The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello everyone,

I am relatively new to the forum and pretty much new to the hobby. My grandfather collected phonographs and other Edison items so I always had an interest in machines but know very little about them. The primary machine I intend to play cylinders on is an Edison Standard Combination Type, Model D. It has a Cygnet horn and Diamond B producer.

From what I read, only certain records can be played using a Diamond B producer. Is there a thread on the forum or website I can reference to learn how to identify different types of cylinders? I want to ensure I am not damaging any cylinders by playing them on the wrong machine.

Now, a somewhat stupid question - There is a small knob that can be moved to play either 2 min or 4 min records. Which way should the knob be turned to play 2 min? 4 min?

Finally, the machine plays well but I'd like to be able to learn how to perform basic maintenance. Should I purchase The Compleat Talking Machine?

Many thanks in advance! Ben

About the cylinders - try the site by Norman Bruderhofer: http://www.cylinder.de/
There: > Cylinder Guide
He´s mention the various reproducers to each kind of cylinder.

The Compleat Talking Machine is a "must have", if you are new to this great hobby!

I would also suggest reading the excellent articles on the Antique Phonograph Society web site, especially

http://www.antiquephono.org/encounterin ... onographs/
and
http://www.antiquephono.org/basic-antiq ... onal-tips/.

There are many other interesting articles and videos that should help answer most of your questions.

Andreas

In answer to your question of 2/4 minute button.

OUT for 4 minute.
IN for 2 minute.

Alistair.

Ben, as you may have guessed by now from Alistair's post, the button is a push/pull button rather than a button to turn even though it looks that way. The Standard D is a great little machine by the way. You are off to an excellent start.

The D originally came with a C reproducer for 2 minute cylinders and an H for 4 minute cylinders. The diamond B you have is a better reproducer for 4 minute cylinders than the H in my opinion, and sells for more so you are lucky there too.

Clay

Thank you all for the information and helpful links. I now see that the knob goes in/out and not left right.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I should be able to play the following with the Diamond B reproducer: Indestructible 2 & 4 min and Blue Amberols (4 min). But I cannot play 2 min black wax or Amberols? If I wanted to play these records, would I would not only have to get a different reproducer but also a different carriage, correct?

Let Us Not Forget wrote:Thank you all for the information and helpful links. I now see that the knob goes in/out and not left right.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I should be able to play the following with the Diamond B reproducer: Indestructible 2 & 4 min and Blue Amberols (4 min). But I cannot play 2 min black wax or Amberols? If I wanted to play these records, would I would not only have to get a different reproducer but also a different carriage, correct?

The Diamond B is designed for 4 minute records. While you could theoretically play 2 minute Indestructible (and other celluloid) cylinders, it would not be recommended.

If you want to play 2 minute records and/or 4 minute wax records, you can get a Model O reproducer, which will fit your existing carriage. This reproducer has 2 styli. The correct one is chosen by turning a knob. These are running around $300+ for decent examples these days, a bit more if you are lucky enough to find the brass version.