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Berliner Gramophone

Emile Berliner was the genius behind the very first DISC (i.e.: FLAT record) talking machine. The cylinder phonograph was already established, though it had yet to enjoy widespread success, when Mr. Berliner introduced his GRAMO-O-PHONE in the United States around 1895. Starting from a position of disadvantage vis à vis the cylinder talking machine, the Berliner Gramophone quickly rose to the level of serious competitor, perfectly astounding the forces of status quo. The fundamental machine that kicked-off the disc talking machine industry was this hand-driven model. Beginning about 20 years ago, a talented Canadian craftsman fashioned a limited number of these hand-made replicas. We obtained this one from an established collector. 

It does function, though we do not recommend it for playing records -- other more substantial instruments should be used for that purpose. It is primarily a laudably crafted representation of a priceless historical artifact.

The problem of wavering pitch had been associated with hand-driven talking machines since the days of “Tinfoil Phonographs.”  An attempt to absorb erratic hand rhythm or “jerkiness” was seen in an improvement to the later-constructed hand-driven Berliners. A rudimentary slip-clutch incorporated into the flywheel.  Alfred C. Clark, co-inventor of the soundbox used on “Improved” Gramophones, filed the patent application for this device on December 4, 1896, which was granted (No.597,875) on January 25, 1898. 

 A close-up of the Berliner slip-clutch.  Power was transferred from the pulley to the flywheel through contact with a rubber shoe at the top. Once the turntable was brought to operating speed, the flywheel/slip-clutch assembly would tend to compensate for uneven hand movement. The maker meticulously reproduced this delicate mechanism in excruciating detail.

This early type of needlehead has been colloquially termed the "Strap" soundbox. Once again, the craftsman has rendered it in scrupulous detail.

The Berliner Gramophone. The first viable, commercially successful FLAT DISC record player in the world--- the instrument that lead directly to all the discs in all formats that followed, 78s, 45s, 33s..... A monument in the history of recorded sound which you can own.

Price: $995.00 plus s/h (NY State residents must add tax).

Contact: phonotim@gmail.com

Telephone: 585-582-1586  

FAX: 585-582-2624

US Post: PHONOPHAN

               PO Box 747

               Henrietta, NY 14467 USA

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