The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

This is for sale locally, asking $85. I'm going to look at it, and I would like to know thoughts of the "collecting elders", as far as thoughts on this particular machine (from what you see in the pictures), and what I should look for - if there's anything that should make me walk away....I'm almost certain I can get it cheaper, too....

There's nothing wrong with the price or appearance. It's been slightly modified by the addition of the needle cups but that's minor. That could actually be considered an improvement if you use it to play lateral records. Pick a Diamond Disc record with a shiny run off area past the end of the recorded portion. With the machine running lower the Edison reproducer down on that area and let it run for several revolutions. Next, remove the record and examine the run off area. If the diamond stylus left any marks you need a new stylus or a different reproducer. If there are no marks, play an Edison record for sound quality. If it sounds good strike a deal, service the critical spots with good quality oil, and enjoy your purchase.

Please note: A stylus that leaves a mark in the run off area may do a reasonably good job playing a record. But doing so is also doing damage to the record.

"Elder" Blais

Wellllll...the needle cups were added by a previous owner, Edison abhorred the idea of playing lateral discs on his refined Diamond Disc Phonograph. He certainly realized the superior qualities of his technology. The grille cloth isn't original, and there is a reproducer present - but that remains for you to determine if it has a good stylus, and the diaphragm hasn't decayed too badly. If the motor winds up, and the horn is driven properly, there isn't really much mechanically to worry about. These machines are really bullet proof.

I'm not sure how easy it will be finding the missing drawer parts. The cabinet looks solid, and should clean up relatively easily I think, and the gold plating looks pretty good to me.

I think it's not a bad price, but then again, I gave away a 90% C-19 that needed cabinet work, with a perfectly working mechanism - without a reproducer.

Best of luck,
Fran

^^^ +what Jerry said.

Agreed: $85 is a very good price.

-Bill

It seems like an interesting machine. You don't see as many B machines ayhow. It is like the 150 with a record cabinet. I would say get it, I don't know how often these come up.

Can't really add much that the others didn't say. 85 isn't bad, but me being the cheap $@%!#&* I am, I'd probably offer 60 and see what they say