The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have a Columbia disc player with a collapsable horn made of canvas and steel. Are these rare? I've looked on google for information but can't find any.
Terry

Terry,

I think they are moderately rare. I have seen some, but I couldn't find anything on-line after a quick search. I'll keep trying, hopefully one of our other members has some definite knowledge on the subject.

Regards,
John

tcmeeno wrote:I have a Columbia disc player with a collapsable horn made of canvas and steel. Are these rare? I've looked on google for information but can't find any.
Terry

steel and canvas? are you sure about that?

you should post some photos.

Please disregard the dusty basement, here is the horn. Its covering is fragile and I'm afraid to collapse it. I can take more photos if you wish.
Terry

One of the Fabrizio & Paul books shows a similar one, generally the cloth stiffens up so you can't collapse it or it shrinks so it can't be opened fully. They aren't great for listening as the sound waves tend to pass through rather than being reflected. Bit odd to see this on a disc machine, the ones I've seen were for cylinder machines.

is that a store?

Thanks for the info on the horn. I am trying to decide if I should do a restoration on the phono. I guess the horn makes it rather unique.

No it isn't a store but probably could be. I started collecting bakelite radios and now have an interest in old phonographs.

Thanks Terry

Welcome to the club, it's all down hill from here! I was in the same boat, starting with radios. Once the phonograph bug hits, it is a tough one to get away from!

I have seen a few of these horns for sale in the $300-400 range (and they were in better condition). I would think that these were not often found. The price only reflects the lack of general interest in them.

Yes, I like the old phono hobby as I
used to build RC airplanes and find that
all the tools and intricacies apply
equally well. I really admire the
design quality and workmanship on
many phonographs. They were made
to restore!!
Terry