The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I'm just a little curious about peoples preferences for phonographs, do you prefer a specific brand such as, Victor, Columbia, etc or does it make any difference to you? or is it just about the machine and not the make.

I have both Victor and Edison phonographs, but my absolute favorite was made by an obscure off-brand company called the 'Player-Tone Talking Machine Co' in Pittsburgh (I even named myself after it ) . I suppose it all depends on the phonograph, but I do love the quality of Victor machines (no potmetal on pre orthophonic machines, and very easy to maintain)

I won't buy a nice off-brand however if I can't find any information on the company.

Hadn't really thought about it. I seem to be collecting all over the place as far as brands go. My least favorite are the common Columbia models, particularly ones with pot metal tone arms and reproducers. My collection consists of about 30% Edison machines and 70% everything else, so either I have a fondness for Edison machines or they come up for sale within my price range with greater frequency. I really enjoy a machine that is engineered well.

CDB

Any off-brand machines.

I really like the Columbia client/oddball machines. I think they are really cool. I like the unusual designs and cabinets.
Harvey Kravitz

I like the open works machines.
So far I have a Columbia A, B, Q, and a Standard disc machine in this genre.

howardpgh wrote:I like the open works machines.
So far I have a Columbia A, B, Q, and a Standard disc machine in this genre.

You must mean a Columbia AU.

George P.

I've never met a phonograph I didn't like/love!