Edison Electric Phonographs c. 1929

[victrola1906]

I'm going to pick up my "new" Edison C-4 tomorrow. I know that Edison stopped making records in October 1929. Does anyone know what were the last electric phonograph models made by Edison and whether they also stopped producing phonographs in 1929 or whether they continued with those for a while longer.? I know that the C-1 and C-2 played both lateral and vertical records whereas the C-4 plays only lateral cut records. I've got several windups, but this is my first electric radio/phono combination unit. Information on the web on these is sparse. Thanks for any info you can provide!

[chucka]

The electric machines were pretty much gone by 1930/31. The C4 was the last radio/phono model. The R6 & R7 radios were the last. All the radio models from the R1 to R8 had phono inputs.

 

Your unit looks very good, I can see that the 2nd audio transformer was replaced, a common problem, and the cover for the needle cup is missing.

 

The first models R1, R2, R4, R5, R8 (fancy cabinet R5), C1, C2, C4 were Splitdorf radio designs.

The R6 and R7 were Theodore Edison designed radios

 

Chuck

Edited February 26, 2022 by chucka

[victrola1906]

That's exactly what I wanted to know. Thank you, Chuck.

 

So, it sounds like there were only 3 models in the C series that were the C-1, C-2, and the C-4. I'm guessing they skipped the C-3 designation.

 

I'm glad to know that this unit looks to be relatively original. I've never been a radio guy and most of my experience with phonographs is with windups. I can certainly look for a cover for the needle cup.  The seller advertised that the machine had been gone through and that the decayed components were replaced. They also added a lead for modern input so you can play internet radio through it. I plan to play Radio Dismuke when I'm not playing my records. I'll take that over current AM talk radio any day. haha

 

Can you illuminate me a bit more on the issue with the 2nd audio transformer? Does it look like the replacement was done well or correctly?

 

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge!

 

Buck

[chucka]

It appears a modern transformer (newer than 20's or 30's)  was used, simple answer is if it sounds good it was done okay.

 

I might have an original transformer and a needle cup cover, contact me off list if you are interested in them.

 

Chuck

 

[victrola1906]

Finally got the C-4 home after my longest drive ever to pick up a phonograph! It would be interesting to know how far others have driven to pick up a phonograph. I dove 480 miles or 7 hours and 22 minutes, but it was well worth the trip!

 

 

[electrolaman]

I am glad you bought this Edison C4 from Thomas. He is a very nice young man into the hobby.  I almost went after this one myself. 

 

 As to how far have people gone to retrieve phonographs. I am based in Indianapolis and have driven well over 1000 miles one way to retrieve my Electrolas and other brands of electric phonographs / record changers. The furthest in recent years was 2308 miles to San Jose for my VE10-70E, 602 miles for my RCA 331 DUO, 563 miles to Kansas City for my VE10-69E, etc.  I have been in this hobby since 1968 at age 14 and owned all types of phonographs . But really seriously started in 1994 as an adult. A lot of miles have been traveled over the years going after machines.  😊

 

  

[victrola1906]

Thanks, I'm thrilled to have the Edison and Thomas did a great job restoring it.  I've been playing it regularly since I got it home. I've got it sitting beside my Credenza X for comparison purposes. I used to love hearing my early electric records on the Credenza, but I did not realize how much surface noise makes it through the horn that does not make it to the speaker on the Edison. I did not expect that. My records just sound so much cleaner on the Edison.

 

I would not blame you for going for the Edison yourself! This is my first electric phonograph but I'm seeing that it won't be my last. There is an inoperable Victor RE-45 locally for not much money that I'm tempted to pick up to learn how to repair early electrics. 

 

My 480 mile trip to pick up the Edison was long, but you definitely have me beat driving cross country! However, if I were to find a nice machine with a changer, I would probably drive that far myself!

 

I was given my first Birch suitcase phonograph when I was 12. My grandmother bought it for me at a church bazaar. I lost interest in phonographs from about 16 until I was in my 30s when I got interested in windup phonographs again. I've been collecting on and off since then. Looks like I'm back "on" again!