The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Well, it’s been a good couple years since I found something good locally and here it is! A 1907 Busy Bee disc machine! (Without reproducer or crank of course, but the crank from my Standard X may work) but I know you guys got my back when it comes to missing parts! The horn/traveling arm is top heavy without the reproducer. Now I’ll have something to play my only BB disc on! (Thankfully I got an adapter turntable for my Standard X that it could work with)

Looks like a great addition to your collection. I love the color of the horn and it appears to be a very good condition. I also love that Busy Bee decal. Congratulations!

Jerry B.

I am able to confirm the motor is running! The crank form my Standard X does work with this machine! BUT the adapter turntable does not fit.

Andy,

Some of these Busy Bee turntables have drive lugs that are attached with two screws. You can remove the drive lug by removing those screws. With others, the drive lug is cast into the turntable and are not removeable. Look on the underside of the turntable and see if you can find the 2 screws.

JerryVan wrote: Sun Mar 02, 2025 8:28 am Andy,

Some of these Busy Bee turntables have drive lugs that are attached with two screws. You can remove the drive lug by removing those screws. With others, the drive lug is cast into the turntable and are not removeable. Look on the underside of the turntable and see if you can find the 2 screws.

I assume the earlier models had the screws on the turntables and they caught on so later ones have the stamped version?

It's a good excuse to stock up on Busy Bee records!
viewtopic.php?t=60168

AmberolaAndy wrote: Sun Mar 02, 2025 12:04 pm

JerryVan wrote: Sun Mar 02, 2025 8:28 am Andy,

Some of these Busy Bee turntables have drive lugs that are attached with two screws. You can remove the drive lug by removing those screws. With others, the drive lug is cast into the turntable and are not removeable. Look on the underside of the turntable and see if you can find the 2 screws.

I assume the earlier models had the screws on the turntables and they caught on so later ones have the stamped version?

I don't know which version is earlier or later. The one with screws uses a plate of steel for the turntable. The non-removeable lug is an integral part of a cast iron turntable. Looking closer at your pictures, I think you have the cast iron version.

Hey, someone else here in the forum is just offering for sale a bunch of BB records...

Inigo wrote: Mon Mar 03, 2025 12:47 am Hey, someone else here in the forum is just offering for sale a bunch of BB records...

I sent a PM on that.

I love the horn color on this model. The only negative is I believe the reproducers are kind of expensive when you find them for sale. Anyway, nice find and enjoy your new busy bee records.

-Travis