The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi,

I just picked up my first cylinder machine. Its an Edison Standard model D, with a H reproducer. I'll be picking up a project standard B at Wayne. I had a few questions about these.

1. Which records play the best on this model? The 4 minute Blue Amberola records? I have a 4 minute black indestructible and a 4 minute blue Amberola and the blue Amberola sounds the best to me. Since I only have 2 records so I wanted to ask, since I'll be at Wayne looking for more records.

2. Where can I find the proper crane for this model? are there folks selling reproductions? Or is the best horn for this model the standard 14" horn which mounts straight into the reproducer?

Thanks,
-Mike

Hi Mike,

Your Model-D plays both 2min and 4min cylinders. The H reproducer plays the 4min ones and you would need a model-C reproducer to play 2min cylinders. I can bring one to the show if you want one. I also will have hundreds of cylinders from $1 to $10. I will also have two project machines a Standard and a Home with a cygnet horn. Also some other nice machines. See you there.

Rich Gordon

Congratulations on your first cylinder machine! The Standard D is an excellent model to start with.

The 14" black and brass horns offer only mediocre sound. A larger morning glory horn will sound much, much better. You can buy a reproduction crane from Ron Sitko, who will be set up at Wayne. You won't find a better price, nor a nicer guy to deal with. You'll also be able to cruise around the show to pick out a nice morning glory horn. Your D was originally equipped with a black Edison MG horn marked "Standard," but a good number of original owners opted for a more colorful aftermarket horn. You can do the same if you wish!

The Edison Blue Amberol (note that "Amberola" was an Edison Phonograph line; "Amberol" was the name given to Edison 4-minute cylinders (first made of wax and then in 1912 made of blue celluloid). Blue Amberols are nice records and commonly found - - a fortuitous combination. You'll be able to shop for them this weekend as well.

Good luck at the show!

George P.

George/Rich,

Thanks for the info. I've talked to Ron on the phone before and purchased mainsprings from him. It will be nice to put a face to the voice. Rich, I'll send you a PM on the C reproducer, look forward to picking up some cylinder records as well.

-Mike

Welcome to the world of cylinders. Your model D is a good machine in my opinion as it can play 2 minute wax up through 4 minute celluloid, provided you have the correct reproducers. If you have an Edison recorder and blanks, you can even experiment with making your own records. I would, as the others have, recommend the cygnet horn, as they sound better than the standard 14" witch's hat. All in all, you will enjoy that machine.

GrafonolaG50 wrote: I would, as the others have, recommend the cygnet horn, as they sound better than the standard 14" witch's hat.

Just to be clear, I didn't recommend a Cygnet horn. The Standard D in question appears to have been originally equipped with a morning glory horn, and that's what I recommend.

George P.

Geez, For a first machine, The Edison "D" is a great choice! It is a VERY Versatile machine!

I love the Standard "D" that is in my collection, and I would never get rid of it!

It is one of the best "Standards" in my humble opinion!

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

phonogfp wrote:

GrafonolaG50 wrote: I would, as the others have, recommend the cygnet horn, as they sound better than the standard 14" witch's hat.

Just to be clear, I didn't recommend a Cygnet horn. The Standard D in question appears to have been originally equipped with a morning glory horn, and that's what I recommend.

George P.

Sorry about that. I was half asleep while typing. I meant the morning glory horn, not the cygnet.

Is the case the correct one for the machine? Looks awful tall to me like a Standard model B?

Amberola wrote:Is the case the correct one for the machine? Looks awful tall to me like a Standard model B?

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... 69#p124648

George P.