The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

OrthoFan wrote:I've spent a few hours on Google Patents over the past few days and haven't spotted anything.

I'm wondering if anyone has a copy of "The Patent History of the Phonograph, 1877-1912" by Allen Koenigsberg -- https://www.amazon.com/Patent-History-P ... 0937612103 -- they could cull through. That might have something.

I would guess that any patents issued or applied for would would date from the early to mid 1890s. That's too early for this site -- http://www.phonozoic.net/patents/ -- which only lists patents from 1913-1919


By the way, if you haven't read it, this is a fascinating and detailed history:

ETCHING THE HUMAN VOICE: THE BERLINER INVENTION OF THE GRAMOPHONE by Raymond R. Wile
http://www.arsc-audio.org/journals/v21/v21n1p2-22.pdf

OrthoFan

Thanks for the info and book recommendation, OrthoFan. I'll certainly check out that book. Also, another excellent read is The Fabulous Phonograph (1877-1977) by Roland Gelatt. It can be obtained here:

https://www.amazon.com/Fabulous-Phonogr ... 0020326807

Victor A wrote: Also, another excellent read is The Fabulous Phonograph (1877-1977) by Roland Gelatt. It can be obtained here: https://www.amazon.com/Fabulous-Phonogr ... 0020326807

Many thanks. I bought a first edition copy with the original dust jacket about 20-25 years ago. I think I paid two dollars for it at a library book sale (donated books).

It's a very good basic primer on the phonograph industry, and extremely readable compared to more scholarly histories, such as "From Tinfoil to Stereo," by Welch and Read. I especially liked the comments about the public's reaction to the early electrically recorded records.

OF

Yeah, it really puts the whole evolution of the phonograph into perspective, which is a thing I like about it. And although not many serious technical details are mentioned, it does often refer to the technical (and personal) challenges of records and recording, which I also particularly enjoyed.

Unfortunately, there's nothing in The Patent History of the Phonograph on this.

I too am a fan of Gellatt's The Fabulous Phonograph. As stated, it's an enjoyable read with surprisingly few mistakes. A nice bedtime book.

On the other hand, From Tinfoil to Stereo is so riddled with mistakes and personal bias, I can't read it anymore.

George P.

phonogfp wrote:Unfortunately, there's nothing in The Patent History of the Phonograph on this.

I too am a fan of Gellatt's The Fabulous Phonograph. As stated, it's an enjoyable read with surprisingly few mistakes. A nice bedtime book.

On the other hand, From Tinfoil to Stereo is so riddled with mistakes and personal bias, I can't read it anymore.

George P.

Very well put, George. Now, upon further analysis of the Type B, I have been able to work out a rough schematic and parts list, so that one may make an accurate replica. When I've worked out all the kinks, I'll post the instructions on this thread, so stay tuned!

Type B? Come on - be a sport and reproduce the Type C!

Seriously, good luck. We'll be looking forward to seeing your progress.

George P.

Thanks George, I'll cross the Type C bridge when I come to it!

But really, thanks for your encouragement!

Alright everyone, here's a partial list of supplies for the Type B:

-1894-95 hand-driven type horn and elbow
-1894-95 hand-driven type horn support system
-1894-95 hand-driven type "strap" style reproducer
-1894-95 hand-driven type turntable, screw-down clamp, and turntable support

If you haven't surmised yet, the reproducing component is the same as the... you guessed it ( and I'm going to say it again )... 1894-95 hand driven gramophone.

And here's a (very, very,) rough motor parts list:

-electrical contact points and switch

-110 volt DC motor (I surmised this as this is the voltage at which the Type C operates)

-verical 2-ball governor and small belt (to connect governor and motor)

Now, I will admit that I'm having a hard time finding info and photos on that type of motor (the one the governor is connected to, not the DC motor), so I'm wondering if you guys can aid me in researching this kind of motor system.

Thanks for your input and encouragement!

No, the battery driven motor would operate on something like 2 volts DC.

George P.

phonogfp wrote:No, the battery driven motor would operate on something like 2 volts DC.

George P.

Ah, my mistake. I'm not too experienced with electric motors. Thanks George.