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Columbia Graphophone model BE
Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2021 1:03 pm
by SittingRabbit
Can anyone tell me more about it? I know they were made between 1905-07, were $30, lyric spring reproducer, but that's about it. It needs an original horn and crank I'm told. It'd be nice to have a recorder for it too, with some blank cylinders.
Thanks everyone!
Re: Columbia Graphophone model BE
Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2021 1:19 pm
by PeterF
The BE, along with its stretched big brother the BF, is my favorite cylinder Graphophone. Perfect combination of looks and performance and reliability. Grab it, unless the price is silly.
Re: Columbia Graphophone model BE
Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2021 1:35 pm
by Pete Stratford
The original 14” Aluminum Columbia horns are hard to find. In nice condition they sell for around $275/$350. For that money you could buy a nice original crane and a large flowered horn.
Re: Columbia Graphophone model BE
Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2021 1:36 pm
by Pete Stratford
They did make some nice reproductions of the Aluminum horns years ago now. They are also hard to find and sell for around $150
Pete
Re: Columbia Graphophone model BE
Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2021 2:55 pm
by Curt A
I have a BE and a BFT - they are both my favorite cylinder players. Buy it, if it's reasonable, $500-600 and you will love it...
You should be able to find a crank for it and you can use any morning glory horn with it, if you have a heavy duty crane. Trying to find a recorder might be a little difficult...
Re: Columbia Graphophone model BE
Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2021 4:52 pm
by FellowCollector
I've been following a related post on this Columbia BE on FB and, presuming this is the same person inquiring here, this BE has already been purchased by the posting originator. He mentioned on FB that the seller was asking $300 for it. A very good deal indeed.
Doug
Re: Columbia Graphophone model BE
Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2021 5:26 pm
by SittingRabbit
Yup, that's my post! Yes, I'd rather have the big horn with support. Not super sure on what to look for though.
Re: Columbia Graphophone model BE
Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2021 5:27 pm
by SittingRabbit
And thank you for the picture of the original horn
Re: Columbia Graphophone model BE
Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2021 6:02 pm
by Jerry B.
I'd rather have the big horn with support. Not super sure on what to look for though.
I would avoid anything that clamped on to that gorgeous cabinet. You might look for a free standing floor crane.
Jerry B.
Re: Columbia Graphophone model BE
Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2021 10:31 pm
by Curt A
There is a crane that works well with this Columbia cabinet. The best way to describe it is that it has a steel strap which runs under the cabinet, with a crane mount attached and a sliding "clamp" piece that holds it firmly to the outside bottom molding. I don't remember who made it, but it does not damage the cabinet and will support a large horn. Someone can probably identify the crane I am referring to...
I just found the base part for sale - all that is needed is an upright portion (most types will interchange).
https://for-sale.yowcow.com/listing/141037623/