Posted 2 years ago
hotairfan
(387 items)
This is a Graphophone model "Q" cylinder player made in 1898 by the Columbia Phonograph Co.
Sometimes called the skeletal model because it was so basic with few parts and of small size.
The Graphophone model "Q" played two-minute wax cylinders. Later model cylinder players played four-minute cylinders.
Originally, this cyl. player sold for $5.00, which, I guess was a lot for family entertainment.
Ironically, when cylinder players were sold, the horns were sold separately at an additional cost.
The Columbia Graphophones (were, in my opinion), better made cylinder players than the Edison players. They had stronger winder springs and the reproducer, which is the needle mechanism, had much better tonal qualities.
Even with the small horn, the sound clarity was very good.
With the Edison "Gem" model, which was similar in size to the Columbia "Q", the clarity was poor.
Very cool. I think I have one of those round silver needles or pick up tube piece whatever the term is? And I had a bunch of empty Edison record tubes. Thought I had shown them..think I only have a few left..gave a bunch away as gifts.
hi Dave, I used to have the round needles for my reproducer that I used in my Edison Amberolla cylinder record player. on occasion, I used a bamboo needle to play it. you got one play with a sharp bamboo needle, then you had to sharpen the needle to get another play.
I since have sold, traded, or given away all but two of my cylinder and disc players. I kept two Columbian Co. Graphophones (both of which I posted on CW.
Thanks for the comment.
Both beautiful and marvelous