The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

An Edison Opera crossed my path and I'm tempted to hang on to it but for one minor deficiency; it's missing the wooden horn. Everything else is present including the gooseneck and the mounting ring. I'd be embarrassed to say what I've got into it but it allows me to put a horn on it if I could locate one. Do the horns ever show up by themselves or should I start looking for a repro? Is there such a thing as a typical price for an original horn or do you just keep throwing money at it until it's yours? If I can't locate a horn should I just set it out on the curb?

TooMuchStuff wrote:If I can't locate a horn should I just set it out on the curb?

Only if you set it by MY curb and give me a heads up so I can get to it before anybody else does!

Clay

Hello,
I was at the Union show this year and bought an Edison Concert Phonograph. The same fellow had a mahogany Opera horn (just the wood bell) for sale. I think he was asking $900. I don't recall his name,but he was in the out side covered portion of the building. He had a large white moving van. He also had two Vic VI's and a Vic IV for sale. Perhaps someone on the forum might know who he is?? Don't part with your Opera as the horns do turn up. My Mahogany Opera has a horn that has a couple of large cracks. I would like to find a replacement or at least have it repaired by Don Gfell.

Pete

You may even want to see if Don Gfell can make one. If not, let me know where your curb is, I'll set up a tent.

I don't think a mahogany bell is as tough to find as you would think. Music Master made mahogany bells for radio speakers. Most were smaller than the Opera size but some were identical in size. I'm not a big ebay fan but I would continue to search "music master" and you'll eventually find one. Also, you might check with a high end radio collector. Good luck, Jerry Blais

flashpanblue wrote:Hello,
I was at the Union show this year and bought an Edison Concert Phonograph. The same fellow had a mahogany Opera horn (just the wood bell) for sale. I think he was asking $900. I don't recall his name,but he was in the out side covered portion of the building. He had a large white moving van. He also had two Vic VI's and a Vic IV for sale. Perhaps someone on the forum might know who he is??

Pete

I believe you must mean Bill Landon. Sorry I don't have contact information for him, but I'll bet he's pretty easy to find.

I agree with the others that you'll eventually find a mahogany Music Master bell. And if you don't mind a perfect reproduction, Don Gfell can provide you with one at reasonable cost.

George P.

I recall the booth with the wooden horn and believe it was Bill Landon. I purchased a Columbia C from him for a fair price and he was great to deal with.

Bill Landon, Sandy & bills Musical Treasures, 589 Exeter Rd, Lebanon, CT., 860-642-7867, [email protected]

Best of Luck

Bruce