Model H reproducer question

[Wes K]

It is a nice looking machine, the pin stripping looks nice, and it has the horizontal carriage arm. Didn't the E come from the factory with an angled carriage? If it doesn't have holes in the back, whomever upgraded it kept the front mounted horn.

[AmberolaAndy]

It is a nice looking machine, the pin stripping looks nice, and it has the horizontal carriage arm. Didn't the E come from the factory with an angled carriage? If it doesn't have holes in the back, whomever upgraded it kept the front mounted horn.

I guess. I do have a MoGlo horn that might work with it if I can find a proper chain for the stand it came with... The description said “The motor is stuck but does windup nice” So I figured it’s gotta be that bearing that we all know and love ...

[VanEpsFan1914]

Hey Andy,

What a rare find! Those are so cool and yours is in really nice condition, especially that Model N dome-top reproducer. That is a super-hard piece to find intact.

I treated myself to a Model E earlier this year and fixed it up from junk condition. They are VERY neat machines. Yours is going to turn out a lot more original than mine!

According to the Spotter's Guide to the Edison Standard, they were built for Babson Bros. in Chicago for a few months in 1911. Sales proved "underwhelming" and they were consigned to the history books.

The unique characteristic of the E-model is the horn.

The horn should be a 32" tinplated horn, blue shellac translucent, with chrysanthemum flowers inside in a peachblow and rose color.


REGARDING THE SOUND: Mine carries the remains of its decayed potmetal N housed in a brass replica top. The old one was cracking and falling to pieces.

You will want someone else to restore your N for you. I rebuilt mine. It was no fun. After all, you say you hate potmetal, like me...I suggest having a different restorer take a crack at it. Steve Medved or Wyatt Markus would be the man to call because they can deal not only with potmetal, but also with the crazy convoluted needle bar on the N.

(Yes, it has its own model-specific stylus bar. You could use one from an H. But the N has one stamped N with a very tiny font. Rotating the sapphire would be a religion-killer.)

Regarding the sound, once you run it and enjoy it the sound will really grow on you. It sounds big, bold, clear, but a little bit more "old-fashioned" than the Amberola 30. The 30 I own is TrueTone equipped and sounds like a 1920s machine. The Standard E has less bass but that copper diaphragm has a "ring" to it that makes the old 1910s parlor songs really, well, pop!

PM me with any questions!

TL;DR. I've got one. It's great. Takes a funky horn with flowers. The N's a beast to work on. Sounds wonderful. Have fun and call me.

[AmberolaAndy]

Hey Andy,

What a rare find! Those are so cool and yours is in really nice condition, especially that Model N dome-top reproducer. That is a super-hard piece to find intact.

I treated myself to a Model E earlier this year and fixed it up from junk condition. They are VERY neat machines. Yours is going to turn out a lot more original than mine!

According to the Spotter's Guide to the Edison Standard, they were built for Babson Bros. in Chicago for a few months in 1911. Sales proved "underwhelming" and they were consigned to the history books.

The unique characteristic of the E-model is the horn.

The horn should be a 32" tinplated horn, blue shellac translucent, with chrysanthemum flowers inside in a peachblow and rose color.


REGARDING THE SOUND: Mine carries the remains of its decayed potmetal N housed in a brass replica top. The old one was cracking and falling to pieces.

You will want someone else to restore your N for you. I rebuilt mine. It was no fun. After all, you say you hate potmetal, like me...I suggest having a different restorer take a crack at it. Steve Medved or Wyatt Markus would be the man to call because they can deal not only with potmetal, but also with the crazy convoluted needle bar on the N.

(Yes, it has its own model-specific stylus bar. You could use one from an H. But the N has one stamped N with a very tiny font. Rotating the sapphire would be a religion-killer.)

Regarding the sound, once you run it and enjoy it the sound will really grow on you. It sounds big, bold, clear, but a little bit more "old-fashioned" than the Amberola 30. The 30 I own is TrueTone equipped and sounds like a 1920s machine. The Standard E has less bass but that copper diaphragm has a "ring" to it that makes the old 1910s parlor songs really, well, pop!

PM me with any questions!

TL;DR. I've got one. It's great. Takes a funky horn with flowers. The N's a beast to work on. Sounds wonderful. Have fun and call me.

Hello fellow Standard E owner! Unfortunately this one is not coming with the blue horn. And I won’t be getting the machine until at least January 5th (according to eBay) I hope that bearing is the only repair I have to do with it. And I don’t have to JB Weld or superglue any pieces together due to man handling in the mail.

[VanEpsFan1914]

Hey, mine didn't come with a blue horn either...I tripped on mine in an antique store while I was inspecting an old radio. There wasn't much left--broke spring, missing crank & gear cover, no crane, no horn, and a broken reproducer. A lot of work!

You might find a horn, or you could mix up some shellac and KEDA wood dye and do it yourself. (Don't use Rit. It has salt in it.)