An Amberola 75 for Me, with Thanks

[drh]

On Tuesday, by a circuitous route, an Amberola 75 took up residence with me for the first time. I bought it from Rich Gordon, through the Yankee Trader, back in May, and ever since it had been waiting with him while a certain virus and its attendant travel restrictions ran their course. Monday, Raphael Cole, on a swing through the area, very kindly collected the machine from Rich in New Jersey and transported it to the home of Rick Shindle, who likewise kindly had agreed to play intermediary, in Waynesboro, PA, much closer to where I live in DC's Maryland suburbs. Tuesday I drove up there (the first time I'd been out of my immediate area since March or before), collected the machine, and brought it home. Many, many thanks to Rich, Rick, and Raphael for their efforts in making this evolution a success. Herewith, a few photos of the Amberola in its new digs.

[Inigo]

Congratulations to all you! A very nice machine indeed!

[dzavracky]

WOW!!

Nice amberola, I am glad you were able to get it ! Strangely the thing that caught my eye was the Edisonic sitting next to it. Those are some nice machines!

[Jerry B.]

Yes, the Amberola looks quite happy along with your other treasures. Congratulations!

Jerry B.

[MC2300]

drh, nice machine and check your personal message inbox.

[phonosandradios]

Now that's a really nice looking machine (in an attractive line up of machines!). The one on the far left and the far right of the picture also caught my eye. As you have both an open horn and enclosed horn cylinder machine I have always wondered how does the sound compare between them? I have always thought that the enclosed horn appears smaller so wouldn't sound as good but is this actually the case?

[drh]

Now that's a really nice looking machine (in an attractive line up of machines!). The one on the far left and the far right of the picture also caught my eye. As you have both an open horn and enclosed horn cylinder machine I have always wondered how does the sound compare between them? I have always thought that the enclosed horn appears smaller so wouldn't sound as good but is this actually the case?

Thanks (to you and to all the others for their kind words). That's the "vertical cut army," which faces directly across the room to oppose a "lateral cut division" comprising an Orthophonic Credenza and a Victor V with oak speartip horn.

It's early days yet, and the "new toy" syndrome may still be in full force, but for what it's worth here are my impressions. I'll confess I bought the Amberola more for its cabinet than as a player--I need cylinder storage, and my thinking was that the 75 would serve as a storage cabinet that happens to play records and can serve as a partial backup for the Triumph should it need service. Nonetheless, the 75 sounds very, very nice, and its motor is about the quietest cylinder mechanism I can remember hearing. It doesn't have the volume of the big cygnet, and the latter's wood bell gives it a warmer character (I still consider it the best sound for cylinders I've heard), but taken on its own terms the Amberola is a pleasure to hear, and I'm thinking it may get more exercise than I'd originally intended, especially when the rest of the family has retired for the night.

As an aside, am I wrong in thinking the Amberola 75 may have been an inspiration for the cabinet design of the London Upright disc machines? I've never seen one of the latter in the flesh, but from photos I'd say they bear more than a passing family resemblance.

[NEFaurora]

Nice machine... I love my Amderola 75... and I'll probably never get rid of it...!!!...lol....

Who am I kidding.... I love ALL of my Amberolas!

Congrats on the new machine....!

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

[Damfino59]

I think the Amberola 75 is a nice combination of convenience and utility. Their really reliable and provide great storage for ones better Blue Amberol’s. It my first choice for trying out new purchases.

[Zkeener323]

It looks like a perfect fit! And I love that you have dueling sides to the room. It has found a good home indeed.