Thanks for the video. I was at the dump, and a lady was unloading one of these into the scrap heap. Took it home, watched this video and found out it works fine, wood needs some attention, but grateful I was able to save it...

They are actually selling for more like $1000 on the webs :)

A couple of further notes, which may have not been raised before: Not all Edison discs can be played on this: there are a couple of exceptions. One is the "Long Play" disc, which was introduced in 1926; it requires a double spring motor, special gearing, and a different reproducer (these could be fitted by the dealer as an upgrade). The second is the "Needle Cut" disc: a regular shellac 78 that was marketed for a very short time in 1929. Both of these are quite rare, though. As for reproducers: the "standard" reproducer (with a couple of early variations) was offered in several finishes - nickel, gold, oxidized copper (rare), and gunmetal. Then there was the "Dance" reproducer, which used a heavier weight and spring-loaded connections to increase the volume. This was superseded by the "Edisonic", which can be recognized by its large, round weight. Finally, there was the aforementioned "Long Play" reproducer, which had an extremely fine stylus.

I can not thank you enough for this video! I was going down to pick up one of these tomorrow for $100 and it is in very good condition. BUT, I had no idea it would not play the thinner 78 rpm style records, of which I have a large collection that I inherited from an aunt of mine. I did not know the thicker records were even made. Thank you and I really enjoyed watching this piece of history.

Thanks so much for this video! I just recently received my grandpa’s Edison phonograph. This video helped me learn to operate it correctly.

I think it also might be good to explain that Diamond Discs are modulated with grooves that are "hill and dale" or move up and down. All the other disc systems used lateral or side to side grooves so that's why the Diamond disc reproducers would literally tear the side to side grooves of other brands and cause physical damage to the Diamond reproducer it self.

Wonderful quick introduction to the Edison DD Phonograph. I just obtained one Sunday and am already amazed by the clarity of the sound. The friend who helped me move it already had 3 from the 1970s so he was well familiar with all the particulars of setting it up and explaining its operation. Great, simple video. Thank you!

The wallpaper goes great with the machine! and on another note, I am a big fan and I really hope to see more videos like this!

Just a fantastic video. Thank you. A lady at a yard sale sold me one of these for next to nothing and I’m trying to figure out the ins and outs. Tremendously useful to me. I appreciate it.

I can smell the old just by looking at it, lol... Nice video, thanks.

Thank you so much for teaching so well. I recently acquired an Edison BC-34 (Baby Console) and you answered all my questions...so far 🍒🍒🍒

My aunt has one with a buizar tone arm. It is highly adjustable with interconnected pipes. It even has interchangable tips. It works beautifully. It even cane with a broken conventional arm, a container of tips, and 18 disks. One of them is slightly thinner than the rest, but plays well.

If there was an Edison Diamond Disc Recorder, I would record an ‘80s song! Also, my own song has an ‘80s vibe. It’s called “We Are The Best Dancers!”.

Wouldn't use 3in1 oil it gums up try sewing machine oil.

It is amazing how quiet the mechanism runs, don't think I've ever heard one that quiet. But maintenance does help!

This is absolutely amazing, love it!

What a wonderful machine, just love it! Thanks for doing such a great video!

Please note that all disc phonographs / gramophone motor springs should be wound up with the turntable running.. The brake can be adjusted by a screw to change the position of the right lever so that it is tripped at the end of the longest record track. I tend not to use it, though, on my Chippendale C-19 model.

Goodness that's a real BEAUTY! the condition is AMAZING! looks like it was made only yesterday

i found a diamond disc awhile ago, my grandpa just said “you want it” and now i have a great display peace

Thank you so much for this very informative video! I really appreciate you.

What a BEAUTIFUL Machine you have there - and such an informative, interesting and descriptive Video! I LOVE Gramophones, and have several - but not this particular Model. Thanks for sharing!

I have just inherited one - thank you - I’m winding mine up now.

Stuffing something into the horn of an acoustic record player is where the expression "put a sock in it" (meaning to be quiet) comes from.

to make your auto stop work, pull straight UP on the handle that controls your tonearm. This will take the tension off the metal cog under it. You can move that cog CLOSER to the brake mechanism, so that when the record reaches the end, that cog will bump the brake and shut it off. Very nice machine and a good presentation.

Super informative, outstanding video

Thank you for such an informative video. I really enjoyed watching it and have learned a few new things about my Edison.

Interesting presentation thank, hope to see more like this ! 👍

An additional tip - these machines were meant to be played with the lid closed.

sewing machine oil is much better for this kind of usage, but overall a wonderful video !

Great Video - Good tips and easy to follow.

I saw a Edison disc on Discogs in poor condition and got really curious so thanks for the video!

The mute is a very funny thing!. I enjoy your explanations cause your speaking is clear and slow enough to understand to my poor English. Congratulations for your machine! Never seen one in my country Uruguay, South America. Never had an Edison record in my hands either.

You did an excellent job explaining how to operate the Edison machine. I plan to get one down the road.

This video is just what I needed! Just got a Sheraton S19 and around 3 dozen records with it but I had no idea about how to run it or care for it. It's in very nice shape, with all parts and cabinet intact including the fabric behind the fretwork. It plays, but the speed control doesn't seem to be working. I'm going to get some 3-1 and see it that helps as it has been sitting for years without being used.

That thickness was crazy

I just acquired one from a barn (family farm) that was under many layers of good protection.

Thanks so much for this informative video. Its quality and clarity are excellent. I just brought home my Edison C-150, so your video was particularly helpful.

What a beautiful record player

Thanks very much indeed, very interesting adventure to the past!!! What surprises is it uses no electricity at all all manual 🎩😃🎄!!!

immediately subscribed no one has ever responded to my comments before thanks for the reply

Just bought a BC 34 that mostly works. Still examining it. The unit came with a catalog of Edison records listed by "mood"

I have one as well. Thanks for the tips. My parents bought ours from an estate sale in 1972 for $23. It is in great shape, except the front panel is missing. I have 13 discs and it plays wonderfully. Mine is an H19 sn 2439

Mine has a speed control. It's purpose is not to play the record slower or faster, it's purpose is to be able to adjust the speed to attain accuracy.

Edison- "Plantation Lullaby." Wow. lol

I have a Brunswick Ultona with the multiple head reproducer designed to play standard lateral cur records Edison and Pathe' vertical cut records too.

The oil tubes are actually plugged with fiber at the lower end to keep the oil flowing slow and smooth.. otherwise it would just drip out all over and make a mess.. don't "clean out" your tubes.....

I used to have one like this. I can't remember exactly but I think the automatic stop arm is supposed to turn manually to suit the individual disc. There's a setscrew you loosen underneath the platter. This is due to the fact that Edison diamond discs had end points that varied based upon the length of the song and unfortunately Edison never put in an end spiral. Yours might have frozen in one place due to corrosion. My old manual referred to figure 6. Check yours. Beautiful machine!

Most helpful, thank you. Just got one - thrilled! - and was a little puzzled about some its features. Great help.

This is helpful! I inherited an Edison Diamond Disc turntable from my grandparents, and approached it knowing nothing about technology that doesn't say mp3... Thanks for the great video!

Great video, thank you!

Beautiful pieces;)

Beautiful

I saw one of those in Chapman Kansas at an antique store. they wanted 400 Dollars for it and it included a few records if I could have afforded it

Thanks for posting. Just got one

personally I would use fine machine oil, like sewing machine oil, and not 3 in 1. 3 in one will gum up the works after some time.

dont forget hide the crank, thanks for the explanation

I know a flea market that had one of these.

I'm not aware of seeing an Edison player. But, I bought an Edison record around 2 weeks ago at The Salvation Army. All 78 players I have are stereo. The player of choice had a stereo mono switch. I thought it would sound better with the switch set to mono. I was dead wrong. I didn't know that Edison records were recorded differently than average 78s.

Do you have a reference or video on how to replace the needle in this type of early 1900's Edison phonograph? Thanks, Bill Skye

The black label you showed at the beginning is actually scarce...they were used only on what were known as "flashes"... records Edison thought would sell well so he wanted them on the market ASAP. The black label was only used from Mid 1921 until late 1921. Any black label with "Made in USA" above the center hole is considered VERY scarce, those with no "Made in USA" are easier to find, but are still considered scarce and will generally bring more money from collectors. The black labels were replaced by white paper labels from late 1921 until late 1929 when Edison stopped producing Diamond Discs. There were 5 different white label styles and all are considered common, however certain performances are incredibly hard to find and can bring hundreds of dollars. One example is #51542 "Charleston" and "Mammie". That record has drawn more than 500 dollars at auction.

this is great for the beginner !

These phonographs.....screw the Technics or Califones or the Pioneers, I am saving my money for one of these!

World's first linear tracking turntables

Que c'est beau...

I just bought one in the same condition for 85 bucks !

I just got a Edison player and I love it. However when I got it at home it seems like the records are playing really fast. How do I adjust the speed to get the right sound of the record. It was working great where I bought it from so something must’ve happened during transport Please help

I inherited the S19 that has the speed control to the upper left of the turntable and the cabinet opens downward with the records inside. The only thing is that the turntable starts to slow down as soon as I lower the arm to the record and brings it to a stop. Now watching the video that you did I can see that it probably needs some oil in some key places, but if you have any other ideas as to why the turntable would slow down please let me know. When I crank it up it turns just fine until I lower the arm. I am hoping that it is now the motor because it seemed to work fine a few months back

Thank you for posting this. I’m actually in the market now looking for a phonograph that is old and your video taught me that we’re not to play non Edison records on an Edison machine. I didn’t know that, I have other 78’s that I’d like to play, what other models do you recommend? I wanted Edison but it sounds limiting as to what I can play. I’m hoping to spend under $300 for one. Thanks from Virginia.

I believe these machines can also play any *vertical cut* disc -- such as a Pathe -- as opposed th the *lateral cut* discs like Victor or Columbia.

There is an Edison in the basement and thanks to you I had the courage and knowledge to try to see if it works. It works! I’m just having an issue with the needle. As it moves forward it does not want to pull the arm with it. It is sort of floating and when it reaches the wire part it plays the same line over and over until you give the arm a push. Any idea what I can do to help it along?

Why can't you use a standard 78 RPM disc.. and only the Edison Disc.. well here is the answer. The majority of 78's were recorded and played back with a laterally moving cutting head and then stylus that would follow that lateral (side to side like a modern LP) groove. Edison made his discs with a horizontal groove peaks and valleys.. up and down NOT side to side. His players followed this up and down groove. This is why you can see the reproducer and it's diaphragm are horizontal and parallel to the disc surface so when the stylus (needle) follows the grooves ups and downs it vibrates the membrane of the reproducer accordingly.

I only have one disc for my DD player, but I play it every XMas. Too bad both sides are WW1 war marches, not very festive :) "When Johnny marches away again" was written after the American Civil War song "When Johnny cones marching home" but sounds pretty much the same. "Somewhere in France is the Lily" is the other side.

Edison reproducers are very difficult to find. Some Edison gramophones came with both the vertical reproducer for Victor, Columbia and other conventional 78s and the horizontal reproducer for Edison Diamond Discs.

you think using hardware store oil is bad? sometimes I use *_vegetable oil_* to lubricate stuff 😳😳😳

Amazing!

Hi, I was able to purchase one of these machines and it plays great after oiling and rebuilding the reproducer, it also included roughly 80 Edison DD records however some of them are so filthy and scratchy sounding. Do you have any tips on cleaning them, currently I am just using a soft cloth and 90% alcohol. I believe the diamond stylus is the original also, so I am thinking replacing it would improve the quality as well.

Hi! Thanks for the very informative video! We just picked up and Edison Disc Phonograph model LU-37 from a flea market and have been enjoying figuring out how to use it. Ours does not appear to have a volume control like you mentioned. Is this standard for this model? Also, it came with two different heads. One to play the Edison thick disc and another head with a longer, thinner needle. Do you know what type of discs that head can play? Thank you!

I have an Edison diamond disc but I don't have one of these. how would I play my diamond disc without one of these?

Aw man. Wished you would have let the record play all the way.

I just inherited one from my aunt and I know she used it. I am so afraid to use it since it is so old, but it is in great shape and I suppose meant to be enjoyed. There are 42 records inside (yes, the thick ones). I have not yet checked the needle, but will before we play it. I have a question, there is a medallion inside that says something like 'model 250 is the official laboratory model..." but when I look up model 250 it does not look like the one I have. Mine looks exactly like the W-19 with the crisscross attaching the legs, so I am confused. Can you help determine which model I have? Mine also has a pull handle in the center of the 'door' which pulls out a drawer that contains the records. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you so much

Is it possible to dismental the whole machin to be fully washed and cleaned just like the China plates and assemble it again .. Is that possible please ! I mean are there a clever technicians - now a days - who can do that !

Sound is at 17 :00....go there straight

Huh? Is this electric? Uncle David's phonograph had no plug, you had to wind it up to make it go - he had regular 78 rpm records in its cabinet below, 1940s records? I believe it was similar to the one barely shown near the end of the movie "Public Enemy" ( 1931). Anyway, when I wound it up, that was over twenty years ago...

How does one replace the needle? Where may one buy a replacement diamond tipped needle. If none may be had, can one replace the needle with a regular needle and would you be able to play non-Edison records?

There is a REAL technical reason why the Edison Diamond Disc system is incompatible with "normal" 78 RMP records: "Normal" 78's are cut laterally Edison "Diamond Discs" are cut vertically, this is why you can't play a normal 78 on an Edison DD machine (without a different (adapter) reproducer, this is ALSO true the other was around, you should NEVER attempt to play an Edison DD records on a normal 78 record player (Just about every other brand that's NOT Edison). "Fun fact": Modern stereo records use a "mix" of a lateral AND vertical cut.

How do you change the needle on my Edison Disc Phonograph B19 SM 0164 and can you tell me the year of my B19 because I can not find to much information on the internet and what needle do I get for it ... Thank you Richard

Enjoyed your video! We have an edison just like your's, but the horn has come unsoldered from the two small metal plates that move it from behind. I wonder how to get it fixed?

I have one for for sale with 50 records but not sure where to place it or value it at the moment

I just picked up a H 19 that's been in my family sense the late 1920s there's a Edison recreation record of a wedding. I wonder if it's my great grandparents? Just need to find some needles.

Wery interesting but I don't understand,all. I don't speak English. Thank you for all!

Can you tell me how to insert a needle? My 1903 Edison was gifted to me from the family of my cousin who passed away and there was no needle. I put chased a package of needles on eBay but I am not familiar with installing a needle. Thank you!

I just obtained an Edison Diamond Disc Phonograph. It plays a record half way through before slowing down nio matter how much I wind it. Am I doing something wrong, or does something need to be adjusted? Thanks

one of my friends has one of these and it has something the tone arm is getting caught on something. any ideas?

Are the thick Edison records all "diamond discs" by definition?

It’s oossible scratching on this record?

what happened when I play this on a modern turntable? does diamond disc on a modern turntable 😅?!.

How can i play my new fangled OGG files on this thingy?

I acquired a LU - 37 phonograph. It plays but not at the proper speed. The platter goes faster and faster as time passes. Is there a site to find how it actually works? Thanks, good video.

I have heard that one should always run the motor all the way down if you are not going to use it continuously because of stretching the spring. True?