The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I saw this Stradivara for sale and was wondering what that circular thing with notes is in the upper left side? It's not the speed control because that's below.

It's a pitch pipe. You blow into the openings on the side to produce a certain note. It is used to tune musical instruments or to set the pitch for a vocalist(s). It is not part of the phonograph. Someone must have left it laying there. It is also possible that someone was trying to set the speed of the turntable by adjusting it to standard pitch.

hbick2 wrote:It's a pitch pipe. You blow into the openings on the side to produce a certain note. It is used to tune musical instruments or to set the pitch for a vocalist(s). It is not part of the phonograph. Someone must have left it laying there. It is also possible that someone was trying to set the speed of the turntable by adjusting it to standard pitch.

^^^This.

With the original box and everything that is probably the best preserved Stradivara in existence, just saying. Not to mention it's got great simplistic styling and a pretty oak cabinet.

I'd buy it if I had room.

Nice find.

If you would like more information on the Stradivara, we have research data, 54 pages, 1916 to 1923, lots of advertising too. We would be happy to forward you a copy, PM if interested.

There is the possibility that this machine was manufactured here in Portland. In 1920, the Pacific Phonograph Manufacturing Co. was making all Stradivara for the market West of the Rockies. That building is still standing.

We would love to know if you get this.

All the best,

That's pretty neat! .. an off brand phonograph with the original shipping crate. I like stuff like this.

Just to correct the record, these are pics I gathered from the Internet. That crate is not with that phonograph. They are being sold separately by different sellers.