The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Just bought an early standard and was wondering if anyone can tell me anything about the modifications to the reproducer. Looks kind of like a Wurcker, but is not marked.

Hi rizbone.

Very cool reproducer and machine! It rather looks like somebody with machining skills made these modifications. I'd guess that the machine belonged to a lower-budget exhibitor or music teacher who needed to squeeze all possible volume out of the brown wax. (One play and done!) I especially like the numbered speed control. It would have been very handy when dealing with the era's rapidly changing record speeds. All suppositions aside, that's a really neat machine. I'd love to see more photos. Good luck on finding out more history on your 4 clip Standard, and thanks for posting this.

Martin

EDIT - I just noticed the little notch in the top of the reproducer, meaning that the modification was meant to accommodate post November 1901 carrier arms. Perhaps then, this was the work of a very small dealer in "golder ear" phonograph accessories.

MK

The wood(?) diaphragm is very unusual; and the neck seems larger than normal.

It evidently passed through some unskilled hands, though...

Bill