Picked up a Standard B with 30 inch horn

[Edisone]

If you want to keep the K for another machine, that's fine - but for this one, I'd get a C. Ks just don't sound as good, and can fatally damage out-of-round cylinders.

[Iva]

Hi Iva.

Even though we talk about a "speed change" when referring to 2 minute versus 4 minute recordings, we are really talking about a change in the threads per inch of the feedscrew (which drives the reproducer along the record). The standard 2 minute record is recorded with 100 threads per inch. To get 4 minutes, Edison increased the threads per inch to 200. To do that, they had to make the grooves finer to pack more sound in the same space. That's why the 4 minute stylus is so much smaller. The motor will still turn at its same speed and the cylinder still needs to be at 160 rpm. But to get the feedscrew to turn at half of the original rate, one needs to add the adapter gears that the Edison company sold after they introduced the 4 minute record. Changing the speed of the motor won't make this a 4 minute player.

Sorry if I'm covering what you already know. Once you get over the early technological hump, you'll really enjoy playing your machine. Of all of the cylinders that Edison made, I think the 2 minute cylinders (in good condition) sound the best.

Best wishes for a happy New Year!
Martin

PS: Let's see what they did to the back of the machine. Maybe somebody here will have a good idea of how to put it back right. - MK

thank you very very much for this Martin!

I didn't think speed would matter, that just shows how much I DON"T know about the mechanics of these machines. I get it now with your wonderful explanation.

I'm guessing then that I can ruin a 4min cylinder by playing it on a 2 min player even though it has a 4 min reproducer on the player?

And the fact that the reproducer may have either a diamond tip or Columbia 4 min stylus instead of what I thought was a reg 4min stylus...absolutely means I ruined the record for sure. sigh and darn it.
Goodness these learning curves suck.

I did take a pic of the back of the machine. I suppose it's not soooo bad...but the metal crane holder part isn't big enough to hold a crane...well at least the crane I have for my other player.

I'm guessing with that 30 inch horn, a floor crane would be better?

Thanks again for your time
Iva

[Lucius1958]

That crane mount on the back is definitely something cobbled up by a previous owner.

You might check for screw holes in the back, to see whether this Standard had been upgraded to a Cygnet horn in its early life.

Bill

[Iva]

That crane mount on the back is definitely something cobbled up by a previous owner.

You might check for screw holes in the back, to see whether this Standard had been upgraded to a Cygnet horn in its early life.

Bill

oh never thought about that. I was wondering why it was in back like that.
Would make sense.

Thanks