My Edison Machine

[renee3811]

I just came across this site after searching the internet high and low for Edison machine fans. I was lucky enough to inherit my Great Grandparents Edison Machine. I can say this is one of the most incredible pieces of furniture in my house. It has approximately 70 records with it. I have idea of the value but since it's a family heirloom I consider it priceless. I'm not sure of the model. It still plays beautifully.
Any information that anyone here can provide would be great.
Thanks for such a great site.

[larryh]

You have a Chippendale C 19 machine from a period after april of 1919. The earlier version similar to this one the C 250 had drawers and a slightly better construction cabinet. Very nice machine though. I just got though restoring one this year. My great Grandfather had the earlier C 250 which I always wanted and didn't get but the C 19 I have is fine too. Watch to see that the needle is not leaving lines in the run off areas of the record ( where the grooves are not), that is how you tell usually if the needle is in decent shape yet and not harming your records. A bad needle will leave an obvious line when held up to the light.

[matty]

It's a very nice mahogany C19 too, and quite a late one. Probably around 1926/27.
You might notice in your photo, that you can see something behind the slats in the bottom of the record cabinet. Often the original instructions or other paperwork ends up in there, so it might be worth checking out.
Being a late model, you may be lucky & have quite a few very desirable (& often expensive) records with the machine. Records with a catalogue number over 52089 were electrically recorded, and besides being some of the best sounding discs Edison produced, they are highly prized by collectors.
It's nice to hear you intend on keeping it in the family. They are very well made machines, & it will probably last for your great-grand children!
The most important thing to remember is to keep the machine lubricated, and as Larry mentioned, look for signs that the needle is not damaging your records.
If you dont have the instructions, these are available on the net.
Congratulations.

[renee3811]

Thank you both for the helpful information. I am starting to inventory all of the records and their numbers. I have already found several that are in the 6, 7, and 8 series.
I tested a couple records and it doesn't seem like the needle is doing any damage yet but I'm going to look into getting the needle replaced sooner rather than later. I'm also going to have to lubricate the machine as I haven't done that since I took ownership from my parents a couple of years ago. I was afraid to do anything to it other than dust it off and keep it clean and free of moisture.

[Deleted]

That's not a needle on there but a tiny diamond, that acts as the stylus. You will need to send it to a professional with a "jewlers loop" to have it replaced. And have the reproducer fixed as well.

George Volloma at Victrola Doctor is really good. He fixed my reproducer on my S-19.

www.victroladoctor.com

Paul

[larryh]

You will need to check as I mentioned the way in which the needle is acting. I know this may seem odd, but your needle if good, and it has a great chance of still being good is better than the new ones that are very expensive. To check it select a record where the run off area, after the playing grooves is shiny and show no lines.. (if they already show lines in the black area, especially if they are at all grey or brown looking held under a bright lamp, then your needle is faulty or chipped). If the records you have are still nice an shiny without visible lines in the run out area then chances are your needle is just fine and would not need replaced. As to rebuilding the reproducer that is another area of dispute perhaps. A good original diaphragm is the best thing to have, sometime the original diaphragms are damaged or badly warped, coming apart, ect and then the sound quality is not up to Edison Standards.. However no new replacement I know of is going to play as well as a good old one, it might play better than a poor quality old one. But with no reference point to go from you will probably not know which the case is and many people can't really tell the difference anyway. What it will most likely need at the least is a good cleaning and oiling of the pivot point on the rear of the reproducer as well as new "gaskets" that will cushion the diaphragm. That one step will make all the difference in the sound that the current diaphragm you own can produce. If its still poor sound, then maybe a replacement one is better but be aware that all new ones are lacking in the original tone and not as free from "buzzing" as the old one if in good shape. I know its a lot to consider if your not used to thinking about it and fresh to the world of Edisons as far as sound goes.
I recommend the first step is the checking for evidence of the needle being either fine or worn. If its ok, then the next step is a simple replacement of very inexpensive rubber gaskets which anyone with knowledge of the machine can do. If it needs the needle then that is your first step, but be aware the new needles are prone to leave a line on the record also even after spending upwards of 150.00 replacing it. Personally as a collector I have decided my best bet is to purchase used reproducers in hopes of getting good needles. If your buying on ebay from someone who knows what they have they should be able to tell you if the needle is good or bad..If you run into a good one then for about a third or maybe half the price of new needle you can have the needle changed. Since the heads all interchange you can also try the new head on your machine to ascertain if he needle is good. (well this is probably getting too complicated for a new person). Lets hope your needle is good and proceed from that point. with hopefully a simple rebuild with new gaskets and a good cleaning of the head.

[matty]

Jul 18, 2009 18:19:00 GMT -5 renee3811 said:

I have already found several that are in the 6, 7, and 8 series.

It sounds like you might be looking at the matrix number rather than the catalogue number.
A matrix number was assigned to every recording and different take of a song, and was more or less an internal company identification number.
The catalogue number was assigned to each recording that was then pressed & sold to the public. This number would appear in record catalogues, and was used when ordering disc.
The catalogue number, when it appears on the label, will have an L or R after the numbers. Because Edison records were stored vertically in slots & drawers, this was to identify the left & right side of the disc.
Apart from some fairly rare foreign & dealer only releases, most record catalogue numbers should be in the 50,000 51,000 52,000 series or the 80,000 81,000 82,000 series.



I agree with Larry regarding the needle/stylus.
If the one you have now is doing no damage, I'd be inclined to keep using it.
All of my machines have their originals, and one I've been using for 30 yrs.
It is also important to replace the gaskets around the diaphragm inside the reproducer head. These allow the diaphragm to vibrate properly, and play a major role in the quality of sound that you here.

[agesagomusic08]

When i first purchased my S 19 a few years ago, i had to get a new stylus right off the bat, before i even played my first DD, i tested it with a disc that i keep as as a test disc (that is a disc that i really do not like) but is good to use for tests when you get a new reproducer or new stylus put on you can test the old one as well.. A great way i have found as i did when i was first new to EDISON DD machines, You can tell if the stylus need replacing, because the needle(if worn or chipped) will greatly distort the records and will leave like a "yellow" trail as it tracks along the record. the two DD reproducers i have i sent out first thing to have new gaskets and stylus put in as well as new linkage. I also have a DANCE reproducer and an EDISONIC( same reproducer except does not have a 3 screw flange for the extra spring inside) that i have had completely overhauled and they work fabulous.new stylus and gaskets...cost of around 90 bucks each one to be worked on.) of course it is recommened that you have one DD machine for a DANCE/EDISONIC reproducer, as depending on howyou have the height adjustment set u may have to raise or lower to accomidate the DD reproducer. I have two DD s-19s that i use the dance and edisonics on as well as my regular reproducer and didnt really have to do any height adjusting. sometimes you just get lucky. Most DD books will explain the method of how to adjust your height. Just keep your machine well oiled and lubed up and it will last you for years to come! Both of my edison DD machines play beautifully,

[nefaurora]

I have the same identical C-19 as Renee's above. My Serial# is SM-170928, Also with the 10" and 12" buttons. Probably made from 1925-1927. Renee's is a extremely late machine being a SM-174342, and did you notice the stamped "A" in front of the C 19 Weird. What I did notice on Renee's machine is something my machine is missing, The vertical slats that hold the records.. Can I still get these from anywhere?? I have the do have both rows top and bottom of the slotted wooded bars with numbers... But does anyone know where I can get these wooded slats for my C-19? Maybe someone has a trashed C-19 that I can get them from... Anyone??? E-mail me at: [e-mail] with any ideas.. Thanks, Tony K.

[nefaurora]

George Vollmer hooked my up with my missing slats for my C-19. Thanks George! Thanks Guys!!

Tony K.

[nefaurora]

My Edison C-19 DD is a late one too, Serial# 170928. It is 100% identical to your in every way, including color.

Your C-19 is a very late Serial number and if I read it correctly, It's Serial# 174342 ? Is that correct? The serial number picture is quite grainy..

Let us know what the exact serial number is, so we can confirm it. Thanks,

Tony Kovar
Melbourne, FL