Unidentified Wax Cylinder Player

[charliesanchez]

Hi there,

I was wondering if anyone could help me identify my wax cylinder player that was left to me by my grandfather.

I have no idea if it is true but he told me that it was an "original Marconi".

Hopefully some of you might recognise the make or model that will help me get closer to correctly identifying it.







Many thanks.
Charlie

[wagnerian]

Dear Charlie,

This looks like part of a phonograph which is generically known as a "Puck". They are probably the smallest and most basic cylinder machines that you can find although, properly adjusted, they can play reasonably well. This style of machine was made by many manufacturers and were sometimes even given away as promotions.

A small horn fitted into the pivot on the right hand side of your photograph leading directly to a reproducer with sapphire stylus which would rest on a cylinder placed on the mandrel on the left of your photographs. There is no feed screw, unlike most cylinder machines and the grooves alone propelled the reproducer across the record. As a consequence, the machine had to be absolutely level hence the levelling screws at the three points of the base.

Hope this helps

Tim W-W

[charliesanchez]

Hi Tim,

Thank you so much for your help.

It certainly seems to be a Puck.

Although I fear this one's playing days are behind it, I have spent some lovely time reading up on them and listening to a few songs (online) as he would have heard them all those years ago.

Thanks again,
Charlie

[phonogfp]

Charlie,

Your Puck's days of playing don't necessarily need to be behind it. The parts you need to complete it are available in reproduction here:

www3.sympatico.ca/jean-paul.agnard/phonograph/reproduction.htm

Check items #7-9. For $140 and a little cleanup/lubrication, your machine can be playing again.

Best,
George P.

[refseries]

Dear Charlie

As George says, your Puck is far from extinct. Jean-Paul can supply the bits you need. You might want to get the belt cord over the tensioner, rather than under it as in your photos, as the cord is rather fine and will slip. Pucks are very tricky to use, and take some trial and error to make them play. Tim's advice regarding getting the machine level is very accurate!

Good luck

Keith