The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I'm curious to see how many of you out there own or like the "open works" machines such as the Columbia AP cylinder phonograph, the German made "Puck", or even the Standard Disc phonograph? I enjoy them as "bookshelf" phonographs along with my Columbia Q's.

I think they are great. You get to see how an actual talking machine works. There's great variety and they don't take up too much space. One is good... more is better. Jerry

I agree with Jerry: they are great, and seeing more of the functioning mechanics is wonderfully Victorian. But, being more the poor church mouse, I'm sure I can't afford one. As soon as their butlers rouse them at mid-day, some of our other contributors will probably post photos of the dozen or more each of them own.

I only have two - a very picky Columbia without the feed screw (still not tracking the cylinder) and a Standard disc machine with the larger spindle hole. (plays great) I like the fact that they all esily fit on a wall mounted book shelf, although you gotta watch out for the horns sticking out too far and someone walking into them - CRASH

Ah, that I can relate to (bumping into external horn machines). But I'm sure you would hate having to put them up too high (to be out of harm's way) as they would be such a delight to scrutinize closely.

I love them too- both cylinder & disc machines. They just look so primitive compared to later (or more expensive) models that had the motor enclosed with cabinetry.
I'm hoping to get a Puck soon, like the one pictured above, but if that falls through there's often Columbia Q's turning up at reasonable prices.
I'd dearly LOVE to get a G&T (HMV) Style No.3, but even if I could find one I doubt I could afford it, so I'll most likely have to settle for getting a Standard AA from USA eventually.

I own a Puck that I showed here recently. It is very decorative and looks interesting even to non-phone folks. I only play 2 minute Vulcan cylinders on it, it is surprisingly loud. The string that drives the mandrel is a pain to adjust just right and it has to be perfectly level, but when all fits it plays through a 2 minute cylinder quite nicely. I'd love to have any open works disk machine, but have not been able to find an affordable one yet.
Andreas

I hope to go to the Orlando phonograph show in January and my short list of possible purchases includes a Columbia Q. What do those of you who have them think of them? Anything in particular to watch out for when looking at one to purchase?

Clay

And there are many "open works" machines out there that are quite ornate - if you call these few added photographs "ornate" looking. I find that most of these come from Germany and France. I have a really nice Pathé open works cylinder machine from France with a very large but very light weight brushed aluminum horn with a built in adjustable crane.

Hi Clay,
I just spent a few hours today taking apart and cleaning up my Columbia Q. I replaced the spring barrel with one I got off Ebay. The original spring barrel had been screwed up when someone repaired a broken spring. They are a great little machine. Mine will play through a two minute cylinder with juice left over. If you are going to buy one at a show make sure it is complete and test it out to see how it runs. One part that often goes missing is the piece that goes between the reproducer and the lever that lifts up the reproducer. Keep an eye out for one that still has an original horn. original horns are hard to find. If you go for the larger Columbia Model B or Eagle make sure that it has the metal cover that goes over the leather belt and pulleys. A Columbia Eagle gear cover will cost you $75.00 on Ebay. Below is a picture of my machine and the buggered up spring barrel that I replaced.
Pete