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This seems like a pretty simple question.... I already have a 2 minute Edison Home but also want something to play 4 minute cylinders. What models are there other that the Amberola?

Thank you.

Your home might be 2 minute only, but you might be able to find an adapter kit to make it a two and four minute machine. Otherwise, many of the Edison phonographs around the model C Model D timeframe were two and four minute from the factory. I think Es and Fs are minute only. Otherwise, you could just get an Amberola

There are several machines that will play 4 minute cylinders. Edison 2 minute cylinder machines could be converted to play 4 minute cylinders with a kit sold by Edison when the 4 minute cylinders were introduced. The kit included gearing and a 4 minute reproducer. So you can find Edison Standards, Firesides, Homes, Triumphs Etc that will play either 2 min., 4 min or both depending on the gearing and reproducers. Then there are Columbia machines etc.

Any D series or later Gem, Standard, Home, or Triumph will play four minute cylinders. Any Fireside or Amberola will play four minute cylinders. Many four minute players with a diamond stylus reproducer should NOT play four minute wax Amberol cylinders.

Since you've already own a Home, why not buy a nice Edison Standard capable of playing two and four minute records. If you buy one with a sapphire stylus H reproducer you can play four minute wax or four minute celluloid cylinders. Don't rule out machines made prior to the D series because combination attachments were made available for all earlier models.

Jerry Blais

The Standard D is a great 2/4 minute work horse and should be available for a fairly decent price.

Clay

FloridaClay wrote:The Standard D is a great 2/4 minute work horse and should be available for a fairly decent price.

Clay

Would the Fireside A also be a workhorse?

Victrolacollector wrote:Would the Fireside A also be a workhorse?

The Edison Fireside model A would be a great choice and certainly could also be considered a 'workhorse'. It is capable of 2/4 minute playing and there are absolutely no concerns about the cylinder mandrel being seized due to the pot metal bearing as is frequently encountered with the Edison Standard, Home and Triumph model D, E and F. For 4 minute play you will want to be sure that the Fireside A in question has either a model K or a model H reproducer for its original angled carriage configuration or the model O or model B (diamond stylus and NO wax cylinder play!) reproducer if it has been converted to a horizontal carriage. If it has been converted to the horizontal carriage you may also purchase a reducer ring which enables use of the model H and model K (and model C) reproducers in that carriage. The Edison Fireside model A was one of the simplest and finest designed cylinder phonographs for the money in their day (IMHO). It will play a 4 minute cylinder (or 2 minute cylinder) every bit as well as the Standard, Home and Triumph.

Doug

[quote]Would the Fireside A also be a workhorse?[quote]


I agree with Doug. The Fireside is a fine and versatile machine. It was introduced late in the horn era during a time of higher inflation and the price gap between the Gem and Standard was widening. Today it seems like it generally sells for a click or so higher than the more common Homes and Standards simply because it sold in smaller numbers because it was late to the market. About the only possible drawback is the fact that it's a bit of a lightweight so morning glory horns are less of an option. A Fireside with a #10 Cygnet is a great machine. Jerry Blais

if I may jump in here is the Amberola 30 a 2 minute machine? Thanks

Bill K

dutchman wrote:if I may jump in here is the Amberola 30 a 2 minute machine? Thanks

Bill K

No, it's a 4 minute only and only plays celluloid records. The exception is the 30 designed for language cylinders that came with a modified Model H reproducer, which can also be used to play 4 minute wax.

The only Amberola that plays 2 minute records is the 1A, and that requires an M reproducer.