Phonoland

Hello all,

Since I was a little boy I have always wanted to own an old cylinder phonograph.Now is so easy to see them at Ebay but what make and model should I look for ?

Best regards

Sig...,


I myself am new to the cylinder game. I would humbly suggest you consider an Edison Amberola 30 or 50 as a starter machine. I have an Amberola 50 Which I love! I think starting with an Amberola and Blue Amberol cylinders is a safer (or at least easier!) bet. No mold to worry about and all BA's are 4 minute so you don't have to worry about that except if you buy Columbia/Indestructible/Everlasting cylinders It's a bit easier to start with the BA's than the wax in my humble opinion.

Of course, I have very little experience in the cylinder side of things. I suppose something could be said for having a good two minute/four minute machine. Bill (Maroongem) is the fellow to ask. Hopefully he'll add his expansive knowledge and experience to this thread.

Good Luck!

Regards,
J.

Ok,
I have see these Amberola and yes they are nice but I always miss the outside horn.That horn gives them oldies look.But Amberola seems to be cheaper than standard or home version

The nice thing about Edison cylinder phonographs is that most were -- or can be -- retrofitted to play the 2&4 minute cylinders--both wax and celluloid. Based on what I've listened to, the Amberolas generally do the best job playing the 4 minute Blue Amberol records, especially those with larger (internal) horns. About the only exception to this would be deluxe machines, such as the Edison Opera, etc., and of course, these are VERY expensive and hard to come by, today.

I'd advise that you do as much homework as possible prior to making any purchase. Then, to save yourself a lot of frustration, purchase a machine that has been fully restored, at least from a mechanical standpoint, from someone who knows what he is doing. You'll pay more, up-front, but probably save (in terms of money and the "frustration factor") in the long term.

If you haven't seen them, look over some of the Edison operator's manuals at http://nipperhead.com/ephemera.htm

Other web based resources include --

Antique Edison Phonographs - A Beginner's Guide -- http://www.intertique.com/EdisonPhonographTutorial.html
Edison Reproducer Guide http://www.edisonshop.com/en-us/pg_15.html
The History of the Edison Phonograph -- http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/edhtml/edcyldr.html
The Edison Phonographs -- http://www3.sympatico.ca/jean-paul.agna ... edison.htm

Sigurbjorn wrote:Ok,
I have see these Amberola and yes they are nice but I always miss the outside horn.That horn gives them oldies look.But Amberola seems to be cheaper than standard or home version

I know what you're saying Sig... I wish I had one, but once you open the lid of an Amberola and the folks see that funny looking setup in there!

JoeDS is right I think. Do your research and start with a properly mechanically restored instrument....And oh yes! The Opera IS a magnificent machine!!!!

Regards,
J.

Yes,I wish it it was either Amberola or some other models.Did found one Amberola yesterday but the seller did not have any interest to give me up shipping cost to Iceland and only offering UPS as sender.Well I will find one one day at resonable price

I love my Home B! The good thing about the external horn Edison's, is that you can build onto them them as you go. I also have a Standard B, which started as a 2 min only machine, but I just got the 2/4 min gearing today which only cost $30. The convertion kit for a home is a much bigger propersition, as you have to buy the gears, as well as a new mandrel etc. Luckily, my home already was converted, and had a replacement carry arm to take a diamond B reproducer. If you can find a Home with 2/4 gearing, and the larger carry arm, I'd go for that. You can then play every kind of cylinder (if you have the different reproducers), and choose the size horn you want. Mine has the 12 panel Triumph horn, and it sounds fantastic. Much much louder than my Amberola 30. The standard B is eventually going to have a cygnet horn. They take up a lot less space.