The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I picked up a Triumph model D without a horn. By the time the D came out, Edison was making morning glory horns. Question: Could the buyer at the time get a different style horn, say, a flowered one if he wanted? Or, was the machine sold as a complete set up and you had to take it with a Triumph horn?

I ask because I would like to put a flowered horn on it that I have. I know I CAN do it, but I don't want to if it were never possible to get it that way new. I would rather look for a Triumph horn if that is the case.
Thanks
Dave D

I think you have some wiggle-room as to what sort of horn you equip your Triumph with.

I think the most significant determining factor would be which type of reproducer carriage does your Triumph have: the one that faces front at about a 45* angle, or the later type that faces straight-up ( 12 o' clock noon ) ?

I don't have my copy of Frow handy, and I'm not that familiar with Triumph taxonomy.


The machines that have the later carriage that faces the ceiling can use either a front-facing straight horn, or, a curved "Cygnet" horn (either wood or metal).


The machines that employ the earlier style angled carriage usually are coupled to a front-facing horn.


Just going on raw memory, and my knowledge of Standards and Homes, the D suffix Triumph would be around 1908-1910 (?), so I would think that a nice 30" (or so) front-facing "morning glory" horn would be entirely appropriate.


Also bear in mind as far as "appropriate" goes, especially after the introduction of 4 minute records, Edison ( and aftermarket jobbers) encouraged owners to "upgrade" their machines with Combination 2 & 4 minute gearing, the later "straight" reproducer carriage with the later large-diaphragm reproducers, and a rear-mount crane and Cygnet or Music Master horn...

If you're considering a horn longer than 30", you might want to use a floor-stand for it, as a cabinet-mounted crane might allow the machine & horn to tip-forward...

This one has the slanted carriage, not the top mount type. As far as it tipping over, I doubt that would happen. This thing is so heavy that you can wind it without holding down the case!

I am really looking forward to enjoying that long running motor! And it is so quiet, too!
Dave

The long-running motor would be my big reason to go for a Triumph...

So, do you have a crane ?

I do have a crane, several from which to choose. I even have a floor crane.
Dave

Please share some pictures of the results !

Dave,
There were several options for the owners of Edison Phonographs from the Fireside to the Triumph. After 1907, the Edison horn and crane were available as standard equipment. However a customer can get a different horn and crane from a dealer. That way the phonograph can be set up to the owner's tastes and personality. Since your machine did not come with a horn, you can use the floral horn you have, and choose the crane you want. Of course there is the Edison Crane and other aftermarket ones. The choice is yours. However, if the machine came with the Edison horn and crane as original, I would keep it that way.
Harvey Kravitz