Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > May 1998 > 1998.05.05 > 12Prev  Next


Edison Phonograph Repairs
By Jim Canavan

Larry Toto wrote that his Edison phonograph "seems to have a broken
mainspring, a broken drive belt, and is missing the horn attachment.
There are no recorded cylinders.  Is there much hope of making this
thing whole again?"

YES!  All of these repairs are easily taken care of, and are probably
the most common ones that need to be done.  The spring is best done by
a professional, but the leather belt is a 10-minute repair.

Belt kits are available from Antique Phonograph Supply in NY and
others.  They also sell replacement horns.   Cylinders are readily
available in antique stores, flea markets, on ebay, etc.   For best
sound quality, you should also probably get your reproducer rebuilt.

What model Edison is your machine?  It should have name, etc. on the
metal plate on the bedplate.  Remember also: Edison machines are one of
three types: (1) plays only 2 minute cylinders, (2) plays both 2 and 4
minute cylinders (these have a 2/4 minute switch as well as either two
separate reproducers or a turnover type), and (3) plays 4-minute only,
usually with diamond reproducer, NOT to be used for wax cylinders!

Hope this helps!

Jim Canavan
cybrflash@aol.com


(Message sent Tue 5 May 1998, 13:01:28 GMT, from time zone GMT-0400.)

Key Words in Subject:  Edison, Phonograph, Repairs

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page