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Another major contribution from R.J. Wakeman:

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... 15&t=19161

George P.

George,

Thanks for sharing this.... I never knew the history and engineering behind Cheney machines... I had always just lumped them with other "off-brand" machines...

It was nice to read that the Cheney factory still stands and is being used as a venue for events.



De Soto Frank

In the 1900's Mr. Cheney was also in charge of the Music Education program at Elbert Hubbard's Roycroft colony.

We all know from reading the Cheney sales materials that, not unlike the finest Stradivarius, the sound of The Cheney improves with age. Thus now, as they approach 100 years of age, surely all of our Cheney phonographs must sound better than any other!

Mine's out in the shed. Remind me to go out and check, come spring.

For me, all the huckstering is part of the charm, and Cheney certainly had its share of snake oil encased in those nice cabinets.

I'm particularly amused by this ad: Rather than a stethoscope, it looks to me as though the guy is holding a sound box/tone arm assembly to his ear!

George P.

George, you are correct, and the needle bar appears to be in contact with the governor bearing.

The motor in my Cheney is very smooth running and quiet.

The Cheneys I've examined had all the hallmarks of a quality product. But they remind me of the Hawthorne & Sheble line of "Star" talking machines (1907-1909). Beautifully made, but with features designed perhaps more to impress academically than to deliver aurally. I love this sort of thing. Of course, the Cheney was far more successful than the Star. I really wouldn't mind owning one of the fancier Cheneys, but where to put it? The cabinets are monumental. All in all, an interesting brand.

Here's a photo of the interior of what I believe to be a Cheney Style 6 (Queen Anne), courtesy of Mr. Wakeman. Remember: that's a 12-inch turntable floating on that sea of mahogany! Click on the photo to blow it up. Who has photos of another one to share?

George P.

I have the #4 William and Mary upright. A very well built cabinet and hardware. Quiet and smooth running motor. No pot metal on the tone arm. But that arm is very heavy making these machines record eaters. Even with new gaskets. Also the tone arm has assorted gaps at the swivel causing air leaks. My Sonora Nocturne sounds much nicer.

Strictly my "take" on Cheneys.
Well made.
Well engineered.
Ugly.

Very interesting, I also lumped them in with other talking machines. I had always though the motors were made by Heineman. So with there gutta percha diaphragms and own manufactured motors, this makes them anything but off brand.