The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I too have a Silvertone with the Saal motor... I was rather impressed by the motor; seems to be along the lines of the Victor in terms of design and quality.


Edison's Diamond Disc motors are pretty good, I think on par with Victor and Brunswick.


I think the popularity of the Heinemann motor was probably due to an attractive price-point for "independent" talking-machine builders.

De Soto Frank wrote:
I think the popularity of the Heinemann motor was probably due to an attractive price-point for "independent" talking-machine builders.

That and it was an off-the-shelf solution that could be ordered in quantity when everyone and their uncle was trying to start a phonograph company. No engineering skills were required!