The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I recently bought my first Edison machine, but I only have one 2 minute cylinder to play on it. How much should I expect to pay for 2 minute cylinders, and how common are they?

I think the going rate for decent, average 2M records is about $10. Of course it all depends on what it is.

Watch prices on eBay. Lots of cylinders there.

If you buy wax 2 minute cylinders on Ebay, be sure the photos are excellent so you can see the condition of them. Many sellers don't know what they have and assume that they are good because they're in one piece. Wax cylinders are prone to mold and other surface deterioration as well as skips and repeats. Kurt Nauck has cylinders in his auctions and he is very knowledgeable. Check his website at 78rpm.com.

I hope this helps.

Jim

I noticed several 2 minute Indestructible cylinders on Ebay this morning. They looked clean and are clean Columbia boxes. You might want to take a look.

Jim

You can buy old original ones, but if they are wax they are fragile.

You can also check out these resources, they sell brand new plastic resin records which are hard wearing and have many of the old sought after titles.

edisonia.com

vulcanrecords.com

berlinphonographworks.com

The prices of these may appear expensive, but you can get some really good titles that sound good on your machine.