The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I’m finally willing to delve into cylinder recordings. I’ve been buying a few these past few months and figured I should get something to play them on. I’m not looking for something fancy or in great condition. I just would prefer it to be able to play both, though I know I would probably need to procure an additional reproducer to play the other speed. Any help or guidance on what would be best for my case since I will be a novice in this area would be great. Feel free to PM me or reply to this post.
Best,
-Zach.

I have a very clean 2&4 minute Edison Standard. At the next show it will be priced at $325 with a 14" reproduction horn. The price reflects a really nice original cabinet with good decal and the paint and striping on the deck is also very good. You can probably do better with a lesser quality machine but this gives you an idea. Postage is extra.

Jerry Blais

Thanks Jerry. What is the next show by the way? I know of one down in Carolina that is soon I believe. I appreciate getting a ball park. I have seen some online and only two in antique stores (both standards, 2min only but with original 14" horns) and were upwards of $500-$600) I do understand certain things will command more value though. The Standard did seem to be the direction I was going. At first I wanted something that would have a cygnet horn, but I figured I should start with something simple and see how I feel. I really am more of a disc man. I'm a relatively young collector, but I've collecting disc machines for about 15 years now. So, I've been doing research but I don't have any hands on experience. I think that with a Standard I will have something that is reliable, and versatile. Thank you to everyone for reaching out, I always appreciate advice.

Best,
-Zach

I think you would be happy with a Standard or a Fireside A. Both very dependable phonographs. I like the smaller footprint of the Fireside. Jerry B offered you a really nice machine at a very fair price.
Mike

Is this 2 & 4 minute Standard still for sale at $325? If so, two questions: Could I get a few more pictures of the machine and where are you located?

Thank you!

An Edison standard can be outfitted with a cygnet horn at a later date or can be used with a large morning glory horn and required horn crane, which makes it versatile and provides many different options... The 2/4 minute option is very important to have as it allows you to play almost any cylinder and opens up the range of recordings available. Personally, I would advise you to look for Blue Amberol 4 min cylinders (not 4 min black wax Amberols) and 2 min Indestructible cylinders, which are also made of celluloid and less likely to break than black wax...

PS - Jerry is in Albany, Oregon and knows how to pack and ship the machine so it would get to you intact, which is not true with all/most eBay sellers. It would be a good idea to consider Jerry's machine since the price is reasonable, he knows what he's doing, he can give you any advice necessary and he is a reliable guy (plus he didn't pay me for the reference)...

Thanks to a fellow forum member I will be driving Sunday to pick up a Standard B. I agree with the advice on celluloid cylinders. Once I get comfortable, I’ll feel safer getting into the fragile wax cylinders. I appreciate everyone’s help, I’m excited to finally hear all the records I’ve collected. Also, I did not purchase the Standard that Jerry very generously offered, so the user who inquired on it could contact him to see if it is still available.

I'm glad you found one within driving distance. Mine was a good value at $325 but shipping could add quite a bit to the ultimate cost. Jerry