The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I don't understand the difference in a gramophone, phonograph, or a talking machine. I want one that has the horn and will play 78's. I found a Standard Model A that looks to be in good condition. They are asking $700. Someone told me they thought it wouldn't play 78's, it would only play Standard records. Can you reccommend what I should look for and if this is it? if so, is that a good price?

Some basics:

Phonograph: In the US, this is a general term for all analog record players. In the UK, at least, the term is reserved for cylinder machines.

Gramophone: Originally a name trademarked by Emile Berliner for his invention, it now means any disc machine.

Talking machine: The most general term for all old record players, both cylinder and disc.

As for the Standard to which you refer, I assume you mean a Standard Talking Machine, rather than an Edison Standard. They were originally designed with an oversized spindle on the turntable, so that they would only accept that company's discs; however, one may sometimes find these machines altered by former owners to play 'regular' 78s.

In my opinion, though, $700 seems rather high for such a machine, unless it is in exceptional condition. Do you have any photos of it?

Bill