The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hey yall I picked up this machine last night. I think its an Edison Model A but I could be wrong. It came with 2 horns and is it pretty good shape It needs to be adjusted and I need to replace one pulley and buy a key for it. This is my first Gem so if anyone has any pointers about this machine that would be awesome!

Hello,
Congratulations on your first Gem!! I too like the Edison Gems. I have three a model A,B, and D. They can be a little fussy to adjust but with a little work you can get pretty good results. I like their small size, they don't take up too much room.
Pete

Hi There
One tip I can give you is to acquire some 2 minute cylinders for your machine. I can see on your table a Blue Amberol, a four minute cylinder that is not suited for your machine. I cant tell if you have a Blue Amberol on the mandrel, but if so you should hold back from playing it. As far as I know Gem's are strictly 2 minute machines.

Cheers!
Brad

phononut wrote:Hi There
One tip I can give you is to acquire some 2 minute cylinders for your machine. I can see on your table a Blue Amberol, a four minute cylinder that is not suited for your machine. I cant tell if you have a Blue Amberol on the mandrel, but if so you should hold back from playing it. As far as I know Gem's are strictly 2 minute machines.

Cheers!
Brad

The Model D 'Gem' (aka, 'Maroon Gem') was 2&4-minute. The Model E 'Gem' was 4-minute only, and fitted with an N reproducer for black Amberol cylinders.

Thanks for all the help guys!