The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Edison horns, primarily, but other might apply to this discussion...


Has any noted difference in playing quality between similar sized horns that differ in terms of shape ( rolled conical vs flat-panelled "Morning Glory"), or material ( tin-plated steel vs. brass vs. paper-mache vs. ? )

I will be transcribing some black-wax amberols soon ( male chorus ), and I have a choice of:

14" black & brass Witches-hat

30" Tea-Tray flat-panel Morning Glory

30" Superior Metal Co. Conical Brass

and I might pick-up a

40" conical brass, make unknown.


Thoughts ?

De Soto Frank

The longer the horn (as a general rule) the lower bass notes that can be reproduced.

It may be argued that the MG horns, with their expansion being somewhat closer to that of an exponential horn, might provide a slightly better response than a straight horn of equal length…

As for materials: if you're playing recordings with a lot of high frequency noise, a softer material (wood, papier-mâché or the like) might filter out some of that noise. A metal horn would perhaps be clearer with a good clean recording…

Just my two cents.

Bill