Phonoland

So, I *usuually* think and research before I bid, but not this time... so I "spur of the moment" bought a 24 minute Edison record on ebay for $41.

I bought it because (I think) it is 1) a rare Edison LP and 2) I have a fondness for Gilbert + Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance. (I was in the play in high school )

So... two questions arise: 1) Was $41 too much to pay for this record? and 2) i'm not even going to be able to play this record, am I?

Thanks for reading!

A few years back I saw one for sale on eBay with an opening bid of about $100. If I remember correctly, it sold for about $250 or $300. Considering what some people pay for standard DD recordings today, I'd say you got a bargain!

As for playing the record, if I remember correctly, the Edison LPs have a groove width of 450 gpi--or about 1/3 the width of a conventional DD. I'm not sure how that compares with a vinyl (33&1/3) LP recording. I used to know someone that claimed he was able to play the two or three Edison LPs in his collection with a .7 mil diamond stylus on a variable speed turntable set at 80 rpm. I believe he had to do something with the shell's wires to get them to play the hill-n-dale groove.

Perhaps someone could offer some insight?

What a bargain! I've seldom seen these go for less than $200. There were 4 long play console models inicially, introduced in April 1926, with a fifth model being added in May 1927. These were all discontinued in August 1927, when the Edisonic models came out. Some other models turn up that have been modified to play the LP's, but not very often. The first sign that a machine MIGHT be able to play them, is by two buttons,(like type writter keys)with 10&12 written on them, to the right of the turntable. Not all models with these buttons are LP though. They also require a LP reproducer, which have LONG printed across the top, and are slightly off-set to the taper tube. They are pretty amazing, considering they still played at 80rpm. Very ahead of their time. You did really well at $41, and G&S are great too.
Joe is right-they can be played on modern equiptment, but you have to swap 1 positive & 1 negative terminal around at the cartridge to play vertical records.
It was a great find for the price. I wish I could add one to my collection.

Wow, thanks for the info guys... I had a feeling it was good but not THAT good. Altho I am sad I won't be able to play it.

The groove is slightly smaller than the stereo 33 groove used later. The speed is 80 rpm, and the modulation is vertical (which is how they got so much time on an 80 rpm disc).

A stereo pickup wired for vertical will work find. Just don't try to drop this from an automatic changer spindle. It's too thick.