Need help again!

[tony1952]

I bought Edison Standard Phonograph Model D. I enjoed 4M cylinder with Reproducer H.

But I could not enjoy 2M cylinder with Reproducer C.  Very noise, and changing reproducer is not smooth and is annoying. 

So I want to buy 2M exclusive phonograph in bay.

Please recommend phonograph Model in the following conditions :

- I will use this phonograph  as playing and recording.

- Reproducer C and Edison new Recorder should be workable.

- Not expensive, not heavy, not noise and easy operating

- Can change rpm ( hope ) - ( I have cylinders recorded at 100 rpm, not 160 rpm.)

  

Your recommendation would be highly appreciated.

Thanks.

When I buy ebay,  which points do I check in buying your recommended phonograph?

[nefaurora]

Well, Tony J. , If you are going to be doing recording, You want a machine with a stronger spring. That would be The Edison Home Model B or higher. You can get them for good prices on Ebay for a clean machine...Usually from $375-$500 for a really nice machine. Machines that need some work will be around $250.00 and up. Most machines being sold on Ebay DO NOT come with Recorders, So you will most likely have to buy the 2-Minute Recorder separately in a separate auction.

Judging by your criteria, An "Edison Home Model B" is what you want. An "Edison Standard Model B" is also a good machine for playing, but not ideal for recording as it has a weaker spring than the Home Model B, and the mandrel is not as stable as the Home B model. "The Edison Home Standard Model A (Long Case)-1901" is basically the same as a (1896) Suitcase Home, but in a New Style case, and is Heavy compared to the Home Model B (1904-1906).

The Edison Home Model A (Long Case)-1901 has a chromed speed control knob above the bedplate, and the Edison Home Model B (1904-1906) has its speed control knob below the bedplate that can be adjusted to your desired speed by simply just lifting the lid exposing the under works of the machine.

An ideal recording machine is the Edison Triupmh with it's Triple Spring setup, but is not necessary for your needs and is much too heavy for your criteria that you have set.

"When I buy on ebay, Which points do I check in buying your recommended phonograph?"

Answer: Make sure that it works! - Unless you feel like doing some work. A good seller will have a video of his machine in use, or will make a video on your request. Ask all questions to the buyer BEFORE buying. Look for the best machine possible within your price range, and if he is shipping the phonograph to you, if he knows what he is doing, Have him separate the machine from it's case and ship it in two separate boxes, otherwise, You may wind up with a broken machine when it arrives!

Any more questions? Please Post them...

Thank You.

)

Tony K.

[nefaurora]

I would also assume that your Edison Standard Phonograph Model D (1908-1909) spent most of its life playing 2 minute records, That is why your 2 minute gearing is loud when you play 2 minute cylinders, because the 2 minute gearing is worn from decades (many years) of heavy use. That is also the reason that your 4-minute gearing is relatively quiet, probably because the 4 minute gearing was barely used. Perhaps, someday, You may find a good Model D parts machine on Ebay that you can swap the gearing from to fix your machine for 2 minute use.

)

Tony K.

[lucius1958]

As a compromise, a Home model A might work: the motor is (I believe) a bit more powerful than the Standard; it has an external speed control; and it is not as heavy or expensive as a Triumph.

BillS

[martinola]

My vote would go for the Standard Model B. Quite a bit lighter than the Home. My experience with the Home is that the motor, while a bit stronger, isn't so much stronger that it is really worth the extra expense. Both will record OK (assuming the motors are in good shape), but neither machine can shave well. If a quiet motor is important, then I'd not get a Model A Standard or Home. Those motors were directly bolted to the bedplate with only a rubber grommet to help isolate the vibration. The model B version of both machines had a much better spring suspension between the motor and bedplate. The only drawback to the model B machines was the re-location of the speed control from the top of the bedplate to underneath the bedplate. The speed can still be adjusted, but as Tony K suggests, it would require lifting the bedplate frame to do so. If you are lucky you'll find a Standard Model B machine made for the International Correspondence School with the speed control on top. In any case good luck with your search.

Regards,
Martin

[tony1952]

Dear Tony K, BIlls and Martin,

Your comments are much helpful to choose the phonograph.

But, still I am afraid if I can buy the model in a good condition through ebay.

Recently I bought Reproducer C, which may not work in good condition.

Here is Korea and there is no repairer.

However I carefully look at the model in ebay.

Thanks again for sharing your valuable time.

[nefaurora]

"Recently I bought Reproducer C, which may not work in good condition."

Tony J.,

Have no fear, A Model "C" Reproducer is very easy to repair and rebuild. Besides, You should rebuild a reproducer at least once so you can learn how it works. The parts for it and reproducer rebuild kits are available on Ebay and most phonograph vendors. The worst part would be if the sapphire stylus would be damaged, That would be the most expensive to fix. As I said before, When buying a machine on ebay, Try to find the best machine within your budget, and then ask many questions from the seller so you can be as sure as possible. Keep in mind, that whenever anyone buys anything on ebay, It is always a risk, but no risk, no reward as they say. If you don't want to take a risk, You can buy a phonograph from one of the trusted Phonograph dealers below. They always stand behind what they sell.

If you need parts, See the websites below:

Try APSCO, They carry a larger selection of new reproduction and used parts at decent prices.

www.antiquephono.com/


George Vollema, The Victrola Doctor sells many used Edison parts.

www.victroladoctor.com/


Wyatt's Musical Phonographs (New and Used Parts)

wyattsmusical.com/


Victrola and Edison Service and sales

www.victrolarepairservice.com/index.html


Phonograph Decals (This is THE BEST place for any available phonograph Decals. It is run by Gregg Kline.)

phonodecal.com/


)

Tony K.

[refseries]

Dear Tony J

As Tony K says, it is worth trying to service a Model C yourself. A crude test is to see if the gaskets are ok. Do this by sucking on the reproducer neck. If it holds a vacuum, the gaskets are tight. If not, you must renew them. Gaskets can be found at the addresses Tony K lists. You will need a small watchmakers' screwdriver to undo the stylus bar pivot hinge and the end stop, and a means of unscrewing the diaphragm clamping ring. Be careful not to damage the hinge block which holds the weight on. It would be a good idea to get hold of a copy of CLPGS Reference Series No.31 (see www.clpgs.org.uk/reference_series_page.htm), where Mike Field goes into detail with a step by step guide. If you need a new stylus, contact Paul at [e-mail]. These people are most helpful and will provide any stylus you wish.

Good luck

Keith

[nefaurora]

The above weblink works much better here:

www.clpgs.org.uk/Sound_lib_cylinder_page.htm


Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer