The Edison Opera Phonograph

It was past said that this superior Edison Opera, introduced in November 1911, possibly gave the best sound of any contemporary instrument, cylinder or disc. The horn-reproducer assembly remained immobile and the cylinder moved under the stylus, producing very little mechanical noise, which must have been very pleasing for the ear.

With the reproducer remaining stationary, it was suspended over the record by its own output tube, held in the neck of the horn support by a knurled screw. By pressing only one lever, the motor started and the needle descended. The phonograph stopped automatically at the end of the record.

The Opera plays only 4 minute records, and is most commonly equipped with a Diamond "A" reproducer, which was intended for the Edison Blue Amberol (celluloid) cylinder records. Operas were also issued with a Model "L" reproducer.

When the Edison Opera phonograph was first introduced in 1911, it played only 4-minute wax cylinders with a sapphire needle, and by 1912 a new improved diamond stylus allowed it to play the Blue Amberol celluloid cylinders.

It employed a beautiful wooden horn which was based on the successful Edison Cygnet horns, which had been introduced a little earlier. The self-supporting wooden horns were Music Master Horns. The horn-stem supplied with these machines was angled to make the horn sit squatly and cannot be used on other Edison phonographs fitted for Cygnet type horns.

The Opera was available in oak and mahogany (shown), although cabinet style differed a bit between the two types of wood. Pillars in each corner made this a unique Edison design. The cover rested on the case, but could not be
fastened for carrying by the top handle. A hole in the cover, allowed the horn to be mounted with the cover in position.

More "fun-facts": Last year of production, 1913
Dimensions: Height 14 3/4 inches, base 18 inches x 12 3/4 inches. Weight: 42 pounds. Finish: Top-plate and fittings finished in brown enamel with gilt lining. The crank, reproducer, auto-stop setting and end carrying handles were oxidized bronze. Earlier machines have been noted with a gun-medal finish. 1911 Price: $90.00, which included oil can brush with the Edison Opera.

References:
"The Edison Cylinder Phonographs 1877-1929", by George L. Frow and Albert F. Sefl

"Phonographs and Gramophones", by Marco Contini