The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Working on an Edison Fireside B and I need the belt tensioner & spring. Anyone have a spare laying around? Contact me with price. Thanks in advance

There is a topic on repairing the Amberola VIII in this forum. You will see pictures and the discussion. The Amberola VIII uses a Fireside motor and mechanism. I believe Ron Sitko sells these.
Harvey Kravitz

Thanks for the info. Is Ron still telephone only or has he entered the 20th century?

I've got a belt tensioner for a Standard. I think it's the same as a Fireside. Anyone? Jerry

colmike1 wrote:Thanks for the info. Is Ron still telephone only or has he entered the 20th century?

Ron is telephone only. Here's his number: 518-371-8549 I talked to him the other day. By the way the best time to call him is 7:00pm eastern time if you call him during the week.

Jerry B. wrote:I've got a belt tensioner for a Standard. I think it's the same as a Fireside. Anyone? Jerry

Yes, the belt tensioner for a Standard is the same for the Fireside because their motors are identical. The Fireside was originally intended to replace the Standard, but instead it sold concurrent with the standard.

I always thought the Fireside was introduced during a period of high inflation. While the Gem price went up a little, the Standard went higher and there was a substantial gap between the two machines. By cutting a few corners in both the mechanism and cabinet, the Fireside filled the price gap. The Edison Company also saved by selling the Combination Gem and Fireside with only one reproducer, the K, while the Combination Standards and better machines were sold with both the C and H reproducers as standard equipment. Jerry Blais

Jerry B. wrote:I always thought the Fireside was introduced during a period of high inflation. While the Gem price went up a little, the Standard went higher and there was a substantial gap between the two machines. By cutting a few corners in both the mechanism and cabinet, the Fireside filled the price gap. The Edison Company also saved by selling the Combination Gem and Fireside with only one reproducer, the K, while the Combination Standards and better machines were sold with both the C and H reproducers as standard equipment. Jerry Blais

The info I know is just something I read some where. What you said makes sense though. Anyway the Fireside and Standard motors are identical.

Not trying to be a nit picker here, but the Standard and Fireside are not identical. They are interchangeable, but the Fireside and Standard have different barrel gears. The Fireside is smaller if I remember correctly.
Dave