Dual-mode reproducers were pretty common in their day, though I suspect
Edison never made any.  Independent companies made aftermarket devices
for all types of phonographs, even though Edison initially tried to
discourage their use.  I have a reproducer that lets you play the thin,
lateral, Victrola type records on a Diamond Disc, but you must first
remove the standard Edison head.

Dual reproducers were often found on Brunswick phonos.  These were
massive heads with two diaphragms and needles; you rotate the head to
bring one or the other into play.  Some could also play Pathe discs,
which were cut on a diagonal modulated groove, halfway between lateral
and vertical, if I recall right.

These would be more likely to fit a Victrola and let it play Edison
thick discs, than the reverse.  But someone could certainly have made
a dual-mode head for the Diamond Disc's tone arm.  Swapping reproducers
on an Edison (as I have to do to play a lateral record) is pretty
easy, but a "flick of the wrist" dual head is easier.

Also, since a Diamond Disc tone arm supports the weight of the
reproducer, the extra weight of the dual head is not as great a
liability as on a Victor type machine with its free-floating tone arm.


Mike Knudsen