im thinking about getting a edison standard in a year or two

[phonograph guy3435]

I'm not sure where else to ask this but what types of cylinders can I play on an Edison standard. like can I play Edison Gould molded or brown and black wax? also, can it play all two-minute cylinders or just some?

[drh]

I'm not sure where else to ask this but what types of cylinders can I play on an Edison standard. like can I play Edison Gould molded or brown and black wax? also, can it play all two-minute cylinders or just some?

It all depends on the machine and how it's set up. Standards were around for a long time in a number of variants, and they can range from two-minute only to two-four geared to 4-minute only, with standard or cygnet horns, with reproducers for 2, 4, or 2/4, suitable for black or brown wax or for blue amberols. If you have the right reproducer and gearing, you can play any standard sized cylinder on one of these machines (obviously, you can't play the larger-diameter "salon" or "concert" types). Machines that were originally 2-minute only not infrequently have been retrofitted with 2/4 gear kits. For flexibility, I'd suggest getting one with 2/4 gearing and reproducers for both types, or else one of the combination reproducers that can do both.

Note that if you want to play brown wax, you'll need one of the early style reproducers with a light floating weight and the slanted carrer eye, not the horizontal one. With that setup, for gold moulded and celluloid 2-minute, the Model C is the standard choice. For 4-minute (wax or celluloid), Model H. If the machine has a horizontal carrier, I don't think you'll be able to set it up for brown wax, at least not readily.

[phonograph guy3435]

thanks for your wisdom!

[drh]

thanks for your wisdom!

Glad to be of help. You might want to have a look at the reference book The Edison Cylinder Phonographs 1877-1929, by George Frow and Albert Sefl, which has a section going into considerable detail about the various versions of the Standard (and the other Edison machines, for that matter).

[phonograph guy3435]

Thats Great! also were can i get that book?

[drh]

Here it is on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Edison-cylinder- ... 0950546224

That's pretty pricey, but it shows you what you're seeking. I'd look around at the usual used book sources, like AbeBooks and eBay, and try to snag a copy for less. Or post a want ad in the Yankee Trader section of this forum.

[phonograph guy3435]

thanks!

[phonogfp]

If you're interested only in an Edison Standard, a detailed, illustrated article on all Standard models just appeared in the December 2023 issue of the APS magazine. There's even a dating chart. An annual subscription ($40 US) is cheaper than the Frow book!

Also, one of the free articles on the APS website describes the basic types of cylinder records and reproducers collectors are likely to encounter:

https://www.antiquephono.org/#/collectiondetails/16

Another of the free articles is a good overview of the Edison Standard models:

https://www.antiquephono.org/#/collectiondetails/79

Newcomers will also benefit from this overview of the hobby:

https://www.antiquephono.org/#/collectiondetails/19

One last recommendation:

https://www.antiquephono.org/#/collectiondetails/78

Have fun!

George P.

[fourbaers]

Phonograph Guy,

Antique Phonograph Society likes helping young and beginning collectors get their first machine and may be able to help you out. Let us know - either by posting here or a PM if you prefer - where you're from and how to contact you and we'll see what we can do.

Thanks for reaching out!

Terry Baer
President, APS

[phonograph guy3435]

I already have an amberola 30 but I'll research this and thank you for your help!