Edison Standard Questions

[FloridaClay]

That horn does look like a whopper. How long is it?

Clay

[NateO]

That horn does look like a whopper. How long is it?

Clay

I measure it to be about 3 feet long. I love it!

Fran,
Thanks for the suggestion of hanging it from the ceiling. I think that may be the best (and cheapest) option. I actually have to rearrange everything now, so I can fit the horn in. I need a bigger bedroom (or my own house!)

Nathan

[Bruce]

Congratulations Nathan you not only got a great machine but from the sounds of things started along a life long passion for phonographs.

Be careful many of us call it an obsession (as it is impossible to stop with just one) but it is and interesting passion.

I know there are some amongst us who have seen better deals over the years but quite frankly with such a nice horn you found a great deal in my opinion.

Bruce

[NateO]

Congratulations Nathan you not only got a great machine but from the sounds of things started along a life long passion for phonographs.

Be careful many of us call it an obsession (as it is impossible to stop with just one) but it is and interesting passion.

I know there are some amongst us who have seen better deals over the years but quite frankly with such a nice horn you found a great deal in my opinion.

Bruce

Thanks Bruce! I certainly understand what you mean by obsession. This is my 3rd phonograph, but my first cylinder one. The other two are Victrolas.
Between the horn and the 2 reproducers, I feel like it was worth it. I'm looking forward to getting some cylinders.

Nathan

[Phonolair]

Great job Nathan, you went from a fair $500 deal to a great deal with the nice horn and extra reproducer for $450. As far as a horn crane you may want to think about a rear mount case crane. I say this because now you have some screw holes in the back of your case from the home made crane. There are original rear case cranes that mount to the back of the case via two small brackets that hold the crane. If you got one of these original cranes you could maybe reuse some of the holes to mount the crane or at least hide the unused holes. This would make your machine more original while using or hiding the extra holes on the back of the case.
Best Regards, Larry

[NateO]

Great job Nathan, you went from a fair $500 deal to a great deal with the nice horn and extra reproducer for $450. As far as a horn crane you may want to think about a rear mount case crane. I say this because now you have some screw holes in the back of your case from the home made crane. There are original rear case cranes that mount to the back of the case via two small brackets that hold the crane. If you got one of these original cranes you could maybe reuse some of the holes to mount the crane or at least hide the unused holes. This would make your machine more original while using or hiding the extra holes on the back of the case.
Best Regards, Larry

Thanks Larry. The rear mount crane sounds like a good idea, though it will have to wait. I'm thinking of repurposing an old camera tripod as a crane for now. The real issue is the weight of the horn. I'm not sure how a proper rear mount crane would do, but the homemade one can't hold up the horn up. The machine would tumble forward.
I just ordered new belt leather and 2 cylinders, so I look forward to getting it working again.

Nathan

[phonogal]

Nathan, You can also use a floor crane for the horn. My husband made me one out of a music stand and the total cost was very reasonable (under $30.00) and works great for a large horn on a small machine. I'll find the picture and poist it for you. Jan
Here's the link http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... ane#p82558

[NateO]

Nathan, You can also use a floor crane for the horn. My husband made me one out of a music stand and the total cost was very reasonable (under $30.00) and works great for a large horn on a small machine. I'll find the picture and poist it for you. Jan
Here's the link http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... ane#p82558

Jan,
Thank you very much for the link! I'll have to give it a try. The camera tripod is very similar to the music stand, so it should work. I've improvised a crane for now, but will need something more permanent. It looks like I've found my summer project!
Thanks Again,
Nathan

[De Soto Frank]

Nate,

Nice acquisition ! I think you did well, getting everything for $450. The "banner" decal on the front of the machine looks to be in very nice condition !

My wife surprised me at Christmas with a two-minute Edison Standard B, with a 30" Superior Metal Co. all-brass horn, that I'd had my eye on at a local antique dealer. He was asking $300 for that outfit, and I don't imagine my wife haggled on the price.
The decal is half-gone on mine, and the cabinet finish is pretty dirty / shot, but with a little oiling and a "quickie" belt made from ½" wide theatrical "spike tape", I had it playing very nicely. It will play through 3-½ two-minute cylinders on one winding, dragging a 14 inch "witches-hat".

Regarding the horn crane: I rather like the version that clamps-onto the bottom of the case: there's a metal strap with a hook on the back end, and a sliding clamp on the front, and has a "foot" that extends forward, to prevent the machine from tipping front-wards. George Paul told me of these, saying that the originals were made by the Tea-Tray Company, a supplier of nice Japanned horns.

There is an e-bay vendor by the name of "ladanjus" (sp ?) that sells a nice repro of the TT Co. crane. This crane also has the advantage of being adjustable to fit several widths of case-bottom.

I do not so much like the other cranes available that screw-into the cabinet, require a notch in the top of the box, or have a "foot" that bears against the cabinet front, usually right in the middle of the decal ( you will see machines on e-bay with decal damage from this type ).

That said, the floor stand might also be a good idea, I've seen a version on e-bay made-up from a modern round-base mic stand and ½" copper plumbing pipe, sweated with 45* elbows to make the "crook", and all painted black.

The only ID on my 30" "Superior" horn is stamped-into the diamond-shaped brass reinforcing plate with the loop for the chain, which is sweated to the horn.

I hope you have many years of enjoyment from your new machine... it looks very nice !

[phonogfp]

The only ID on my 30" "Superior" horn is stamped-into the diamond-shaped brass reinforcing plate with the loop for the chain, which is sweated to the horn.

Are you sure it says "Superior?" It sounds very much like "Standard Metal Manufacturing Company." If it is truly stamped "Superior," I'd love to see a photo of the hanger, as I've never encountered that brand before.

George P.