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I have an Edison Amberola III serial no. 1449 which the ID Tag describes as a model B.

Any idea what the differences may be between a model A (if there was such a thing) and a model B?

Frow doesn't mention an A or B model and I can find nothing in the EPMs of the period.

Many thanks

Tim W-W

Hi Tim,

In the context of the time when the Amberola III was introduced, there had been only two previous models of Amberola: the 1A and 1B. The latter used the 4-minute only mechanism also found in the Opera/Concert. Apparently it was decided that the III needed a "B" suffix to denote this same mechanism (although it certainly seems unnecessary).

You'll notice that your machine's bedplate will have "1449 B 3" stamped into it. The "3" denotes the Amberola III, as the mounting is slightly different in this machine.

I hope this helps.

George P.

Thanks George,

I suppose that makes sense, in an Edison kind of way!

Yes, the bed plate does say 1449 B 3.

You live and learn


Many thanks

Tim W-W

And hopefully we all keep on learning!

George P.

Probably also not surprising in Edison land is that I've got a couple where the numbering does not follow this logic.

Amberola III
- Bedplate no. 1236-B3
- Tag no. 1293, then in upper right corner of the tag is stamped, "III"

Amberola 1B
- Bedplate no. 358-B3
- Tag no. 3945, then on bottom of tag is stamped Type "SM" Model "B"

I've had both for several years. I don't think either is a marriage but of course impossible to say with certainty.

Thoughts?