What is the definition of an "off brand" machine?

[marcapra]

I once heard of a man who collected "off brand" phonographs. The more unknown and obscure, the better. I guess that's easier on your pocket book than the collector who only wants Edison Operas and Victor VI's. That is, until you go the sell your collection. That goes against the usual cautions from the hobby which usually advises that it's wise to stick to Edison and Victor. I guess to some collectors, anything other than those two would be an off brand. Many would include Columbia with those two as being the big three, with maybe Brunswick thrown in as a newcomer. I think everybody would consider a Vitanola as being a true off brand, but not unknown. Would a Cheney or a Pathé be off brands? I remember when I first got into this hobby and was looking for my first phono, I walked into an antique store in San Diego and saw a big over-priced Starr machine. I didn't buy it because I had never heard of it. Now I know that they were better known for their pianos and made Gennett records. I'd like to hear your comments of what you consider Off Brands and what you would not? Also what are some of the most obscure machines that you have found?

[Phototone]

Off-brand machines are generally "assembled" machines made up from parts offered by parts suppliers. Say a store wanted to sell their own brand. They could contract with a cabinet shop to make cabinets and could select from several vendors of spring motors, sound boxes and tone arms, cast horn elbows,etc. They were generally made to sell for lower prices than Victor, Columbia or Brunswick. Some lower-volume machines have unique qualities and DID have in-house manufacturing of sub-assemblies. Brands such as Sonora, Aeolion, and a few others. These are kinda in a category all themselves, in my opinion. In fact, I think there should be 3 categories,
1. Major Brands (Victor, Edison, Columbia, Brunswick
2. Minor brands (Sonora, Aeolion, several others that made most of their parts themselves, or had them made unique to the brand)
3. Off-Brands (assembled machines from stock parts)

[phonogfp]

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... =2&t=12750

George P.

[mf77]

. Brands such as Sonora, Aeolion, and a few others. These are kinda in a category all themselves, in my opinion. In fact, I think there should be 3 categories,
1. Major Brands (Victor, Edison, Columbia, Brunswick
2. Minor brands (Sonora, Aeolion, several others that made most of their parts themselves, or had them made unique to the brand)
3. Off-Brands (assembled machines from stock parts)

Except Aeolian bought their parts from Thorens, and Sonora bought theirs from Paillard, so these are both "off brand" manufacturers who put Swiss made components into their own cabinets..

[Roaring20s]

Make your own Off Brand

Popular Mechanics Magazine: Written So You Can Understand it, Volume 34

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