The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Is this just a regular Model C reproducer? Its on a Standard Model A 4 latch thats on an auction site. Thanks

I think I see a tail weight just above the adjusting screw casting. If that's so, it's a good chance that it is an early model C reproducer. Obviously, a photo showing the back side would nail it.

Martin

Looks like a winged C to me

Heres another picture. Definitely has a tail weight. Is this a desirable reproducer? Im trying to determine how much to bid on it.

It's just an earlier Model "C" with a side handle.. I wouldn't pay more than $175.00-$185.00 if you really needed one with a side handle..

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

Thanks. What is the purpose of the side handle?

The original Automatic reproducer was somewhat difficult to keep in adjustment. The knurled screw on the reproducer carriage pressed against the arm on the reproducer and allowed for fine-tuning the position of the reproducer, which in turn affected the centering the stylus in the groove of the cylinder. When the Automatic was discontinued, Edison offered the much improved C. The early ones retained the adjusting arm even though it was not really needed since the C tracks much better than the Automatic. These were made to sell as an upgrade to owners of older machines like the Suitcase Standard and Home. New machines no longer had the adjusting screw, so the arm was discontinued.

While the machine probably came with an Automatic, this model C was likely an early upgrade. I see a lot of these 4 clip machines with the "winged C". They're not as rare compared to the Automatic. It's an appropriate upgrade and will certainly sound better than the Automatic. (Just don't use it for the Brown Wax records. )

Martin

Thanks guys!

It's not really a handle, but an adjusting lever. The Automatics that preceded the Model C sometimes required a little adjusting to center their ball styli in the record groove. That's what the adjusting screw mounted on the carriage is for. That screw communicates with the lever and slightly rotates the reproducer clockwise until everything sounds right.

The Model C didn't need adjustment, but a good number were made with the lever so they could be retrofitted to machines that had been originally equipped with Automatics. These older carriages with the adjusting screw lacked the little pin which corresponded with the notch at the 12:00 position of the Model C. The lever and adjusting screw would prevent the Model C from shifting counter-clockwise. Of course, it could always be bumped the other way...

George P.

Oops - I was too slow on the keyboard...