FOUND: Edison 2/4 Minute Machine

[Zkeener323]

I’m finally willing to delve into cylinder recordings. I’ve been buying a few these past few months and figured I should get something to play them on. I’m not looking for something fancy or in great condition. I just would prefer it to be able to play both, though I know I would probably need to procure an additional reproducer to play the other speed. Any help or guidance on what would be best for my case since I will be a novice in this area would be great. Feel free to PM me or reply to this post.
Best,
-Zach.

[Jerry B.]

I have a very clean 2&4 minute Edison Standard. At the next show it will be priced at $325 with a 14" reproduction horn. The price reflects a really nice original cabinet with good decal and the paint and striping on the deck is also very good. You can probably do better with a lesser quality machine but this gives you an idea. Postage is extra.

Jerry Blais

[Zkeener323]

Thanks Jerry. What is the next show by the way? I know of one down in Carolina that is soon I believe. I appreciate getting a ball park. I have seen some online and only two in antique stores (both standards, 2min only but with original 14" horns) and were upwards of $500-$600) I do understand certain things will command more value though. The Standard did seem to be the direction I was going. At first I wanted something that would have a cygnet horn, but I figured I should start with something simple and see how I feel. I really am more of a disc man. I'm a relatively young collector, but I've collecting disc machines for about 15 years now. So, I've been doing research but I don't have any hands on experience. I think that with a Standard I will have something that is reliable, and versatile. Thank you to everyone for reaching out, I always appreciate advice.

Best,
-Zach

[colmike1]

I think you would be happy with a Standard or a Fireside A. Both very dependable phonographs. I like the smaller footprint of the Fireside. Jerry B offered you a really nice machine at a very fair price.
Mike

[Mickydoo]

Is this 2 & 4 minute Standard still for sale at $325? If so, two questions: Could I get a few more pictures of the machine and where are you located?

Thank you!

[Curt A]

An Edison standard can be outfitted with a cygnet horn at a later date or can be used with a large morning glory horn and required horn crane, which makes it versatile and provides many different options... The 2/4 minute option is very important to have as it allows you to play almost any cylinder and opens up the range of recordings available. Personally, I would advise you to look for Blue Amberol 4 min cylinders (not 4 min black wax Amberols) and 2 min Indestructible cylinders, which are also made of celluloid and less likely to break than black wax...

PS - Jerry is in Albany, Oregon and knows how to pack and ship the machine so it would get to you intact, which is not true with all/most eBay sellers. It would be a good idea to consider Jerry's machine since the price is reasonable, he knows what he's doing, he can give you any advice necessary and he is a reliable guy (plus he didn't pay me for the reference)...

[Zkeener323]

Thanks to a fellow forum member I will be driving Sunday to pick up a Standard B. I agree with the advice on celluloid cylinders. Once I get comfortable, I’ll feel safer getting into the fragile wax cylinders. I appreciate everyone’s help, I’m excited to finally hear all the records I’ve collected. Also, I did not purchase the Standard that Jerry very generously offered, so the user who inquired on it could contact him to see if it is still available.

[Jerry B.]

I'm glad you found one within driving distance. Mine was a good value at $325 but shipping could add quite a bit to the ultimate cost. Jerry