The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I couldn't find any topics on this, so I will ask: Is a GEM speaker suitable for playing brown wax? I know it predates the model C, so my guess was "yes" but I want to be sure before trying. Thanks!

I would answer your question this way. The Gem Speaker was produced for one year 1901 to 1902. At that time Brown wax cylinders were still the standard. Black wax cylinders were introduced by Edison in 1902 and by Colombia in 1904. The Gem Speaker had a ball stylus just like the Model-B that replaced it. So yes it is fine for playing Brown Wax.

Rich Gordon

That's what I thought, thanks Rich!