slowing down that immediately comes to mind is Billy Murray's BA of "K-K-K-Katy". Thankfully the D-2 and Amberola V are my two main cylinder machines so there's no problem with a quick speed change.

Sean

[downsouth]

So Whitedogfive, Are you saying that this is an upgrade you added yourself?

Wes

[NEFaurora]

I've also noticed that the Edison Standard Business Machine Phonographs thru the "D" Models (1907) also kept their External Speed Controls.

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

[phonojim]

Sean, that's one that I was thinking of when I wrote my post.However, with Murray, you have plenty of examples for comparison. Others are not so easy unless you have the source DD.

Jim

[JohnnyMontana]

I also have a standard model B with a speed control. I’ve been told the machine left the factory in 1907. The serial number is 461405. The adjustment is made by inserting a small straight slot screwdriver thru the hole and engage it with the adjusting screw which is slotted. I’m not sure if all adjusting screws are slotted. It’s a very clean machined slot

[whitedogfive]

So Whitedogfive, Are you saying that this is an upgrade you added yourself?

Wes

For some reason, only half of my reply was posted. That has never happened before.
I did not drill the hole into the bedplate. I have read that when you had a cygnet horn, with the difficulty of lifting the bedplate to adjust the speed, customers would have the Edison store make the adjustment of adding the external speed control.