The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

nostalgia wrote: Thu Jun 03, 2021 2:43 pm Thanks again for more inputs and suggestions everyone.
When we talk about machines that can play both 2 min and 4 min wax rolls, I am still confused though. I don't even remember if only Edison made these machines?
If it is possible, please give me some exact names on cylinder phonographs that can play both 2 and 4 min cylinders in different price ranges...., remember...I am all blank onsuch phonographs,,,even if I am almost daily dissecting disc HMV machines Columbias and also some Victrolas, Odeon etc

Yes, Edison made machines with native 2/4 capability as well as adapter kits for earlier ones. The most common probably are the Standard Model D and later. Edison Home Model D onward likewise, also reasonably common. Triumph Model D again likewise, but more expensive. Gem Model D, but probably not what you want as your "do everything" single machine. Fireside Model A; Model B was 4-minute only. These are more or less equivalent to the Standard but not as common and hence more expensive. More exotic machines (Idelia, Opera, Amberola I A) will run much more money than any of these.

As to pot metal, actually you do have one potential problem: the native 2/4 machines had no end gate, instead suspending the mandrel at only one end, and in those models the mandrel shaft bearing was--you guessed it--our old pal, pot metal. Those pot metal bearings can swell and freeze the mandrel or cause speed inconsistency. That's why I prefer an earlier machine, one that still has an end gate, fitted with an adapter kit.

A particular BIG thank to "drh", "Curt", "gramophoneshane" and ""epigramophone" for taking the time to elaborate on the different machines and models (plus everyone else giving inputs).
It was highly appreciated !

If you are serious about acquiring an Edison phonograph, you would be well advised to invest in the definitive work on the subject before making a purchase. Long out of print it will be expensive, but well worth the cost. The revised edition pictured is a considerable improvement on the original.

epigramophone wrote: Fri Jun 04, 2021 4:02 am If you are serious about acquiring an Edison phonograph, you would be well advised to invest in the definitive work on the subject before making a purchase. Long out of print it will be expensive, but well worth the cost. The revised edition pictured is a considerable improvement on the original.

A version of this book is available on iTunes at reasonable cost.

AmberolaAndy wrote: Thu Jun 03, 2021 5:07 pm Some Columbia BE machines had 4 minute gearing? How can you tell your Columbia
machine has 4 min gearing?

Columbia BE, BF & BG 2/4 minute machines can be identified by the round piece on the left end of the feed screw, which has a knob that is either locked or unlocked to shift gearing. Other 2/4 minute Columbia machines have two "tabs" on the feed screw to shift the gearing.

Curt A wrote: Fri Jun 04, 2021 11:02 pm

AmberolaAndy wrote: Thu Jun 03, 2021 5:07 pm Some Columbia BE machines had 4 minute gearing? How can you tell your Columbia
machine has 4 min gearing?

Columbia BE, BF & BG 2/4 minute machines can be identified by the round piece on the left end of the feed screw, which has a knob that is either locked or unlocked to shift gearing. Other 2/4 minute Columbia machines have two "tabs" on the feed screw to shift the gearing.

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Ok gotcha! I don't see many threads or info about 2/4 minute Graphophones or where to tell (at least compared to Edison machines)

I believe the reproducer on that machine is not a C, but the earlier Automatic, which has a lighter weight and is meant for playing the earlier (1890s) brown wax cylinders. Brown wax cylinders in good condition are scarce and pricey. I see some of them in your picture.

marcapra wrote: Sun Jun 06, 2021 1:18 am I believe the reproducer on that machine is not a C, but the earlier Automatic, which has a lighter weight and is meant for playing the earlier (1890s) brown wax cylinders. Brown wax cylinders in good condition are scarce and pricey. I see some of them in your picture.

No, it's a winged C: you can see the fishtail weight. Also, the Automatic had a recessed front.

- Bill