The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello all, I spotted this in an antique shop while shopping. Am I assuming correctly that it is an Edison Amberola, per the cylinder box? Though the clerk called it an Edison graphaphone , while looking up the price. The metal grille is incorrect, not sure if it works as it is a window display and a lot of items blocking access to the window, also there was no one there with knowledge about it. The price is $695, negotiable, though it seems high. If I were to get a cylinder player, I would prefer an external horn, when I can afford one

Anyways, Happy Holidays all.
Enjoying Xmas music on my Brunswick. Maybe next year I'll get some for the Edison DD.

That's very high, by a factor of almost 2. And the cylinder (or at least the box) is for a wax Amberol, which would quickly be ruined by the diamond stylus. That phonograph was made to play only the celluloid Blue Amberols.

As for the grill, well, no comment.

I would pass on it at that price.... Considering that an original or reproduction grill can be purchased is not major, but who knows if the mainspring is good, and the diamond stylus and diaphragm condition. A new stylus and diaphragm can cost you at least 100.00. For that price it should be in complete working condition with a good stylus and rebuilt reproducer.

For a first cylinder player buy a two and four minute Standard, Home, or Fireside. There are thread promoting one model over another so use the search feature to dial in on one of those. Don't make the mistake of buying a two minute player with intentions of converting it later. Jerry Blais

Thanks all. Thought the price was high. I would have to do a lot of researching before investing in one. So no rush buying one yet for me.

First time I've ever seen an Amberola 30 pray, but then this one has been through a lot of trauma.
JRT

In great condition they're worth around $400.
But I agree with Jerry's advice, a combination 2 and 4 minute machine is best if you only plan to have one machine.

That machine...looks to be a Late Series 2 (1917-1918) Amberola 30..judging by the multi-step top and governor cover.. It also looks like there is a Burn? on the top Left of the Cover...

At shows. One can still get a good deal on an Amberola 30...but on Ebay, Clean examples that have not been "Messed with" or "kitbashed" using different Series Amberola 30's to make one whole one...with fully intact original Veneer can easily fetch $500 and up.. I'm seeing more money spent on Amberola 30's these days and them going for more money than clean Amberola 50s... Which is just amazing, but it's true. The Amberola 30 is a very popular machine and remains popular due to its size and robust sound for such a small internal horned machine...providing that you have a very good sounding reproducer. Those are my experiences...Others may have different experiences.

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Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

Check Ebay, that price seems very high. I paid $270 for a clean original Amberola that had been in the same family since new.
Jeff