Graphophone “Home Grand” – Second Style (Bettini Configuration)

Object/Artifact

-

Edisonium

Name/Title

Graphophone “Home Grand” – Second Style (Bettini Configuration)

Entry/Object ID

152

Description

Graphophone “Home Grand” – Second Style (Bettini Configuration) Columbia Phonograph Co., USA – ca. 1900 Six-Spring Motor – Fitted with Rare Bettini Reproducer Top-of-the-line Graphophone model Historical Background The second version of the Columbia Home Grand was introduced in early 1900 and represented the pinnacle of the Grand series. It replaced the earlier “AG” model with numerous mechanical and aesthetic upgrades. At a retail price of $100, it was one of the most expensive mechanical sound playback devices of its time. The machine was designed for the most demanding professional environments: business dictation, music presentations, trade shows, and pharmacies – anywhere long runtime, robust performance, and superb sound quality were essential. Technical Features Six-Spring Motor: Exceptionally powerful clockwork drive with enough energy to play up to 14 cylinders per wind – among the highest capacities of any spring-powered phonograph. #4 “Grand” Reproducer (here replaced with a Bettini): While the original unit came with a Columbia sound box, this museum piece is equipped with an extremely rare Bettini reproducer – a legendary high-end component known for its brilliant acoustic performance. Fully Enclosed Gear Mechanism: Unlike the earlier version, the upper gears are now fully enclosed, reducing wear and minimizing mechanical noise. Ornate Cabinetry: Solid oak cabinet with intricate rope-moulded trim, turned corner columns, and recessed panels. The motor plate is hinged at the rear for easy maintenance access. Shaving Attachment: Included as standard – for smoothing and reusing wax cylinders, especially useful in studios and dictation offices. Bettini Reproducer This unit features an original Bettini reproducer – one of the most coveted sound transducers in phonograph history. Italian-American inventor Gianni Bettini manufactured these heads in very limited numbers, and they were widely considered the finest acoustic sound systems of the era. Significance The Home Grand Second Style stands as a monument of cylinder phonograph engineering. It combines superior mechanical performance with high-end craftsmanship. Its six-spring motor, majestic cabinet, and rare Bettini reproducer make this example from the Edisonium Mariazell one of the true highlights of the entire collection.