The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I had two other Edison Standards but one was altered to play 2/4 minute cylinders and the other newer was made to play both cylinders. So when I saw this one which left the factory in January of 1904 with only the two cylinder mechanism I had to have it. Do any of you relate to that. I also did not have a horn like this so for two reasons I bought this when I visited Gordon's antique shop in Grafton Wisconsin.

It looks quite nice and hopefully plays well too.

I have a Standard B that is still in its two minute configuration. I’m finally getting ready to start restoring it and have no intention of converting it to two/four minute operation. Since it needs restoration, I could convert it without detracting from its originality but I’m happy to keep it a two minute machine.

And I thought I was the only nut that appreciated unconverted 2-minute only machines. It may be because I personally only own combination and 4-minute machines, but I like the way original Edison 2-minute machines look. The combination gearing looks okay, but not as clean or balanced as original 2-minute only configurations.

Great machine you have there, and a very nice horn.

I had to do a few things to make my Standard sound and work well. I needed a new leather belt. I ordered some but being the impatient sort I found an old belt that I no longer used to hold up my pants and it was splitting so I cut me a piece and after a few tries I got it to work. Then I had to remove a dead fly from the reproducer and put a drop of cement glue down its throat because it was not attached down below and voila it sounds wonderful. I was told originally it was soldered but the glue worked nicely. I am very happy with this machine and it's sound. Actually hurt my eardrums to sit in front of the horn. ha ha I do have a hearing problem but not when I listen to this machine!!!

What a nice find!
The Standard is one of those machines that can easily have multiple personalities and makes a convenient excuse for owning more than one. I have three model B's and each is different: an early banner B that is 2-minute only with which hat, a script B that is 2-minute with a 24" brass horn, and a script B that is 2/4 with cygnet and horizontal carriage. They are the same, but each is different.