Columbia Type B Questions

[billg]

Hi Folks.

My wife just gifted me with a very nice Columbia Type B cylinder player (thank you wife). We already own a Edison Diamond Disc and a couple of early phonograph but I have no experience with cylinder players. The player came with several Edison Gold Moulded cylinders, a few Columbia Indestructibles and one Edison Blue Amberol. My first question -- which cylinders can I play with this machine and which one can I not play? Also, are there different reproducers for playing different types of cylinders or just a standard reproducer?

Thanks in advance,
Bill

[phonogfp]

Hello Bill,

Your Type B Graphophone (often called an "Eagle") plays 2-minute cylinders. The Edison Blue Amberol is a 4-minute, as are any of the Indestructibles that are marked "4M". The standard reproducer will play 2-minute cylinders.

You might find the following article helpful:
www.antiquephono.org/basic-antique-phonograph-operational-tips/

Good luck and have fun!

George P.

[billg]

I did indeed find the article helpful.  Thanks for posting.
Bill