Edison Standard (E vs F carrier arm)

[MTPhono]

According to Frow, both the Edison Standard and E and F were introduced and offered at the same time (Nov 1911). The only material difference is location of the carrier arm, allowing either a straight 10 panel horn (E) or cygnet horn (F). Is the option of horn setups the reason for offering both models at the same time?

If you happen to have an Edison Standard F, I'd like to see a photo of the carrier arm.

Thanks,
Scott

[martinola]

Hi Scott.

Here are a couple of photos of the Standard F carrier arm.

Std_F_carrier_w_repro.jpg (180.87 KiB) Viewed 1303 times

F_carrier_no_repro.jpg (183.56 KiB) Viewed 1303 times

The Frow book mentions that the "E" was originally intended for the mail-order market (thru Babson Bros) and then offered generally. Since the "F" was a 2&4 minute model (vs the "E" being 4 minute only) there probably was still demand for machines that handled 2 minute records.

From looking at various versions of the "F" and "E" machines, it looks like a buyer could order the machines in whatever configuration of reproducer and horn (at least toward the end of production). I'd guess that the Edison company spent the last 2 or 3 years of Standard production using existing supplies of machines and parts. For instance, in refinishing 2 different "E" bedplates, I found that the serial numbers in the castings were for "D" machines - same numbers but different model types.

I would be interested to see any sales and production data from that era. I too, would like to know the actual reasoning behind the company's decisions at that time.

Regards,

Martin

[Valecnik]

Great post Martin. This reproducer configuration always amazes me, i.e. a top mount config with an O reproducer could be had simultaneously or is that not correct?

[MTPhono]

Thanks Martin! That is exactly what I was looking for.

On my E a top mounted carrier was added with Diamond B notch. I enjoyed seeing yours, appropriate only for the R or S (looks like you have an S).

I'd also like to know which of the two options sold in greater numbers. I am guessing the F.

[martinola]

Great post Martin. This reproducer configuration always amazes me, i.e. a top mount config with an O reproducer could be had simultaneously or is that not correct?

For some reason, the O didn't seem to be available for the Standard, at least not until the large-eyed horizontal carrier arm was introduced for the Diamond B. One doesn't see them too often on Standards today. I think I've only got 4 out of 1400+ examples on my data sheet. Perhaps the limited availability of the O was a selling point for the more expensive machines like the Home and Triumph. It would be neat to find a memo regarding the reasoning behind this.


Scott -
Actually, of the Standards I've seen, the F is a good deal rarer than the E. The F seems to be mostly associated with the special carrier arm. I know I have seen several Es with the Diamond B/Cygnet set-up. I suspect that this configuration may have been sold as model G, although never actually labeled as such. (opens up different can of worms...)

Regards,
Martin

[RefSeries]

As Martin says

For instance, in refinishing 2 different "E" bedplates, I found that the serial numbers in the castings were for "D" machines - same numbers but different model types.

a number of the later machines seem to have used surplus Model D tops. I am rebuilding an F which shows an obvious amendment to its plate:



Some very interesting posts! The Standard F/G's were a strange market move but I guess was a way to use up parts before the internal horn Amberolas came along.

Keith