The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

antique1973 wrote:Thanks for all the excellent info gentlemen.
I will keep you all posted on how it turns out...

please do, especially if you pick up a b-19... they did some interesting things with the finishes on some of those.

brianu wrote:

antique1973 wrote:Thanks for all the excellent info gentlemen.
I will keep you all posted on how it turns out...

please do, especially if you pick up a b-19... they did some interesting things with the finishes on some of those.

It says here they were made of "red gum" wood. Where there any other
more rare woods used?

http://www.oldcrank.com/collection/edison_b19/b-19.html

There was an attempt to promote Gumwood in the 1920's for use in fine furniture and woodwork. It works well (excellent for turning) and select lumber has an attractive grain but with time it tends to warp and crack.

I definitely enjoy this machine.

[youtubehd]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIfUU5ShDmM[/youtubehd]

phonophan79 wrote:I definitely enjoy this machine.

[youtubehd]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIfUU5ShDmM[/youtubehd]

That is pretty neat how it has the belt drive. Nice machine!

I believe these are supposed to have a flapper-type volume control in the reproducer. Otherwise there is no volume control. These reproducers with a knob on the side for volume are rare.

I've had a B-80 in my garage for years waiting for the correct reproducer. I regret buying it because it is so obscure. Condition is important. They do not age well. Good ones these days can be had cheap due to lack of demand.

Here is a B 19 for $200 and it probably won't go for that.

Covah wrote:I believe these are supposed to have a flapper-type volume control in the reproducer. Otherwise there is no volume control. These reproducers with a knob on the side for volume are rare.

I've had a B-80 in my garage for years waiting for the correct reproducer. I regret buying it because it is so obscure. Condition is important. They do not age well. Good ones these days can be had cheap due to lack of demand.

Here is a B 19 for $200 and it probably won't go for that.

Thanks Covah, that is helpful info. Nothing like a current Ebay auction to help gauge market value.
I think I need to bring a magnifying glass also to check the diamond. Seems like that is really
crucial considering the cost to replace them. If that london console I bought had a good diamond I
would have invested further in time and money to restore it.

B-19 is just a standard machine in a cheapo gumwood case; I'd go for the much more interesting B-80 IF it's in nice shape. If oak, even better.

antique1973 wrote:

brianu wrote:

antique1973 wrote:Thanks for all the excellent info gentlemen.
I will keep you all posted on how it turns out...

please do, especially if you pick up a b-19... they did some interesting things with the finishes on some of those.

It says here they were made of "red gum" wood. Where there any other
more rare woods used?

http://www.oldcrank.com/collection/edison_b19/b-19.html

Beachwood was used too. Those look real nice, almost like a light walnut color, more attractive than gumwood imho.