Edison Phonographs
THE EDISON OPERA
The Opera was Edison's premier cylinder phonograph, made for a short time beginning in 1911, later changing name to "Concert" due to patent infringement issues. Phonograph enthusiasts world-wide consider the fine Opera to be an absolute "must" achievement for their collections. Indeed, it adorns the front cover of George Frow's iconic reference book "Edison Cylinder Phonograph Companion".
Oak and mahogany versions have slightly different cabinet hardware; mahogany versions have lifting handles but no lid latches. Each have an automatic-stop mechanism that turns off the phonograph at the end of cylinder lay.
The unique features of an Opera are the traversing mandrel and fixed reproducer, and a quiet, belt-less geared drive system, together with a fixed horn supported directly atop the reproducer. The resulting sound was considered to be the very best of it's day, and considering the $90.00 price tag (a small fortune in 1911) it was accessible only to the upper economic classes.
These can be fitted with either an “L” reproducer (for wax and celluloid 4-minute cylinders), a “Diamond A” reproducer for playing Edison Blue Amberol 4-minute cylinders, which remain commonly available in abundant supply.
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Mahogany Opera
This is a beautiful mahogany example, recently fully restored and playing perfectly.
#6278
Nickel-Plated Opera
Occasionally, the Edison factory made, on special order, nickel-plated versions of the Opera, destined for deep-pocketed customers. This magnificent Opera comes from the world-class collection of the late Domenic DiBernardo, who undertook renewing the nickel plating and made it even more spectacular than original; even undercarriage elements, the reproducer, horn elbow, etc., received the royal treatment. It is a one-of-a-kind showpiece, to be sure.
#6195
Amberola III
A stunning, oak, Amberola III, which utilizes an Opera mechanism together with an inside-horn cabinet. It is fitted with a Diamond A reproducer, or an “L” can be substituted.
#6266
Edison Standard
This Standard has 2/4 gearing, wood horn, etc. A beautiful example!
#6254
Mahogany Edison Standard
This Model B Standard is of mahogany; very few were made, and only to special order by the Edison factory. Fitted with 2/4 gearing and a “K” reproducer, this is in superlative condition overall.
#6275
Edison Standard
Another Standard, a 2/4-minute, Model D, that comes with a black petal horn.
#6259
Edison Home “B” With Repeater
This Edison Home is a 2-minute player fitted with a repeater and wood horn made by Don Gfell.
#6258
Edison “Suitcase” Home
A very, very nice example of this early Home model, in excellent cosmetic and playing condition. Fitted with a “ Sidearm C” reproducer.
#6276
Edison “Spring Motor” Phonograph
This late-1800’s phonograph was Edison’s first entrant into the world of spring driven phonographs, and actually is the precursor to the Triumph model, with the same 3-spring “Triton” motor. Fitted with a 2/4-minute gearbox, and supplied with “C” and “H” reproducers. The lid, not shown, is the “all encompassing” design.
#6231
Edison Fireside
An Edison “Fireside”, with combination 2/4 gearing, and a quick-change “K” reproducer. Fully restored and in great condition!
#6229
Edison “Concert Polyphone”
A remarkable and historic phonograph, the Concert phonograph was originally used to give demonstration concerts to paying audiences. The Polyphone company, with Edison's license, manufactured dual-reproducer and horn attachments to improve the sound even further. This phonograph’s reproducer carriage is a later made Baker-Polyphone system.
#6065
Edison “Music Master” Horns
We supply newly-made oak and mahogany Edison horns, beautifully finished and with decals applied. These are exact reproductions suitable for installation and upgrading of your Edison Opera, Home or Triumph. Made in Peru and imported solely by us, these horns are considered to be the best ever made. We offer fast shipping, and each horn is blanket-wrapped and double-boxed, assuring safe arrival to your home.
We also have a very limited supply of horn elbows for Operas and Triumphs.
We have just received a new (limited) supply, please inquire as to availability.