The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello everyone. i have recently found a phonograph that i can not find any information on (Parts, origin, etc.) Has any one heard off a Melodie and if so can you give me a direction to go. I would really like to restore this myself. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

this is a machine we refer to as a off brand, built by a smaller company for a cheaper price than the victors, columbias etc, it probably uses generic parts, you might not find a lot of information about this make, I don't know much about it but someone else here might!
good luck!

When the fundamental patents of the Victor Talking Machine Company that allowed the VTMCo to control the lateral disc phonograph and record market expired between 1916-1918, hundreds of small brands popped up almost overnight. Many of these companies did not manufacture their phonographs, but merely put their decal or label on pre-made, low-cost machines assembled from various generic cabinets, motors, and sonic hardware. By 1924, so many of these machines had flooded the market that sales of phonographs became stagnant. It took the introduction of electrical recording in 1925 to reinvigorate the market. The 'Melodie' is one of those 1916-1924 off-brands.

Thanks for the great info guys this explains a lot because I have seen a lot of similarities between mine and the cabinets of like a silvertone. This is my first phonograph and just love having it in my music collection. I have a few record players but they are all electric. Although now... I think I'm addicted to phonographs haha!!! I am now on the look out for a victor or Edison.

Scarecrow wrote:Thanks for the great info guys this explains a lot because I have seen a lot of similarities between mine and the cabinets of like a silvertone. This is my first phonograph and just love having it in my music collection. I have a few record players but they are all electric. Although now... I think I'm addicted to phonographs haha!!! I am now on the look out for a victor or Edison.

So, how's that melodie been since you took those Polaroids in 1975?

Haha nice.yeah there not the best pictures. I took those with my phone

Scarecrow wrote:Haha nice.yeah there not the best pictures. I took those with my phone

Sure, no problem.

Very obscure indeed. It doesn't appear in Tim Gracyk's extensive list of off-brands: http://www.gracyk.com/makers.shtml

He lists a Melodia and a Melody but they are presumably different but equally tiny companies.

142. Melodia -- Melodia Phonograph Co., 400 N. Sangamon Street, Chicago, Illinois. February 1920. (Trademark filed ⅘/1920; used since 7/5/1919.)

144. Melody -- Melody National Sales Co., 190 N. State Street, Chicago, Illinois. November 1922.

Interesting, so what what are the "good" brands then. I know victor, Edison, Columbia, and Brunswick . what are some more that I should keep alook out for? I am new new to the phonograph but always had a passion for records and players.

Other brands to look for are Pathé, Sonora, and there are some very nice Silvertones out there as well. I have a number of each of these machines, they play well, are well built, and except for some of the Pathés, are reasonably priced. Have fun.