The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Is playing a Brown Wax cylinder on a Model C reproducer a bad idea?

If so, is it possible to attach a Model B or Automatic reproducer to an Edison Standard? Or is this only possible with the earlier phonographs?

Are Wooden Horns truly better than other types of Horns?

I have managed to record music on my Edison Standard. But is it a better idea to record on a Triumph or Home? Or are the results more or less the same?

Welcome to the forum!


You should NOT play brown wax cylinders with a model C reproducer, as the heavy weight will damage the record.

You can most definitely attach an Automatic to a Standard produced prior to 1902, as that was the reproducer that came with the machine. The Model B was intended for denser brown wax, and I believe you can attach one to a Standard as well.

Generally, wood horns seem to have a less "metallic" and sharp timbre to me, but that's more of a preference.

The Triumph is a stronger machine and has a more powerful motor, and will make a better recording. It also helps to have a large horn meant for recording.

-Jack

Victor A wrote:You can most definitely attach an Automatic to a Standard produced prior to 1902

Or you could probably buy an entire Columbia Eagle (Graphophone Model B) which has a floating reproducer for about the cost of an Edison Automatic reproducer. That's what I tend to play brown wax with, it's very gentle.

HisMastersVoice wrote:Or you could probably buy an entire Columbia Eagle (Graphophone Model B) which has a floating reproducer for about the cost of an Edison Automatic reproducer. That's what I tend to play brown wax with, it's very gentle.

I know the earlier style floating reproducer was suited for brown wax. Are the later floating reproducers ok for brown wax as well? I was wondering because I think the reproduction floating reproducers are copies of the later style of this reproducer, and I just bought one for an Eagle.

Oceangoer1 wrote:I know the earlier style floating reproducer was suited for brown wax. Are the later floating reproducers ok for brown wax as well? I was wondering because I think the reproduction floating reproducers are copies of the later style of this reproducer, and I just bought one for an Eagle.

Yes, they are, I've used both types for brown wax. The larger ones only have a larger mica for louder sound, at least that's always been my impression. If anyone else has another opinion, please correct me if I'm wrong.

Sean

You're right Sean.

The larger Graphophone floating reproducers do a nice job with brown wax with minimal weight. I use a D1 reproducer (although the D2 is just as good) on a Type C Graphophone as my "go-to" brown wax machine.

George P.

Thanks for clearing things up guys.

Do these old edison automatics or Columbia graphophones allow for the use of large horn attachments or wooden horns?

I wish triumphs allowed the use of automatics that'd make things a lot easier. I'm not too keen on these tin horns.

Larger horn on the Edison would require a horn crane. Larger horn on the eagle would require a separate floor crane.

Since we are on the subject, can a C reproducer be modified to play brown wax, such as cutting off the tail weight?

hearsedriver wrote:Since we are on the subject, can a C reproducer be modified to play brown wax, such as cutting off the tail weight?

It's not just the weight. The C's stylus has an elliptical shape rather than the ball stylus of an Automatic, B, or Graphophone. That elliptical shape concentrates the weight in a narrow arc across the bottom of the groove. It's better to use a reproducer with a ball shaped stylus instead of destroying a Model C.

George P.