The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

De Soto Frank wrote:

epigramophone wrote:In the UK a small but steady demand for open horn machines persisted throughout the 1920's. The Columbia model featured in this thread was even updated for the 1929 season as a Viva-Tonal, and in this form was the last open horn machine the company ever made. Here is my example :

Thanks for setting us straight on this one, Epipgramophone !


Your machine is an especially neat example, with that "plano-relex" tone-arm and the late reproducer...


Can you tell us how the speed control should work on Clay's machine ?

I think the speed control on Clay's machine should look like the one on this portable. It is some years since I had one of these, but if memory serves, the rotary knob raises and lowers a rod acting on a lever connected to the governor.

I think the authenticity of this machine should not be questioned by merely looking at photos. Examination by an expert of the item, in person, will reveal whether the decal is old or new, whether the tone-arm and reproducer are a proper mate or not, and so on. I've been, and I've seen others who have been, fooled by making decisions by only looking at photographs. To speculate that it is a frankenphone, diminishes the value of this machine, if it is truly authentic. I think that is unfair to the owner. Further, if an expert assigns the title "frankenphone" to a machine that turns out to be authentic, that doesn't say much about that experts credibility!

Hi folks,

Instead of pirating this thread, and potentially destroying its intent, I started a sort of "extension" post for additional questions I have regarding this style - or type - of Columbia disc machine, and their "client" machines, in general.

My post can be found here: http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... =2&t=24590

I appreciate any participation, as I don't own Baumbach's book.

Best,
Fran

fran604g wrote:

epigramophone wrote:In the UK a small but steady demand for open horn machines persisted throughout the 1920's. The Columbia model featured in this thread was even updated for the 1929 season as a Viva-Tonal, and in this form was the last open horn machine the company ever made. Here is my example :

Thank you for your explanation!

BTW: That is a beautiful machine that you have! I love the "European" style horns, and especially green ones. How does it sound? I'd bet it sounds quite nice.

Fran

The previous owner Norman Field posted a video of the machine on his YouTube channel. I have since improved the cosmetics, but the sound needed no improvement. Enjoy!

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=nor ... FORM=VIRE1

So the machine now sits in my living room and I thought I'd offer some better pics. There was some discussion about the columns, reproducer etc. There is also a comparison between the Columbia and Vic III
The Columbia is much larger than the Vic. III but much lighter, owing to the Victor's sturdier construction.