The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Would it be OK or reasonable to convert a Edison Standard A to an ICS machine.?? Would it work to lower the speed for the voice records..?? I have the carriage and the repeater lever but I would have to drill and attach the lever.. I also have an ICS label for the front. Would it make it a more unusual machine??? Is there more to do to it than the carriage and repeater lever change??? Does the speed adjuster need to be changed... Thanks Tom

Why exactly would you want to alter an original machine like this?

Bill

If the changes were reversible, I would say go for it, and document what you've done, and put the note inside the case. But because it doesn't sound reversible in this case, I would be reluctant to do it.

That said, it's your machine and this country is a free one. But once it's converted to ICS, it can never again be an undamaged Model A Standard again.

I would be patient and look for an original Edison ICS machine. They turn up from time to time. Perhaps a Forum member might have one for sale.
Harvey Kravitz

It was a thought I had. I have eight standard model A .s. I have rescued 6 of them and brought them back to life. A couple have been completely refinished...You are probably right about leaving them original as I would have to drill a couple of holes in the knife edge to mount the repeater part. I probably should spend some time cleaning them up a bit. I went wild on getting A s I would buy them for parts to fix another machine then eventually repair them too. I was too sad to see them tore up. Tom B

If it was up to me... I would not convert a Model "A" Standard... I would choose a Model "B" or Model "C" Standard...

As one poster questioned: "Are the changes reversible?".... No, Not really. As holes need to be drilled in the front for attachment of the front ICS assembly. Unless you like holes in the front of your machine, The process is pretty much a one-way ticket.


But that's just me..

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

Model B and C ICS Standards retained the Model A type speed adjustment up through the deck. For that reason I would choose a Model A Standard IF I were considering a conversion. Jerry Blais

Rosetta Stone is much easier to use and less bulky to carry around while you learn a new language...

Should I check with the Rosetta stone to see if the conversion is OK??? I do not know if it spoke Edison or translated Edison...