The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Jerry B. wrote:

Does the horn on the Zonophone screw in like a Columbia?

The horn is obviously made by the same company that made horns for Columbia. Yes, it screws in to the Zonophone elbow but the threads appear a little different. I'll try it in a Columbia elbow in the next day or two but don't expect it to work.

Jerry

Thanks Jerry. Interested to read what you discover.

I tried a medium sized threaded Columbia nickel horn in the Zonophone elbow and it did not work. The mahogany Zonophone horn appears to be identical to the ones used on Columbia machines but the threaded collar at the small end is unique for each brand. It does seem odd that Zonophone, which was controlled by Eldridge Johnson and Victor, would source wood horns from an outside supplier. Perhaps actual wood horns offered by Zonophone were such a small percentage of total sales that it was not worth Victor's efforts to supply them in house. I welcome more knowledgeable opinions on this topic.

Thanks, Jerry Blais

Jerry B. wrote:I tried a medium sized threaded Columbia nickel horn in the Zonophone elbow and it did not work. The mahogany Zonophone horn appears to be identical to the ones used on Columbia machines but the threaded collar at the small end is unique for each brand. It does seem odd that Zonophone, which was controlled by Eldridge Johnson and Victor, would source wood horns from an outside supplier. Perhaps actual wood horns offered by Zonophone were such a small percentage of total sales that it was not worth Victor's efforts to supply them in house. I welcome more knowledgeable opinions on this topic.

Thanks, Jerry Blais

Thank you Jerry! Happy New Year!