The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I may have a chance at one or both of these but my guess is I can only
afford to try for one. Any input guys? Thanks for any info

I believe the B-19 has the larger horn, but the B-80 is the more interesting machine.

All other things being reasonably comparable (condition, price, etc.), my guess is that most folks will prefer the B-19, also called the Bungalow or Chalet model. It is larger and may have a larger horn. Both machines have single spring motors, but the B-80 is belt driven. I have a belt-driven B-60. It seems to run OK, but I can understand why some people are not fond of them. When they were initially made, they did have issues with maintaining the correct speed.

Other folks may suggest holding out for a machine with a larger horn like the C-19/C-250.

As a previous poster suggests, the B-80 is probably more interesting and unusual. It is one of the earliest DD machines.

I agree with AZ and Estott.

The B19 is later, has the more common standardized disc mechanism, no. 100 horn, (smallest horn of the post 1919 machines but much bigger than B80 horn). It will run like a champ even with the single spring motor. If it breaks it's relatively easy to fix and parts are abundant. If I wanted something on which to enjoy records from time to time I'd choose this one.

The B80 has a more crude mechanism, much smaller horn and the mechanism for raising/lowering the record is cumbersome to operate. Most of them play through one record okay but might start to slow down a bit towards the end of the record. More likely to have problems and parts are harder to find. If I wanted a rarer, more interesting and unusual example of an early diamond disc phonograph, (or even if I wanted just an unusual disc phonograph)I'd choose this one. The A&B 60 & 80s are the only examples of a belt driven disc phonograph I can think of. I'm pretty sure it was still belt driven. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Valecnik wrote:I agree with AZ and Estott.

The B19 is later, has the more common standardized disc mechanism, no. 100 horn, (smallest horn of the post 1919 machines but much bigger than B80 horn). It will run like a champ even with the single spring motor. If it breaks it's relatively easy to fix and parts are abundant. If I wanted something on which to enjoy records from time to time I'd choose this one.

The B80 has a more crude mechanism, much smaller horn and the mechanism for raising/lowering the record is cumbersome to operate. Most of them play through one record okay but might start to slow down a bit towards the end of the record. More likely to have problems and parts are harder to find. If I wanted a rarer, more interesting and unusual example of an early diamond disc phonograph, (or even if I wanted just an unusual disc phonograph)I'd choose this one. The A&B 60 & 80s are the only examples of a belt driven disc phonograph I can think of. I'm pretty sure it was still belt driven. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

I like the rare stuff but I am more inclined to functionality in general. Although I have yet to
find out the exact condition of the machines, I have reason to believe they are in some form of
disrepair. It appears that the B-19 has the same motor as my London Console, is this correct?
If so, it would be nice knowing I have parts on the ready.

Yes you should be able to drop the LC motor or any part thereof right into the B19 without any trouble.

I acquired a B-80 last year based on it's unusual-ness. It is an interesting machine and kind of fun to play with. I resonate with the above comments.

One thing to note, the B-80 is BIG for a table top machine. Make sure you have the horizontal surface area for it.

Brad wrote:I acquired a B-80 last year based on it's unusual-ness. It is an interesting machine and kind of fun to play with. I resonate with the above comments.

One thing to note, the B-80 is BIG for a table top machine. Make sure you have the horizontal surface area for it.

That would probably be the final nail in the coffin for the B-80 unless I can
get it for a steal. Horizontal surface area is a rare bird in my house at the
moment.

Thanks for all the excellent info gentlemen.
I will keep you all posted on how it turns out...