THIS ITEM IS SOLD

GRAPHOPHONE BQ


As always, Columbia led the game in innovation. The firm's widely bandied claim that it had created the talking machine business was actually true. Despite Edison's inventive genius, as a businessman he was often outdone by competitors. Columbia consistently bested him in the field of design. No greater proof exists than with the Graphophone "Tone Arm" instruments. 

While Edison and other firms were stuck in traditional technology, Columbia struck out ahead with its "over the top of the machine" horn innovation.  Type "BK" had been a popular model in the Columbia roster, but in 1908 Columbia took the basic BK and improved it beyond anybody's wildest expectations -- renaning it the Type "BQ."  The horn was now attached to a "back-bracket" mounted to the rear panel of the cabinet, thus getting it up and out of the way.  It was now at a perfect height to deliver the sound.  The BQ was the most "up-to-date" type of Graphophone, and immediately gave rise to a slew of other models in the same configuration.  The BQ is unique to itself, it is not merely a "converted" BK, it is an entirely new instrument.


The original cabinet finish and banner decal are in fine condition.  However, the real star of this show is the reproducer -- the "needle head" which produces the sound. Columbia had introduced an all-new design which relied on spring tension to create outstanding results.  In fact, these reproducers are among the most difficult to renovate after getting out of adjustment over the long years.  The average home-handyman makes a thorough mess of these tricky reproducers, resulting in blasting and very unpleasant distortion.  At phonophan we really understand the needs of this device, and the sound that now emerges of the horn is MIND BLOWING.  Yes, we are bragging -- compare the sound of this instrument to practically any other and you will be ASTOUNDED!   Looking for a machine that plays loud and clear, and well beyond the others? Look no further -- THIS IS IT!


Here you can observe the full impact of the technical wizardry.  The reproducer is above the record, improving the quality of the sound, and the horn sits up and in the perfect position to deliver optimum audio.  We have removed every speck of grease and gunk from the works.  What do other sellers give you? --- gobs of grease and grime!  


Under the back bracket is another original decal, which was always used on the rear panel of the Type BK. from which the BQ evolved.

Inside the lid is this notice, still showing the designation of  the BK, the BQ's immediate predecessor. 

The lid may be put in place, to protect the mechanism from dust, with the horn still attached. And the horn may be swiveled to the front to display its beauty, even with the cabinet lid on.


The "back-mounted" horn support arrangement, borrowed from the disc talking machines of the day, greatly enhanced the appeal of the cylinder talking machine at a time when the encroachments of the disc were apparent. The new configuration came easily to Columbia, since it was also manufacturing disc machines. With the horn up over the instrument, one big negative factor of the cylinder machine was eliminated -- the horn did not protrude very far into the room. And let's not forget the vivid and charming horn, which we have scrupulously restored, with hand-painted cabbage roses.  

Price: $1350.00 US, including THREE 2-minute cylinder records, plus s/h. (NY State residents must add sales tax, if applicable.)

Contact: phonotim@gmail.com

Telephone: 585-244-5546

US Post: phonophan

               PO Box 747

               Henrietta, NY 14467 USA

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