The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I am considering buying an Edison Standard, Serial No. 171556. I have never even seen a Cylinder phonograph before, so I have a few questions.
Attached are photos of the machine. It looks like the Model A with the new style case, but I'm unsure. How old is it?
1. How hard is it to replace a belt? The one on this machine is broken, so I'm not sure how well the motor runs. It does run, but I can't test it more than that.
2. How do I tell if the stylus is good? The reproducer is a model C.
3: What type of cylinders can I play with this? It has a Blue Amberol with it.
This machine also includes a beautiful horn, about 2 feet long.
The asking price was $600, but I was able to get it down to $500. Would this be worth it?
My apologies for all the questions. I really want this machine, but I want to know if it is worth it.
Thanks,
Nathan

Hi Nathan
You are correct, it's a model A in the new style case.
Belts are easy to make or buy a premade belt.
You will need to look at the stylus with a loop to tell if it's good or not. You could try playing it and see how it sounds as is.
With your model C reproducer you can only play 2 minute cylinders. The Blue Amberola that's on it will not play correctly.
I would say $500 is a fair retail price for a complete early Standard A
Good luck with your transaction

Best Regards, Larry

This is a nice possibility, but as stated above, only plays two minute records. Blue Amberol records are somewhat more durable and are four minute records.

Phonolair wrote:Hi Nathan
You are correct, it's a model A in the new style case.
Belts are easy to make or buy a premade belt.
You will need to look at the stylus with a loop to tell if it's good or not. You could try playing it and see how it sounds as is.
With your model C reproducer you can only play 2 minute cylinders. The Blue Amberola that's on it will not play correctly.
I would say $500 is a fair retail price for a complete early Standard A
Good luck with your transaction

Best Regards, Larry

Thanks Larry,
I noticed that the BA had significant groove damage, so I thought the stylus was bad. I didn't realize it was for 2 minute cylinders. I don't own any, so I will have to find some. What should a stylus of this type look like?
Thank you for the input,
Nathan

Under a loop or microscope a good stylus will look like a door knob, no chips or wear. If you search old postings I'm sure other members have posted pictures of a good 2 minute stylus.
Best Regards, Larry

Hi Nathan.
There are a couple more things to consider. Does it come with its matching lid? Also, I can't tell from the photo what the condition of the gold striping and Thomas A. Edison signature on the bedplate. Some wear is OK, but if missing entirely (or bedplate repainted) I'd want it at a further discount. If the lid, stripes and signature are present then I'd say $500 was reasonable. Good luck on the acquisition!
Martin

martinola wrote:Hi Nathan.
There are a couple more things to consider. Does it come with its matching lid? Also, I can't tell from the photo what the condition of the gold striping and Thomas A. Edison signature on the bedplate. Some wear is OK, but if missing entirely (or bedplate repainted) I'd want it at a further discount. If the lid, stripes and signature are present then I'd say $500 was reasonable. Good luck on the acquisition!
Martin

Hi Martin,
The lid is present, though I didn't get a picture of it. The entire case looks great, as does the horn.
I only noticed portions of the striping, and didn't see the signature at all, though I didn't know to look for it. It looks like the striping is missing entirely from the right side.
I've attached a photo from above, though you can't see what is left of the striping.
I don't really mind that it is missing, as I didn't even notice it. My worry is motor trouble, since I can't hear it play.

Thanks,
Nathan

I think you may be correct, I can't see the signature in any photos. Are these often worn away?

Nathan, given that there is no belt, you won't see anything spinning on top. However if you wind it up and release the brake (the lever in the front on the top), you will be able to hear it run if it is working.

Also with your hand rotate the mandrel on top (the cylinder the record fits on) and make sure it turns freely.

Clay

FloridaClay wrote:Nathan, given that there is no belt, you won't see anything spinning on top. However if you wind it up and release the brake (the lever in the front on the top), you will be able to hear it run if it is working.

Also with your hand rotate the mandrel on top (the cylinder the record fits on) and make sure it turns freely.

Clay

Hi Clay,
I did test the motor, and it seems to run well, though with noise. I'm hoping that will clear up with a good oiling and cleaning. I just wish I knew if it maintains a proper speed. The mandrel also turns without issue, though the Blue Amberol is stuck on there.
Nathan

Hi Nathan,
You're off to a good start. Edison Standards are good, solid machine for someone just starting out. Does the machine come with a crane(horn support)? What type of horn does it have? I suggest that you get the Complete Talking Machine by Eric Reiss. That will give you good information for everything you need to know about phonographs. It covers repairs, restoration, identification, values, etc. You can get it from dealers, or Amazon. Any questions feel free to contact me.
Harvey Kravitz