The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I was in one of our local "antique" shops (Wildwood) in Titusville today. I've never heard of this but figured I'd pass it on. One of the needle cups is missing as is the key. The (I assume) volume control on the left pulls straight out of the cabinet.

Nice machine but overpriced. Yes, that is the volume control on the left. In fact, it's an early example of a remote control. The stick pulls out and is attached to a cord, allowing you to sit in your comfy chair a couple of feet away, adjusting the volume according to the loudness of different passages. The stylus screw is missing from the reproducer. It can play vertical and lateral discs.

So how did it play both types of records with one needle? I thought a needle would kill Diamond Discs?

Instead of a steel needle, you slide in a sapphire Pathé stylus for Pathé verticals or diamond stylus for Edisons. Also, the reproducer rotates to allow the correct position.

BwanaJoe wrote:So how did it play both types of records with one needle? I thought a needle would kill Diamond Discs?

There are some steel needle verticals - early OkeH, early Operaphone, and a few others.

52089 wrote:

BwanaJoe wrote:So how did it play both types of records with one needle? I thought a needle would kill Diamond Discs?

There are some steel needle verticals - early OkeH, early Operaphone, and a few others.

Just about to amend my post but you beat me to it. Were the English Rex vertical records played with a steel needle also or sapphire stylus?

Torjazzer wrote:

52089 wrote:

BwanaJoe wrote:So how did it play both types of records with one needle? I thought a needle would kill Diamond Discs?

There are some steel needle verticals - early OkeH, early Operaphone, and a few others.

Just about to amend my post but you beat me to it. Were the English Rex vertical records played with a steel needle also or sapphire stylus?

The only (American) one I have access to says "use only jewel point on this record".

Torjazzer wrote:Instead of a steel needle, you slide in a sapphire Pathé stylus for Pathé verticals or diamond stylus for Edisons. Also, the reproducer rotates to allow the correct position.

So basically you needed three different "needles" to play everything.

BwanaJoe wrote:

Torjazzer wrote:Instead of a steel needle, you slide in a sapphire Pathé stylus for Pathé verticals or diamond stylus for Edisons. Also, the reproducer rotates to allow the correct position.

So basically you needed three different "needles" to play everything.

Yes, and if you watch closely on eBay you'll find a set from time to time. I bought a Cheney box set that had the sapphire tip and NOS needle pack in it once thru eBay in a "parts lot". I was finally able to play some Pathé discs that I had.

Matt

BwanaJoe wrote:

Torjazzer wrote:Instead of a steel needle, you slide in a sapphire Pathé stylus for Pathé verticals or diamond stylus for Edisons. Also, the reproducer rotates to allow the correct position.

So basically you needed three different "needles" to play everything.

Yes and many of these off-brand machines will do the same. However, if you are looking for an all-in-one machine, nothing beats a well-maintained Brunswick with an Ultona tonearm. You can find one for a lot less money than the asking price in this ad. and will play all three formats really well.