The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello all
I have an Edison Diamond Disc phonograph, model A200 "Queen Anne". It was one of the first batch made, serial number 430. Here's the question: When I got it, it had tatters of the original grille cloth hanging from it. The horn is woodgrained to match the cabinet. My impression was that the machines with grained horns did not have grille cloth. I had an A-250 that had a grained horn and no sign of ever having had cloth. I have an early Amberola VI with grained horn that had no cloth.
I got silk of a color that closely matched the original cloth, but there is a noticeable dampening of the sound when the grille is on compared to when it is off. The difference is minimal, yes, but it is discernible. So what do you think? Should it have cloth or no?
Also, Frow's book said this model came with casters, but it has none, just metal glides that perfectly fit the feet. I have seen two others that have no casters either, all early models.
John Robles

I owned the same machine many years ago. I sold most of my uprights & consoles due to space problems. (and wife complaints) I remember mine had tissue-paper thin grille cloth in a very pale greenish color. (It was most likely sun-faded) I remember is was starting to fray a bit from old age and I know for sure it was original. But the horn was not woodgrain, just plain flat black. I'll see if I can find an old photo and post it. I think it would look naked without any fine silk grille cloth ??? Brian Keith

The horn has such nice grain painting it seems like a shame not to show it off. As I say, my A-250 didn't seem to have it but this does.

My A250 pictured here as Featured phonograph no. 58 definitely has hte original tattered grill cloth even though the horn is a nice mahogany wood grain.

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... aph#p22785

Polish up the nice horn and internals and show it off! Just my opinion.

Careful when cleaning the horn. Like the bedplate paint, it seems like the paint is prone to flaking and may rub off if you clean it to vigorously.

Steve

Personally I would say it had a grill cloth the evidence of which is shown. The machines to me just seem to have a feel for a more original effect when the music comes from behind the cloth rather than seeing the somewhat crude insides that weren't in most cases meant to be seen. Just my feeling though.

Larry

I will have to search out a new cloth because although the one I put on is silk, it noticeably quiets the volume. It is only a tad, but you can tell.

This is where I buy my replacement Edison grille cloth - almost a perfect match: EBay # 170714728972
The green is almost dead on compared to what little I had left of the original. He has other colors too I think. The material feels and looks just like Edison original.

John, I love your machine but the grill cloth is a distraction. In my opinion, you should replace the cloth or display it without a grill cloth. Tuck the old cloth inside the cabinet to ease your conscience. Jerry Blais