The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Folks,

Its time for a new video. This one is epic, showcasing a singularly known example. This new episode of How Does That Phonograph Repeater Work features the Lightning Repeater!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_QmNMhl4-A

Enjoy!

Shawn

Shawn,
Excellent video, and thanks for sharing such a fascinating and rare repeater!
David

Love this - I’ve got a model d on my triumph and my home, but they don’t work great. This repeater is really cool! What is the value of it if I can ask? Thank you!

Never mind. I rewatched the video and saw it’s the only one that is known to exist. Priceless!

Amazing!!!! Thanks for sharing.

That's funny, thanks

Thanks, Shawn, for making this video as well as all the other ones that you have made available to collectors. I've taken an interest in after market repeaters and have printed out patents for twelve different record repeaters for Edison domestic phonographs. The thing that surprises me the most is that many of the patents were applied for after the Edison company was already selling their model D repeater (Oct. 1904). Developing a working model and getting that model into production must have cost an enormous amount of money for tool, dies, etc. and I am surprised that several different kinds were actually produced. Also, marketing an accessory to jobbers and dealers already carrying the Edison product must have been near impossible.
Dan Zalewski

Thanks all!!

The number of surviving repeating mechanisms, - Weber, Gilbert, J, Morrisey, Lightning, etc. - is extremely low in comparison to the number of surviving Edison Model D repeaters. That would speak to the success of the Model D in keeping other competitors at bay.

The real advantage that most of the other than Model D brand repeaters had (except the Weber), is that they were easily installed and removed by the customer. No dealer or machine modification need be involved.

Shawn

I think the model D is incredible. The mechanics are amazing and I love watching it work. Its biggest flaw though is that (for at least the two that I have) the motor isn’t strong enough to pick up the carriage. Works great without the horn resting and adding additional weight though. I’ve got one on a triumph with an 11 panel cygnet and two and four minute gearing and another one on a Home, also cygnet horn. Anyhow, all repeaters are amazing!

I think the model D is incredible. The mechanics are amazing and I love watching it work. Its biggest flaw though is that (for at least the two that I have) the motor isn’t strong enough to pick up the carriage. Works great without the horn resting and adding additional weight though. I’ve got one on a triumph with an 11 panel cygnet and two and four minute gearing and another one on a Home, also cygnet horn. Anyhow, all repeaters are amazing!