The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Most of us are familiar with the lower end machines such as the Edison Gem, Columbia B and the Q?

Which is your favorite "cheap" machine and why?

I do not own and Gem and have not hear one.

I own a B and Q...and I would say the Q is my favorite, does what the B can do on a single spring. Depending on the reproducer, they can sound remarkable.

I have noticed that not all floating reproducers work well of on the B. It seems the B needs the reproducer with the stylus bar, in order to sit low enough on the record surface.

Definitely the B! It's my go-to machine for brown wax or if I want to quickly demonstrate any 2M record.

GEM all the way. I have this one on the way. I like them first because it is an Edison. They don't take up a lot of room and you can interchange parts with them. Just got this one. Already had this one. I just love them.

My GEM is mostly a display piece as it's an early one with the GEM Speaker (which doesn't sound very good in my opinion). My opinion may be different if I had a later GEM with a model C reproducer.

I would think a B or D model Standard or possibly an Amberola 30 or 50.

I owned an Amberola 30 for several years and it was totally trouble free. No belt to slip and none of the problems associated with wax cylinders. Anyone wanting their first cylinder machine need look no further.

I only sold the 30 when a nice early 50 (with external speed control) came my way. The advantages of the 50 are a slightly larger horn, a better quality cabinet (at least on the early versions) and a much better motor.

epigramophone wrote:I owned an Amberola 30 for several years and it was totally trouble free. No belt to slip and none of the problems associated with wax cylinders. Anyone wanting their first cylinder machine need look no further.

I only sold the 30 when a nice early 50 (with external speed control) came my way. The advantages of the 50 are a slightly larger horn, a better quality cabinet (at least on the early versions) and a much better motor.

I agree re. the 30 vs. 50. There is not that much difference in price but the 50 is so much better because of the larger motor and horn. Only problem is no two min. ability...

HisMastersVoice wrote:Definitely the B! It's my go-to machine for brown wax or if I want to quickly demonstrate any 2M record.

I do find them easy to demonstrate brown wax since my Home and Fireside do not have top mounted speed control.

I would have to vote for the Edison D Standard. They have great motors and can play 2 and 4 minute records.