Edison Cylinder Machine

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JerryVan
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Re: Edison Cylinder Machine

Post by JerryVan »

m_nakamura wrote: Thu Apr 17, 2025 1:57 pm Okay! I showed her the pictures Jerry attached, and she said it's definitely the one with the larger mandrel.

How much would a horn cost and does anyone know where to buy the Concert Cylinders?

Thanks!!
That's great!

The horn can be as simple as a plain 14" example... https://www.ebay.com/itm/116559596686?_ ... R6ax3M7IZQ

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You would also need one of these, so the horn will sit at the correct angle... https://www.ebay.com/itm/365299333078?_ ... R_Lo9M7IZQ

Neither of these options are very expensive.


As for a record, I can probably get you one at minimal cost to you.

JerryVan
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Re: Edison Cylinder Machine

Post by JerryVan »

You mentioned earlier that the crank was missing. When you get the Concert, hinge open the cabinet and see if it isn't inside.
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Also, if the lid is still there, DO NOT LET ANYONE pick the phonograph up using the lid handle. These are heavy and the lids are old. Pick it up only by the bottom of the cabinet. It will be top heavy that way, so be very careful.
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Is the phonograph located near you?

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paradroid1793
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Re: Edison Cylinder Machine

Post by paradroid1793 »

Yes, they certainly are not cheap by any means. You can find brown wax Edison Concert Cylinders, which are the cheapest, but typically have cracks or mold.

In my opinion, the original selection of content on Concert Cylinders was pretty poor also, but home recordings and modern pressings are much better.

JerryVan
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Re: Edison Cylinder Machine

Post by JerryVan »

Is there any chance that there may be records there too? Very few people who are not in the hobby would recognize them as records.

Show your relatives this picture...
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Dave D
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Re: Edison Cylinder Machine

Post by Dave D »

If you get the Concert phonograph, I would be willing to give you a large brass horn for it. I live in Port Huron, not that far from Saginaw. I run the Thomas Edison Depot Museum here and your family might enjoy a visit some weekend.
Dave Dazer

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m_nakamura
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Re: Edison Cylinder Machine

Post by m_nakamura »

Okay! So…

I called my auntie and asked her if there was a lid. She said no.

I also asked her if it had any records and texted her the picture that Jerry sent. No to that too! :(

Dave, thank you! That’s very generous! If we have a free day I’ll ask my parents to go.

Also. The phonograph isn’t located near me. Since it was my great grandmothers, she’s going into elder care, and along with my grandparents are still residing in Japan. My aunt and uncle flew over to help.
Spread kindness! :rose: :mrgreen:

pallophotophone
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Re: Edison Cylinder Machine

Post by pallophotophone »

m_nakamura wrote: Wed Apr 16, 2025 5:39 pm Hi Forum! My auntie told me that while clearing out my great-grandmothers belongings to move her into a care facility she found an "Edison Phonograph.",
I don't have photos at the moment, she told me she'd get them when she goes back early May. :(

The phonograph is an "Edison Concert Phonograph", I asked if it had a horn and she said no.

I also asked if she was able to test it, but apparently it's missing the crank to wind it up.

I've never had a cylinder phonograph. What should I expect and is this a good model of cylinder phonograph?

Thanks!
If your machine has a drawer in the right hand side front of the cabinet- that is the first model of the Edison Concert Phonograph- the crank might be in it, not to mention other "goodies" like extra reproducers like the model D.
The crank could also be loose inside the cabinet but not in the drawer.
It will also have an all encompassing cover as opposed to the lid with the 2 latches that retain it.

GOOD LUCK !! I hope it's the early model !!

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m_nakamura
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Re: Edison Cylinder Machine

Post by m_nakamura »

Thanks!! I just texted my Auntie asking. :mrgreen:
Spread kindness! :rose: :mrgreen:

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m_nakamura
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Re: Edison Cylinder Machine

Post by m_nakamura »

No drawer. :(
Spread kindness! :rose: :mrgreen:

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phonogfp
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Re: Edison Cylinder Machine

Post by phonogfp »

Millie, don't feel bad about your Concert having no drawer. Many collectors prefer the later iterations of the Concert for the decal and the more ornamental cabinet.

George P.

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