Newbie question -- DD models

[gibsonj]

Hey guys

Just learning about DD's. I wondered if someone could help me understand the general DD model line up. For example, I've read about the C-150, C-200, and C-250 models. But, what about the C-19? And, I think someone also mentioned S-19 and H-19? Did these represent different model years of the same thing? What are basic differences?

Thanks for all the sharing of knowledge.

John

[maroongem]

John,

The 3 previous models you mentioned were all model designations prior to 1919. The Chippendale C-19 was basically the earlier C-250, but in most cases had 72 record dividers instead of the two record drawers that the C-250 had. The Sheraton S-19 was an updated version of the C-150 and again had the new dividers instead of the old wire holders of the C-150. The Hepplewhite H-19 was a new line introduced about the same time and was also intended to replace the C-150.

Bill

[gibsonj]

That's excellent, Bill. Thanks. Were any of these models preferable to the others, in terms of quality or sound, number of springs, etc? I have a couple of cylinder machines, but was thinking of adding a DD.

Thanks again!

John

[maroongem]

John,

Out of the group previously mentioned, IMHO the C-250/C-19 gives you the best bang for the buck. It had the largest horn of the group and a 2 spring motor to keep you playing for a while on a full wind. And I like the Gothic style cabinetry as well.

Bill

[larryh]

Hi Bill,

There are also a number of console Edisons with large horns as the C19 has. One is the William and Mary design, and a Adam Console.. Depending on how closely you listen to the music, I have found that the console when heard in a room can be more satisfying in the way the sound is distributed to the room. I think it is the way the horn sweeps upward at the top and sends the sound a bit that direction. That may not be shared by all as the consoles are not popular generally for the room that they take up. I make that judgement by going from a shorter S 19 and up grading to the C19. I find that the C19 is a bit direct in the way it sends the sound at you, and when I stand up while playing it the tone becomes more comfortable. In my mind that may mean sort of wider or slightly fuller sound that I find pleasing.. I am working on a very small London Console, which I would not recommend due to the size of the horn.. But in testing it the other day it was pleasing to listen too while seated out front of it. Years ago I had the William and Mary and will keep my eye out for yet another one.. Good luck, no matter how you go if you can overlook the added surface noise many edison records have, the total sound package is pretty fine for acoustic recording.

[marcapra]

This may be very common knowledge, but just in case you don't know, DD's and water don't mix! DD's should be kept in sleeves or in the record cabinet away from dust. If you have to clean a DD, use a soft cloth with a slightly damp amount of rubbing alcohol. Don't store DD's out in a cold barn where dew might form on them.

[lukewarmwater]

You may want to purchase a C-250 over a C-19 for one reason . . . the leatherette that is glued to the front edges of the dividers on the C-19 has a tendency to lift away from the cardboard core of the dividers along the sides back in between the dividers where it can't be seen. Similarly, the white paper labels on DD records have a tendency to lift as well . Frequently, when withdrawing one of these records from the slot, the lifted label edge will hang in the lifted divider leatherette and it will tear the label in two. The C-250 doesn't have this tendency since the records are stored in drawers. The bottom corners of record sleeves have to be cut away to accommodate the construction of the drawers, however. Historically speaking, C-250's cost more for Edison to build which is why the drawers were eliminated and replaced with the dividers in the C-19. I think the drawers are a bit more elegant myself. John

[maroongem]

Speaking of dividers, I have a number of them from a parted out BC-34 if anyone needs any.

Bill

[edisonfan]

Oct 10, 2008 10:24:41 GMT -5 gibsonj said:

Hey guys

Just learning about DD's. I wondered if someone could help me understand the general DD model line up. For example, I've read about the C-150, C-200, and C-250 models. But, what about the C-19? And, I think someone also mentioned S-19 and H-19? Did these represent different model years of the same thing? What are basic differences?

Thanks for all the sharing of knowledge.

John

Hello John,

The numbers are reference to the make/model of the machine. H-19= Heppelwhite. C-19 = Chippendale, S-19= Sheraton, etc.

I own two Edison C-19's, and one Heppelwhite. All of my machines play extremely good even though the cabinets may look like they have seen better days. All that's important to me is that they play. Cosmetically-wise, I don't care how the finish looks so long as the machine plays.

C-19 machines are double spring motors. Heppelwhite machines are single spring driven. The differences are in the style of the cabinets and the periods in which they were fashioned after; such as Early Italian, Louis XIV, and so on. Hope this helps.

And there is a good rule of thumb to follow:

The machine is only worth as much as you're willing to spend for it.

Sincerely,

Edisonfan (Miss Ada Jones)

[neophone]

Gibsonj,

Just to add a little to what's already been said, mechanically the Edison DD phonographs are for the most part all the same. The difference is in the obvious cabinet design differences and the horn size. IIRC there are three main DD horn sizes the 100 150 and 250. Before 1919 the number of the model often, but not always as in the case of the D-25 for example, referred to the horn size. the larger 250 horn makes a big difference! I have one example of each, so I can attest to the difference! ;D

Regards,
J.

[bleek]

Hey people. I just bought a C19 a couple days ago and have since been doing some research on it. In many ways I was not aware of how fantastic this player is.
Its an "official laboratory model". Is that the case with most?
Everything is in place and it came with a full 72 discs, of which 70 are in good condition. The sound is as good as can be hoped. The condition of the case is very good. Some minor chips around the back but all the corners are tight and the door opens like new piece of furniture. I'm still pinching myself myself over my good fortune.
Looks like I'll have to find an adapter id I want to play my grandparent's 78s on it, is that accurate?
I was wondering if there is a way to assess the date of this model.
The number on the plate is sm172845.
As I understand the date of this DDplayer could be between 1916 to 1925. Is that right? Can I hone in on a more accurate date?
Oh... and I've discovered to function of the "10" and "12" buttons or keys (or whatever you call them) to position the tone arm to the beginning of the song. Which leads me to ask about 12" discs. Are they as available as the 10" discs, and what would be on those discs, just longer tracks?
Also, did the Edison discs contain any of the same "hits" as the competitors releases? I think Gallagher and Sheen came out after the Edison company disbanded anyway, haha.
Any other interesting trivia on the machine or diamond discs would be appreciated.
Thanks!