The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello everyone,

I recently obtained a GEM model A with the 2/4 minute combination attachment fitted. It is missing the intermediate gear which goes between the mandrel and the feedscrew. This part is used, with the attachment, to still be able to play 2 minute cylinders. With the attachment in place, between the mandrel and feedscrew, I believe I am able to play 4 minute cylinders. So, I have a pure 4 minute Model A GEM! I just got it, and the spring was shattered, so I am awaiting a replacement. Have been able to find really nothing online detailing the operation of the attachment. In Frow's book there is a picture of the attachment with the direction pamphlet in the background. I would like to see if someone here has a reproduction, copy, or PDF of the attachment pamphlet, or has a source for one, I would appreciate hearing back from you. I would like to buy the pamphlet or at least be able to see it so I can figure this all out. I have the complete attachment except for this one intermediate gear. It replaced a fixed gear--this one has a push/pull knob for engaging or disengaging it. If anyone has one laying around, I am interested in buying it! Thanks! I thought I finally had a complete attachment for the GEM, but not quite!

Mike Sorter

Well, from what I have read, the conversion kits for the early Gems were not very successful, as the machines were rather underpowered to begin with. Perhaps you could find some original model A gearing, and restore it to a 2 minute machine?

Bill

I suppose there is a great difference with Gems but the machine I drag around to Independence Day celebrations every year is my Gem B with 2&4 minute gearing. With a full winding it has never failed to play through a Blue Amberol cylinder. My neighbors have a son in the 5th grade. A class assignment was to choose a famous person and give a small talk. He chose to be Edison. I invited he and his mother over to pick interesting things for his presentation. I showed him how to carefully play the Gem and sent it home with him along with a half dozen Blue Amberols. Afterwards I watched a short movie his mother made at the school and he handled the machine with confidence and it performed perfectly. Jerry Blais