Edison recommendation?

[FloridaClay]

Hello all,

I am just beginning to toy with the notion of picking up an Edison outside horn cylinder phonograph some time in the next year (probably later rather than sooner because of budget issues), but am not all that familiar with the pluses and minuses of the various models. I won't be looking for something exotic or high end, just an attractive, reliable machine with a good sound. I know some of the shortcomings of a Gem. What would be your recommendations as to choosing between some of the other models, e.g., the Home, Standard, or Fireside, etc.?

Clay

[scooter]

Hi,
I'm no expert but was in the same situation a few years ago when I wanted to own an Edison cylinder player. I narrowed it down to looking for a Standard or Home model D with a morning glory horn. I did find a very nice Home D with a good TTC morning glory horn.

I choose the D due to it's ability to play both 2 minute and 4 minute cylinders and the morning glory horn makes it surprisingly loud. You need either two reproducers (one for 2 and 4 minute H and C I think) or a more rare combination reproducer. (K I think) Also, there seem to be a lot of these around and not too difficult to find.

Interested to hear what others have to suggest.
Scott

[Andersun]

I choose the following for reliability, durability, easy adjustment, commonality of parts, and they are relatively inexpensive. I left out the Fireside because the pin-stripe is more fragile if you intend to use the machine. If it is mostly for display, then the Fireside Model A (2-4 minute) could be added below. I left out the Home Model D because of the bushing. Most replaced bushings are brass with poor tolerances leading to extra noises.


Edison Standard Model B w/ 2-4 min attachment
Edison Standard Model D
Edison Home Model B w/ 2-4 minute attachment

[Jerry B.]

Scott's advice is solid but don't rule out an earlier Standard or Home that has been upgraded to 2&4 minute. A Fireside is also a fine machine but you're more limited in horn combinations. Also, the Fireside is less frequently found and generally costs a little more. Jerry Blais

[edisonfan64]

I have an edison D standard it plays 2-4 min with the changeing of the repoducer works awesome and a great little machine wasy to work on.

[VintageTechnologies]

I am very partial to the Edison Home models myself -- I have at least six of them. They are common and inexpensive and available parts are no problem. They are rugged and much lighter to pick up than a Triumph. A well-regulated Home will play four 2-minute cylinders on a full winding. The later Homes with a pot metal bushing and no end-gate might play fewer records per winding due to friction. I would recommend either a long case Home (external speed adjustment knob ) or a Model B, upgraded with a 2/4 minute gear conversion. I like that the Model B motor is suspended on springs and runs a bit quieter.

[edisonfan64]

I have 2 exact same models i also have a edison dd machine a brunswick that plays Pathé' and edison dd n 78s as well i have a b standard
cool machines

[brianu]

I have 2 exact same models i also have a edison dd machine a brunswick that plays Pathé' and edison dd n 78s as well i have a b standard
cool machines

I think he was just asking about cylinder players.

[edisonfan64]

O My Bad yes I think he wanted to know what a good outside horn was Darn there so expensive.

[martinola]

Personally, if looking for the cheapest, most durable Edison cylinder player I would get the Standard model D (with replaced center bearing), or a model B with a 2&4 minute attachment. (For real versatility, look for a model B in the language school version that has the speed adjust on the top.) On the Standard there's a very tiny bit more gear noise on the top gear train as compared to the simpler Home or Triumph, but the Standard's coarser feedscrew is less apt to be damaged by rust or accident. I've had good success in getting a boarderline Standard to play well and not quite as much success with a Home in similar condition. Standards and Homes are both good machines, but I think the Standard will be the more cost-effective of the two. Good luck!

-Martin