The Edison Diamond Disk
The Edison Diamond Disk was unlike the Victor or Columbia phonograph in that it utilized a diamond needle reproducer (like the Standard Cylinder) which was considered a higher quality reproducer. The Diamond Disks were completely unlike standard disks in their method of recording and could not be played by conventional phonographs, nor could conventional records be played by the diamond reproducer. An attachment was created for machines like this one so that the same unit could be made to play either kind of record. Though the diamond needles lasted for many playings, this format never caught the attention of the market like the steel needle record players. The Model A-100 featured here (and last serviced by a "certified dealer" October 15, 1915!) had a speed control, brake (automatic when the playing arm reached center), and a volume control which utilized a "pad" that was mounted on a post. The "pad" (green in the photo) was moved closer or further from the center of the sound horn to mute the volume.
Hear the Edison Diamond Disk play "Bees Knees
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