Edison Phonographs lend themselves very well to such a census as each Edison has a model name & type as well as a serial number, making each phonograph uniquely identifyable. To have this kind of data available to researchers would be a huge help. We would highly recommend that Edison owners enter details of their machines there. Collectible Edison Phonographs. Thomas Edison invented the first cylinder phonograph in 1877 called the Edison Cylinder Phonograph. He went on to create the Edison Phonograph Company, which produced and marketed different phonograph models to the general public. With their horns and cylinder records spinning on mandrels, Edison phonographs are. See my article Pipe Organ Artists and Recordings on the Edison Label for additional information on Edison phonographs and records. In the year 1919 my Great Uncle, Mr. Leon Densmore of Perry, Ohio, purchased a brand new Model C19 (Chippendale) Edison Diamond Disc Phonograph, which was an upgrade of the earlier C-250 model. The Opera was introduced with remarkably little fanfare in the November 1911 issue of The Edison Phonograph Monthly. If not for the descriptions of simplified outfits for all Edison models, and the offering of advertising electros for all models (pages 10-11 of the issue), there would have been no mention of the new model at all! Below is a list of Edison patents.Thomas Edison was an inventor who accumulated 512 patents worldwide for his inventions. 1,093 of Edison's patents were in the United States, but other patents were approved in countries around the globe.

An assortment of different cylinder reproducers exist. Each was designed with a specific purpose and in some instances using the incorrect one can damage or destroy irreplaceable recordings. I will attempt to describe all of the reproducers (and recorders) associated with the Edison line of entertainment phonographs produced from the mid-1890's until the closure of the phonograph works in 1929.

( left - recording cutter | right - reproducing stylus)

The first improvement to the reproducer of the 'Perfected' phonograph of 1888 was the Standard Speaker which was introduced in 1889. This was actually both a recorder and reproducer. By rotating the reproducer slightly in the carrier eye, either the recording cutter (left) or the reproducing stylus (right) was brought into use. The rigid mounting required for this design made it difficult to correctly align the unit for playback. This has got to be one of the most difficult Edison reproducers to locate. Expect to pay $800.00 or better for a complete one. I am only aware of three that have been available for sale in the past 10 years.

The earliest reproducer that is likely to be encountered by the collector is the AUTOMATIC which was introduced in 1892. This reproducer was a dramatic step forward in that the stylus bar mounting was designed to allow a slight amount of lateral movement, which automatically allowed the stylus to align itself in the record groove (hence its name). On all prior reproducers the stylus bar was fixed, that is to say no lateral movement was allowed, and fine adjustment of a screw on the carrier arm was required to properly align the stylus with the groove. The Automatic still had an arm on its side for *fine tuning* the tracking with the same screw arrangement. Originally it had an extremely light weight (like that of the Standard Speaker) for playing the soft wax records then available. As better formulations of wax were developed a heavier weight was substituted. The diaphragm was made of extremely thin (and fragile) glass. Current market price: Around $250.00 to $300.00

In 1902 the Automatic was replaced by both the Model B and Model C reproducers. The Model B had a much heavier weight than the Automatic and was intended for use with the denser dark brown wax then in use. As standard the diaphragm was of glass, but mica would be substituted upon request. This reproducer did not have an arm attached as did the Automatic and the weight was stamped *Model B*. The Model B was discontinued in 1907. Current market price: $175.00

MODEL C

The Model C had a weight even heavier than that of the model B and was intended for playing the new moulded Black Wax records which had just come out. Two holes were cast in the end of the fish tail shaped weight. These were intended for mounting of additional weight which would have produced a slight increase in volume, however this was not pursued for fear that the additional weight would damage the record.

The earliest Model C's still retained the arm on the side but served no purpose as the body of the reproducer now had a small slot cut into the edge to align with a pin in the carrier arm. The diaphragm was originally of stepped mica (and occasionally glass) until 1907, when it was replaced with a copper diaphragm.

Can be used with any of the 2-minute black wax and Indestructible records. NOTE: Do not use with brown wax records.

Model D - no picture available

The new 4-minute wax amberol records introduced in 1908 required the Model H reproducer. In design it was very similar to the Model C, differing only in the stylus &: stylus bar. The stylus was of sapphire with the tip in the shape of a button, which was positioned so that its edge tracked the groove. The early stylus bar was of two thickness with the a V-shaped stop to limit lateral movement. Later Model-H's had a stylus bar of uniform thickness and the V-stop was omitted. The diaphragm was of copper.

While designed for 4-minute wax amberols, it can be safely used to play Indestructible 2 &: 4 minute records as well as Edison's Blue Amberol records, although sound reproduction will not be as good as that of the reproducers which were designed to play these celluloid records.

Warning:Under no circumstance should the Model H be used to play 2-minute wax records!

The Model Jwas intended for use on Edison Concert phonographs which had been converted to play standard size cylinders. While similar to the Model H reproducer, the weight is slightly smaller and only has a slight bend to it. A slit was cut into the weight for the limit loop to pass through.

The Model K reproducer was the first Edison reproducer to incorporate both a 2-minute and a 4-minute stylus on a single reproducer. While still retaining the same body and weight shape as the Model C and Model H reproducers, the tail weight was of a new design. The central portion of the weight was able to swivel 180 degrees so that the correct stylus could be brought into use. Originally supplied with the combination Fireside and combination Gem phonographs only. Combination Standards, Homes &: Triumphs were still supplied with both the Model C and Model H reproducer. The short coming to this reproducer was that to change from a 2-minute record to a 4-minute record, the reproducer had to be removed from the phonograph so that the central part of the weight could be rotated to the correct position.

Note:Be careful when playing any records which are the slightest out of round as the high point may strike the central point where the two stylus bars are linked, causing the record to be damaged. There is no way to adjust for this problem.

The Amberola I was the first Edison phonograph since the Tinfoil model to have the record move laterally under the reproducer as opposed to having the reproducer move. This same design was used in the Amberola III and Opera models. A suitable reproducer was designed that was self supported by its output tube. This was the Model L. This had a larger copper diaphragm embossed with spoked ridges (similar to the designs found on high-end audio component tweeters) for better sound reproduction. Designed for the 4-minute wax amberol, it can also be used for Indestructible 2 &: 4 minute records as well as Blue Amberol records.

Warning:Under no circumstance should the Model L be used to play 2-minute wax records!

Introduced mid-1910, the Model M was a combination reproducer incorporating a stylus bar which could be flipped over bring the correct stylus into use. This reproducer is extremely scarce as it was only designed for the Amberola I which was a combination phonograph. The Amberola III and the Opera are both 4-minute only machines. Suitable for playing all types of 2 &: 4 minute cylinders except brown wax records.

Note should also be made that complaints were received that the heavy weight of the Model M tended to wear the moulded wax records. The Edison company trimmed the weights down on Model M's which were returned for this complaint.

In 1911 the Model N reproducer was released which utilized the larger diaphragm which had been used in the Model L and Model M reproducer, but intended for use in the *standard* Edison lineup of phonographs (at $200.00 for an Amberola I these were beyond the means of all but the most wealthy). The body was of larger size than the previous models and required a new carrier arm with a larger eye. The basic fish tail-shaped weight of the Model C and Model H was retained. MODEL-N is stamped on the tail of the weight, the earliest simply being over stamped on Model H weights.

The Model O reproducer was a combination reproducer whose basic design was a combination of the body of the Model N and the weight and stylus bar assembly of the Model M. Initially supplied with the Triumph Model E (and a few other high-end Edison phonographs), it required a carrier arm which had the larger eye mounted in a horizontal position. The same complaints were received about wearing of wax records as were being noted with the M reproducer. The weights of some of the O reproducers were also cut down, usually having the letter Q stamped on the weight. This however was not performed on all of the modified O's.

The Model R reproducer was designed so that owners of machines with the standard size carrier arm could enjoy the benefit provided by the larger diaphragm of the N reproducer. The body is very similar to the N except that it is approximately 1/4 inch higher. This was to allow the reproducer body to fit in the small carrier arm eye and still allow use of the new diaphragm. Introduced in 1911. The weight is stamped MODEL-R and was intended for the 4-minute wax amberol records, although it can safely be used on Indestructible 2 &: 4 minute records as well as Edison Blue Amberol records.

The Model S was a combination reproducer utilizing the body and diaphragm of the Model R and the weight of Model K reproducer. Initially supplied only with the Standard Model F phonograph. Can safely be used to play and 2 or 4 minute record except brown wax records.

Note:Be careful when playing any records which are the slightest out of round as the high point may strike the central point where the two stylus bars are linked. There is no way to adjust for this problem.

With the introduction of Edison's Blue Amberol Records in 1912 a new series of reproducers were designed to achieve the most accurate sound recreation then possible. For the Amberola I, III &: Concert (formerly known as the Opera) phonographs the Diamond Awas produced. For all other cylinder phonographs produced by Edison since 1896 which were outfitted with either 4-minute or combination 2 &: 4-minute gearing, the Diamond Bwas developed. This would fit the carrier arms with large eye situated in a horizontal position. With the introduction of the Amberola 30, 50 &: 75 in 1915 theDiamond Cwas developed. All three used a diamond stylus and had a diaphragm of rice paper and cork. None of the reproducers have any identifying marks.

For use only with Indestructible 2 & 4-minute and Blue Amberol celluloid records. Attempting to use a diamond reproducer on any wax record will result in instance ruin of the record!

Edison Phonograph Serial Number List Chart

MODIFICATIONS & AFTERMARKET REPRODUCERS
FOR USE ON EDISON CYLINDER PHONOGRAPHS

In addition to the stock Edison reproducers, there were several companies which either modified original Edison equipment or manufactured reproducers to fit the Edison standard size carrier eye. With the exception of the Indestructible reproducers (which were marketed for a time by Columbia) few of these reproducers turn up - in part because they were produced in small numbers.

(L to R - Model N, Modifed N for Hexaphone 102, Modifed N for Hexaphone 101)

The Indestructible reproducers were intended for playing that companies brand of celluloid cylinders and were not intended for wax cylinders. While they do not turn up in large numbers anyone wishing to add one to their collection should be able to locate an example at one of the phonograph shows. These were well made and feature a spring tension device intended to keep the stylus good contact with the record surface at all times. I have several examples, each of which has a different diaphragm. One which is modified for use on the Hexaphone has a ridged & spoked metal diaphragm and features a stylus similar to the Edison Diamond A/B/C reproducers. Of the others I have one has a mica diaphragm and two have what appears to be a paper or composite diaphragm. I have another one which was also modified for use on the Hexaphone and has the weight, stylus & diaphragm of the early Edison B reproducer. Prices on these vary from $150.00 to $250.00

Edison Standard Phonograph Serial Number List

The Mobley reproducer is actually a modification of the Edison Automatic reproducer, featuring an added weight for greater volume, a metal diaphragm and a domed sound chamber. I have seen two distinctly different styles of this reproducer. The earlier style had a trowel shaped weight, while the later had a weight similar to that of the Edison C reproducer. This example also has a connector attached for ear tubes. These reproducers rarely turn up and anyone wishing to add one to their collection should be prepared to pay $400.00 or more.

Domed tube-plate to a different Mobley reproducer

Blackmanwas another modification of the Edison Automatic. This also featured a domed sound chamber. In addition to the domed tube-plate additional weight was also added to the original automatics weight. Expect to pay $500.00 for one.

Edison-Bellreproducers were actually intended for that British company's product but fit the Edison carrier eye as well. Pictured is a 'NEW MODEL' - essentially that companies answer to the Edison 'C'. While they rarely turn up here in the United States, they are by no means uncommon in the UK. Edison-Bell also produced a 'crystol' reproducer for playing celluloid cylinders. The value for the NEW MODEL is about the same as for an Edison C reproducer.

The German manufacturedArgosy reproducer was intended for that companies products, but again the carrier eye is the same as the Edison. These reproducers scarcely show up and when they do most people assume that they are Dictaphone reproducers as the design closely copies that of the Columbia Lyric reproducer. There are no identifying markings or serial numbers on these.

An excellent sounding reproducer is the Max Wurcker from Australia which features the Coombs oversized cupped aluminum diaphragm. This reproducer is much louder than the contemporary Edison reproducer. Expect to pay $600.00 to $800.00 if you can find one for sale.

Ediphone - while not exactly what I would recommend for use, the reproducer from the early style 'Ediphone' will also fit the standard size carrier eye. The neck of these reproducers is very short and will not support a horn but can be used with a morning glory type horn which utilizes a rubber connector from the reproducer to the horn. They feature some type of paper or composite diaphragm which actually sounds quite good. These generally sell for $50.00 to $75.00

Electric Reproducers for use on
Edison Cylinder Phonographs

An article on cylinder reproducers for use on Edison Phonographs would not be complete without commenting on some of the modern devises which have been manufactured for facilitating electrical playback of cylinder records.

To the best of my knowledge there have only been a few companies which have actually produced such devices - specifically the OWL unit which was intended for use on Edison large carrier eye machines and my own ACT pickups which are intended for the standard size carrier eye.

The Owl features a rigid mounting that allows little vertical or lateral motion but maintened good contact with the record groove bottom for the most accurate reproduction possible. On badly deformed cylinders this rigind mounting can result in skipping or mis-tracking. This was a professionally manufactured, robust unit and was popular for many years with collectors & institutions. I believe these were discontinued in the early 1990's.

My own ACT pickup features a 1' tonearm which allows sufficient lateral and vertical motion to play even badly out of round records or Indestructible records which have shrunk lengthwise resulting in greater than 100 or 200 tpi. Interchangeable saphire styli are used. As we have been unable to find a cartridge company still willing to mount the large size stylus needed for cylinder records we have to mount our own. Delivery is anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months. Inquire for availability.

Unit for the standard size Edison carrier eye.

a custom unit for the large size Edison carrier eye.

I received this electric cylinder pickup (maker unknown) in trade several years ago. I don't know what vintage it is, but judging from the cartridge used I would guess it was made in the early 1970's. Intended for the standard size carrier eye, the design isn't bad but it is a rather delicate device and did not provide correct styli, instead 'stock' 2.5 mil stylus intended for 78's are used.

...

Continue to Edison Records and Reproducers.

Edison Phonograph Serial Number List Free

Thomas Edison invented the phonograph in 1877. His first machine used grooved cylinders wrapped in tin foil, into which sound waves were etched. It wasn't until the 1890's that the first commercial recordings were available, wax cylinders issued by Edison and some other manufacturers, and the first disc recordings by the Berliner Company (a forerunner of Victor). Edison was a proponent of cylinder technology because of the uniform groove speed of cylinders. He also preferred his vertical (hill and dale) method of cutting the grooves as opposed to the lateral method used by Victor and most other companies. With the vertical method grooves were narrower and could be spaced more closely together, permitting longer recordings on a given surface area.

In spite of continuous improvement to his machines and cylinders, by 1910 Edison was the only major company still issuing cylinder recordings, and sales were falling. His competitors' disc records were less expensive to manufacture, they could be recorded on both sides (more music for your money), and were easier to store. Behind Mr. Edison's back, his engineers began work on a disc machine and records. Edison soon became enthusiastic. Two and a half years and three million dollars later, the Edison Diamond Disc phonograph was born. Introduced late in 1912, this machine was arguably the finest acoustic phonograph developed up to that time.

The Edison Diamond Disc phonograph used a specially designed reproducer with a diamond stylus and a laminated rice paper diaphragm. The Edison disc player used a gear mechanism to advance the reproducer across the record, rather than forcing the record grooves to bear the weight of pulling the reproducer. This resulted in very little wear to the records, and reduced surface noise. The records were 10 inch diameter, quarter inch thick, vertical cut discs designed to play at 80rpm. These discs held up to five minutes of recorded sound on each side as compared to 3 minutes for the 78rpm records of other companies.

Edison disc records and phonographs were not compatible with other manufacturers' products. This eventually limited the company's ability to compete. In terms of the quality of sound reproduction, however, the Edison disc technology was far superior to that of other manufacturers, as the company demonstrated repeatedly through a series of public tone tests.

All recording during this time (1877- mid 1920's) was by the acoustical method. Singers or instrumentalists stood before a recording horn, which focused the sound waves to a recording diaphragm, connected to a stylus which cut the master wax disc. Edison was the acknowledged master of the art of acoustical recording.

Edison Phonograph Serial Numbers

The Diamond Disc phonograph was offered in a variety of models from late 1912 to 1927, and the records were sold until October 1929, when the company closed its doors, just days before the stock market crash. See my article Pipe Organ Artists and Recordings on the Edison Label for additional information on Edison phonographs and records.

In the year 1919 my Great Uncle, Mr. Leon Densmore of Perry, Ohio, purchased a brand new Model C19 (Chippendale) Edison Diamond Disc Phonograph, which was an upgrade of the earlier C-250 model. It cost $295, a substantial sum for that time. The C19 model had just been introduced that year and was known as 'the Official Laboratory Model.' This phonograph, quite deluxe for its time, featured in addition to the diamond stylus, a variable speed turntable, a volume control mechanism, a double spring motor, a 15' internal horn, and a cabinet to hold 72 records. During the next several years the Densmore family acquired a sizable collection of ten-inch Edison 'Re-Creations'. This collection included popular songs, fox-trots, waltzes, marches, character monologues, and other recordings which reflected the popular tastes of the time.

Leon Densmore moved to California in 1925, a trip that took him one month in a Model-T Ford. He necessarily left the Edison phonograph behind, and it remained in the Densmore family home for the next 52 years.

My first experiences with 'the Edison' came in the late 1950's (I was about five years old). My grandparents (Kenneth and Margaretta) and my Great Grandfather (Lester, the father of Leon and Kenneth) were living in the family home. Often when I visited them Great Grandpa would escort me to the room at the top of the stairs, which was then used for storage. He would raise the creaky lid of the Edison, wind it up, and play a few of his favorite records. I think he only had a few favorites (Margie, and Uncle Josh).

In 1961 my parents purchased the family home from my grandparents, and I became the proud owner of the Edison (I was the only member of the family willing to have it in my room). I grew up with the Edison, and it became my most prized possession. It gave me many hours of relaxation and happiness.

In 1977, I established my own residence and took the Edison with me. I began compiling a discography of my original collection of Edison Diamond Disc records. This became a complete listing for each record, with words to spoken and sung recordings, and indexes by title, performer, and composer/lyricist/author. This discography has gone into a second revised edition, plus a supplement to cover the other Edison discs that I have acquired in recent years.

In 1999, while doing additional reading on the Edison disc phonograph, I first became aware that in the 1920's, the Edison company began to issue recordings of (theatre) pipe organ music. As I am a church organist, this greatly intrigued me. I began to research the history of the organ records issued by the Edison company and also to collect these records. The results of my research can be read (see link to my organ record article above). This article has been published in the Spring 2001 issue of ARSC Journal (Association for Recorded Sound Collections). I own all 35 organ records that were issued by the Edison company: 34 diamond discs, plus the only Needle Type Electric (78rpm) organ record issued.

Today my Edison Diamond Disc phonograph is newly restored. See the Restoration section below. This wonderfully built machine still provides regular entertainment and enjoyment for the Densmore family.

DIAMOND DISC PHONOGRAPH

(OFFICIAL LABORATORY MODEL)

In May of 2001 I decided to have my original Edison phonograph completely and professionally restored. Mr. Bob Laboda, of Hinckley, Ohio, had previously restored the reproducer, installing a new diamond stylus, as well as a new diaphragm and gaskets. Mr. Laboda cleaned, inspected, and re-calibrated the motor, mainsprings and mechanism. At the same time Mr. Duane Moses, owner of Family Furniture Refinishing of Strongsville, Ohio, completely restored and refinished the Edison cabinet, hand-stripped it, and used custom stains and high quality lacquers. From Mr. Wayne Holznagel of Mitchell, South Dakota I was able to acquire some missing brass pieces as well as some missing wood trim pieces which were incorporated into the restoration and made the Edison complete and original. Below are 'before' pictures taken a few days before I delivered the Edison to be restored.

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Edison Phonograph Serial Number List

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The restoration process took four months and was completed in September of 2001. Below are pictures of my restored Edison. These pictures do not do justice to the beauty of the cabinet and the work done by Mr. Moses. Needless to say I am exceptionally pleased with how the Edison looks and plays.

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A custom-made Dairy Queen ice cream cake, (Heath Bar flavored), designed by my son Ben, for my surprise 60th birthday party!

Last Updated on 10/28/2013
By Richard Densmore

Email: rdensmor@bw.edu