Page 1 of 2

Edison Bell reproducer

Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2022 10:22 pm
by BigC
I saw this on ebay and was wondering what kind of reproducer this is and what it could be used on since its only the reproducer. Thanks

Re: Edison Bell reproducer

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2022 12:44 am
by tomb
That looks similar to one I saw on a Edison crank disc portable. Tom

Re: Edison Bell reproducer

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2022 1:04 am
by gramophoneshane
I think it's pretty obviously an "Electrotone" soundbox by Edison Bell.
AFAIK they were used on not only portables, but the whole range of EB models made during the late 20's electrical recording era, including those with a Saxophonic horn.
I'm fairly certain they were also available separately as an upgrade soundbox for older machines with the standard size bayonet fitting type soundbox, such as the Exhibition, No.2 & 4 etc..

Re: Edison Bell reproducer

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2022 2:11 am
by BigC
Thank you. I thought it was a very interesting piece for a Edison phonograph but didn't know if it would fit anything else. There are so many reproducers out there that someday I would like to make a shadowbox to display some in my studio.

Re: Edison Bell reproducer

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2022 3:42 am
by epigramophone
As Shane says, Edison Bell soundboxes were sold separately as accessories. Here is a period advertisement for them :

Re: Edison Bell reproducer

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2022 10:48 am
by BigC
Wow that is really interesting. Cant wait to see what happens with this reproducer. I hope i can get my hands on it so it joins the collection of reproducers I have. Thank you for taking the time to help me out.

Re: Edison Bell reproducer

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2022 2:41 pm
by dzavracky
Here’s one of phonographs this goes to:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=52376&hilit=edison+bell

Here's another video of it: https://youtu.be/NdMzJ82tpcA

I believe that Edison Bell made a larger portable. I will have to look around and see if I can find the photo. As a side note, I do have the mesh cover for the inside of the reproducer. It is removed because it causes the reproducer to buzz.

EDIT: found the photo. Here is a photo epigramophone posted on the original thread regarding my machine.

Cheers,

David

Re: Edison Bell reproducer

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2022 4:42 pm
by BigC
Wow that looks like a very elegant machine for a portable. How does it sound now that the wire mesh is gone. If i get this im going to see how it sounds and maybe Wyatt Markus can check it out and make sure its 100 percent ready to use. Can't wait.

Re: Edison Bell reproducer

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2022 11:53 pm
by dzavracky
gramophoneshane wrote: Thu Dec 08, 2022 1:04 am I'm fairly certain they were also available separately as an upgrade soundbox for older machines with the standard size bayonet fitting type soundbox, such as the Exhibition, No.2 & 4 etc..
I tried to put this reproducer on my credenza and the fitting is slightly smaller than the exhibition..so it didn't fit. I am not sure if it would be possible to modifiy it to fit a victor back flange size.

David

Re: Edison Bell reproducer

Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2022 12:23 am
by gramophoneshane
That surprises me because they were supposed to fit a standard bayonet fitting.
Then again, didn't the Credenza have an Orthophonic soundbox, so an Exhibition wouldn't fit anyway?