Old Victrola

I have an old Edison Amberola cylinder player. I had the reproducer (i.e. cartridge) rebuilt by Wyatt Markus. This is essential for getting the most out of the limited sound quality of these old recordings.

The "Direct to Disk" reference is spot-on. For the early recordings, they would literally set up rows of the recorders and the orchestra would play the song. They would then reload the recorders and the orchestra would play again.

I've owned a Victrola and still have a 1905 Edison w/morning glory horn shown in my virtual system.  Here's a great source for parts repairs and units for sale I used to buy needles from.  Steel needles need to be replaced after each play or your records will be worn like most of the ones you buy used.  

I think it's really cool to occasionally forget the fancy kit, take out an old fox trot or waltz 78, wind that crank and plunk that big needle down. Then take your sweetheart by the hand, pull her close and do slow turns around the living to that scratchy, yet somehow romantic old timey sound.

Dig out old Dan's records
Bring out old Dan's records
We're all here, we've all got dates
We'll dance all night to the seventy-eights
If old Dan could see us now
I know he'd be so proud
If old Dan were with us still
I know he'd come around

Gordon Lightfoot

Great replies guys!

@pehare ,

Thanks for that information. I wasn’t aware you had to change needles that often.

Also, your 1905 Edison is a beauty!

People forget the opposite end of the performance.  "Electric recording" was not invented until 1926. I have a 1925 picture of Louis Armstrong's Hot Five playing into a huge horn terminating to a diaphragm holding a needle to a spinning lacquer. Louis had to stand behind the band because he was so loud. 

My Grandmother had a beautiful Victrola with a sensational flowered horn. I thought I had dibs on it, but my cousin sold it out from under me. I did get her 1928 Mason & Hamblin Parlor Grand so I suppose I can't complain.......not.