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Hello! I want to buy a Pathé phonograph whose reproducer is missing. Could I play cylinders (like Columbia's Indestructiles) on this machine adapting on it the reproducer of my Columbia Eagle?

Thanks for reading and answers!

Carlo

The attachment of most Pathé reproducers is by a rubber tube directly to the aluminum horn, while Columbia utilizes an articulated metallic connection to a fitting that in turn connects to the horn. The dimensions of reproducers do not match neither, so I would not try that, it will require a lot of hassle to adapt. On the other hand, you can easily find Pathé reproducers and newly-made copies for sale.

CarlosV's answer is not really an accurate reply to your question as his albeit useful information only relates to many of Pathé's phonograph models that were made from 1904 onwards when the company re-designed many of its existing models so that they would play standard diameter cylinders as well as Pathé's own intermediate diameter or " Inter " cylinders. In those models , the reproducer is fitted directly to the end of the horn as CarlosV mentions , the horn being pivoted towards its bell - mouth so as to allow the reproducer to be adjusted to either playing position for the different diameter cylinders. In the earlier models of Pathé cylinder phonographs made before 1904 , many employ a mechanism with many aspects similar in design to the Columbia Graphophone type "B" and indeed on some of those earlier models , such as
the "Coq " or " Coquette " , some Columbia reproducers can indeed be utilized. It all depends really on the overall dimensions of the reproducer you intend using , as there are slight dimensional differences between the different Columbia reproducers. The important thing is to ensure that the stylus position bears more or less in a correct position on the record. Pathé reproducers can be used on many Columbia machines with no ill effects -- Models Q, A, AB , AT etc ., and vice versa Columbia reproducers on Pathé machines. So , it really depends which Pathé model of phonograph you have and also , exactly which Columbia reproducer you have ! Good luck Regards Dulcetto

Thanks a lot to both of you indeed! I attach a photo of the model I'm considering to buy: perhaps you can identify it. The reproducer is originally fitted on my Columbia "Eagle".

Anyway, if I'll buy this Pathé machine, I'll tell you something about the results, and obviously I'll buy an original or a new-made Pathé reproducer... Perhaps this is the best thing to do!

Regards

Carlo

Hello,
Nice machine!
This phonograph is a Pathé Coquet (circa 1903) also sold by Girard & Boitte.
The Pathé reproducer for this phonograph has the same mounting system than most of Columbia reproducers.
No matter the reproducer you mount, you will need the adaptor as shown on the attached pic.
Jeff

Dulcetto wrote:In the earlier models of Pathé cylinder phonographs made before 1904 , many employ a mechanism with many aspects similar in design to the Columbia Graphophone type "B" and indeed on some of those earlier models , such as
the "Coq " or " Coquette " , some Columbia reproducers can indeed be utilized.

The problem, Dulcetto, is that Pathé machines that looked like the edison and the columbia ones were imitations, not franchises. They were designed by Pathé and built utilizing metric system, not the imperial system used to build columbias and edisons. This prevents a direct interchangeability of parts including reproducers. Yes, one could fit a US columbia reproducer into a Pathé, and vice-versa, if you are lucky to have the columbia reproducer that has similar dimensions and if you are willing to tolerate a slop or if use fillers.

Hi again, I just mount an Eagle reproducer on a Coquet machine and it works without any need for fillers.
But, as CarloV said, I will not use Edison Gem parts to repair a Pathé Gaulois....

Well done Carlo , that is a nice Pathé " Coquet " / Girard & Cie phonograph. Sorry to have to once again disagree with CarlosV 's comments in his second message , but again his comments are not entirely accurate. As I previously answered ,and I repeat again for CarlosV's benefit , some Columbia reproducers , especially that from a Columbia " B " WILL fit and work on certain Pathé machines,
without the need for modification as they are dimensionally virtually the same. Please understand that if I was not certain of my facts , I would not have made the statement in answer to Carlo's initial question. I have over 40 years of experience and knowledge in cylinder phonographs and only when I am sure of what I am saying do I give information to fellow collectors. To satisfy myself and others who may read this , I too have just fitted an original Columbia reproducer from my Columbia " B " to my Pathé ' Coquet ' and it fits perfectly , it is neither a tight fit nor a sloppy fit. Trust me ! I do know what I am talking about !
Best regards to all who read this post Dulcetto

Dulcetto wrote:Sorry to have to once again disagree with CarlosV 's comments in his second message , but again his comments are not entirely accurate. As I previously answered ,and I repeat again for CarlosV's benefit , some Columbia reproducers , especially that from a Columbia " B " WILL fit and work on certain Pathé machines,
without the need for modification as they are dimensionally virtually the same. Please understand that if I was not certain of my facts , I would not have made the statement in answer to Carlo's initial question. I have over 40 years of experience and knowledge in cylinder phonographs and only when I am sure of what I am saying do I give information to fellow collectors. To satisfy myself and others who may read this , I too have just fitted an original Columbia reproducer from my Columbia " B " to my Pathé ' Coquet ' and it fits perfectly , it is neither a tight fit nor a sloppy fit. Trust me ! I do know what I am talking about !
Best regards to all who read this post Dulcetto

Dulcetto, I am not arrogant to slight the experience of other aficionados like you, however I do not take into account subjective argumentation. State that some soundboxes may fit into some machines, that is not relevant for me. My comment is pertinent in the sense that these soundboxes were not designed to be interchangeable, and only by accident they will. Moreover, if Carlo had both soundboxes he would be able to make experiments himself and would not have to ask any question to the forum members. As you probably know, not even all Columbia soundboxes are interchangeable among themselves. Everyone here has his/her own experience, and really nobody can pose as omniscient. I respect your experience, and expect that you act accordingly towards that of other members, me included. Best Regards to you too!