The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Ok, I am going to kick over the ant hill and ask a very opinionated question. I purchased a C19 in November and since then I have been thinking about getting a cylinder machine for a different room in the house. My first thought was an Amberola 30 or 50 but after looking at outside horn machines (and man were those wooden horns awesome!) I may have changed my mind. Plus, with a 2/4 gearing I should be able to play any cylinder with an earlier machine whereas I can't play earlier cylinders on a Amberola. I know I can go read Frow's book for model identification but that really doesn't tell you how machines perform in the real world or how easy it is to repair or to get parts. So here is the kick the ant hill question; if you are NOT interested in making a comprehensive Edison collection and want a nice looking, decent sounding machine without breaking the bank, what would you get? What is the entry level machine you won't be disappointed in down the road?

Thanks,

Joe

I was going to say the choice of an Amberola 30, 50, or 75 would be a good machine for a new guy, but you sound like you want to play wax records also. One flaw in your logic is that if you buy a Standard 2/4 machine with a K reproducer, or H and C reproducers, now you can't play Blue Amberols as they were designed to be played with a diamond stylus. The 4 minute sapphire reproducers were only meant to play the wax Amberols. They are the ones in the green boxes. So it's a tough question.

So what damage have I been doing by playing BA's on my Homes with an H four-minute sound-box ?

I play Blue Amberols (also 2minute Indestructibles & Everlastings) with H, K, and R reproducers all the time. There is no damage on either side of the transaction. Edison literature said only that there'd be less volume than with the Diamond B or C - but frankly, there's not much less. If anything, the lighter H/K/R/S weights should be easier on any record.

What is the entry level machine you won't be disappointed in down the road?

Joe,

"Hands Down" you can't go wrong with an Edison Standard Model "D", with a cygnet horn! You can enjoy it as is, and as $'s permit, you can eventually upgrade it with a horizontal carriage, "O" & Diamond "B" reproducers, and even a wooden cygnet, for the "ultimate" setup.

I have a Standard "D" with just this setup, which runs quiet & steady. I have recorded over 700 cylinder video's with this setup in 2 and 4 min. mode, and it hasn't missed a beat.

I hope this helps, Bob S.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYbxobpp2pE[/youtube]

Joe,

I agree with Bob.
My second choice would be a 2/4 minute Fireside A with the same Cygnet set up.

Gene

I too concur with Bob. The Standard D (once that darn bearing is replaced) is virtually trouble-free, easily maintained, and with the overhead carriage (with "O" and Diamond "B" reproducers) can provide excellent performance. The Cygnet is the best way to go, but if space is available, a good-size flower horn will do the trick too. I gave this same advice to another forum member a year or two ago, and I believe he was quite happy with this setup.

George P.

Zwebie wrote: upgrade it with a horizontal carriage, "O" & Diamond "B" reproducers

Nice. So, why is the carriage upgrade and different reproduces better than stock?

I also vote for an Edison Standard two and four minute player. The B is bullet proof as is the D once that pot metal bushing is replaced. Other good choices are the A Fireside or any 2&4 minute Home. Wether your choice is Fireside, Standard, or Home, make your first machine a 2&4 minute player. Don't make the mistake of buying a two minute Standard with plans to buy the parts to make it a combination player. It will cost more in the long run to buy the parts. The heaviest machine, the Home, gives an owner more horn options because it can take a small morning glory horn or a quite large one. I still like a Standard the best. You can add some nice horn options when funds are available. Jerry

Nice. So, why is the carriage upgrade and different reproduces better than stock?

The standard carriage supplied with the Standard Model "D" faces the small "C" or "H" reproducers forward so that you can use a 14" horn or a larger horn with a forward facing crane. The horizontal carriage faces upward for use with a cygnet back mounted crane and horn, ant the "O" or Diamond "B" reproducers are larger, having a diaphragm of more than twice the surface area of the "C" or "H", and thus having much greater volume and clarity.

Bob S.