The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I'm somewhat new to the forum, and the hobby of phonographs, and I'm having some questions about Edison reproducers. Which reproducers allow you to play both 2- and 4-minute cylinders? can you play a two-minute cylinder on a standard machine with a model H reproducer? These are just some questions I encountered while watching some online videos about phonographs. And help answering them is greatly appreciated.

Hi- Good questions- Glad you asked before diving in too deeply-- The Edison Model "C" reproducer plays only 2 minute records. The "H" is for only 4 minute records. The "K" is a "Combination" reproducer that has a small swivel plate that allows you to play both 2 and 4 minute records. It has two stylus'- Swiveling the plate lets you choose 2 or 4 minute.
There is also an "S" reproducer that also has the swivel plate like the "K", but is mounted to a larger housing utilizing a larger diaphragm that supposedly gives more volume and depth to the sound.
There are other reproducers, but the ones mentioned above -- C, H and K -- are the most common.

Hope this helps-
Brad Abell

This may be useful --
I created it awhile back from an archived version of a defunct website.

HTH,
OrthoFan

Here's one of the free articles on the Antique Phonograph Society website which will help with your question:

https://www.antiquephono.org/#/collectiondetails/16

There are several other free articles that are quite helpful for newcomers.

George P.

Like it was previously mentioned the C reproducer only plays 2 minute cylinders and the H only plays 4 minute cylinders. The K is a combination reproducer. There are others but you seem to be interested in the small reproducers. The larger reproducers like the Diamond-B only fit the machines that have a large hole. I'm still leaning but would rather try and answer a simple question than to send you to read some articles. Remember you have to have a 2 and 4 minute machine too if you want to stick to basics and in the right setting on the machine and with the right reproducer. I know because I accidentally played a 4 minute cylinder with a H reproducer on 2 minute setting. I hope you enjoy this hobby as much as I do and there really isn't a dumb question you can ask, this forum is a great place to get information and meet some great people. I have had some great experiences with most members and have even met some at the show in Buena Park. Great people.