Brunswick advice needed.

[phonojim]

I just found a Brunswick model B-210 which I may be interested in purchasing, but I need a little advice first. It is a common-looking machine, and in reasonable condition. Its biggest saving grace is that it is equipped with a 3-way Ultona reproducer which seems to be in very good condition, that is, it is complete and all parts turn, slide or swivel as they are supposed to do. The only drawback is a missing diamond on the Edison side. However, and please correct me if I'm wrong, the diamond/bar assembly looks to either be made by Edison or an exact copy. If an Edison will fit, I'm in luck because I have some NOS ones in my parts stock.
My real question is, of course, what is a fair price for it? They are asking $175 and I hope to get it for less if I decide to. Any opinions?

Thanks, Jim

[VintageTechnologies]

I don't believe $175 is a lot to pay for a phonograph in decent cosmetic condition, if you want it. Does it have the sapphire stylus? I'm willing to bet Edison did not make parts for his competitors. I see lots of Brunswick hardware on eBay, often quite reasonable. You could buy a tonearm and reproducer to cannibalize the diamond needle.

[EdiBrunsVic]

Brunswick Phonographs are reasonably good machines. The three-way soundbox is a nice advantage to playing records. The Edison record playing feature is interesting, but I do not use it often, since there is evidence of extra wear on Diamond Discs when played on the Brunswick. Pathé records play fairly well when the machine is level.

I sent a PM with other information.

[larryh]

Beyond reasonable sound is what I hear from my Brunswick. The range of sound, while perhaps slight, is better than some of the more common name brands. I think its the size of the mica that causes the extra bit of lower end sound that your able to get from the acoustic records on it. The Edison side if working well, is fairly good but will not reproduce the depth of tone the edison machine would. Pathé has often been said to sound much better on the Brunswick than the Pathé machines them self. They do tend to slide across the record if its remotely out of level or the records are faulty from age which some Pathés appear to be. If it were me, without seeing the machine I would tend to wait for the best brunswick model size wise I could find, they should not be overly expensive if found locally and in phonographs size often does matter.

[VintageTechnologies]

I think its the size of the mica that causes the extra bit of lower end sound that your able to get from the acoustic records on it. ..... Pathé has often been said to sound much better on the Brunswick than the Pathé machines them self. They do tend to slide across the record if its remotely out of level or the records are faulty from age which some Pathés appear to be.

I own a Brunswick and three Pathés, so I'll chime in. I agree the larger diaphragm may contribute to better bass response and volume. Other factors such as mica thickness and gasket characteristics should affect performance as well. In my own experience, all three Pathé machines play Pathé records louder than my Brunswick. I don't believe that indicates a problem with my Brunswick, either. I made an interesting observation about my Brunswick Ultona while comparing the volume of 78's to Pathé records. Remember, on the Ultona the same diaphragm plays both formats. The Ultona typically plays acoustic 78's louder (about the volume I would expect) than the Pathés, despite the Pathés being quite loud on Pathé machines. My theory: When the Ultona is turned to play 78's, the diaphragm rests in a neutral position with no preloaded pressure upon it from either direction, and it is able to vibrate equally well in either direction. When the Ultona is turned to play Pathés and set on the record, the diaphragm is bowed in one direction and probably can't travel as far in that direction as in the other. That would be the case with any reproducer of vertical records, but when all is said and done, my Pathé machines still play louder. "Your mileage may vary".