The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi everyone,

I’ve got a bunch of Edison machines but very recently started learning about the Pathé machines with paper horns. For some reason I think these are fascinating! I’m just starting to learn about them. I would love to have one but have no room for another big machine (I’ve got an Edison upright and school house orthophonic victor). Are the smaller table top machines affordable? Thanks for any advice!!!

KCW wrote: Are the smaller table top machines affordable? Thanks for any advice!!!

Pathé made paper cone diaphragm machines in the US and in France. The US machines, called ¨Actuelle¨, as far as I know, are all cabinets, no table tops. The French ¨Diffusor¨ Pathé machines were sold both as cabinets and as table tops. The table tops are normally not expensive, but if you are in the US the shipping cost will probably be higher than the machine price itself. The other challenge is to find paper cones in good condition: most have creases or are ripped.

Thank you! Can you point me towards any resources where I could buy one, or at least see what is available? Thank you so much!

KCW wrote:Thank you! Can you point me towards any resources where I could buy one, or at least see what is available? Thank you so much!

The easiest is the French Ebay, they frequently have one for sale. Right now there is this one in the link, but as you see the diaphragm is in poor shape, with a poorly done repair:

https://www.ebay.fr/itm/gramophone-phon ... SwZMNfVpux

They made portable versions as well,which are very small...

So interesting! The one in French eBay is very cool, but that repair is pretty bad and it looks like it doesn’t even work in current condition. I’ll keep an eye out and let me know if anyone see any others out there! It’s such an unusual way to reproduce a record but on some level they really appeal to me!