This magnificent creature is drop-dead gorgeous! Called the "Grand Opera," it is both grand and operatic in its majestic stature and fine sound quality. Zonophone was one of the oldest and most established names in talking machines, pre-dating even Victor! For over a decade, Zonophone was associated with visually arresting designs. No stranger to compelling beauty is this "Grand Opera." The imposing flower horn with translucent finish is only one jaw-dropping element.
We approached this instrument as if we were undertaking the restoration of a fine painting. The front panel has its original decal, and please note the exquisite figures in the quarter-sawn oak of the cabinet.
Zonophone employed an extremely clever system for elevating the soundbox (needlehead) off the record called the "Gibson arm"-- the arm snaps into a raised position. This design was unique among talking machines of the period. Note please the sparkling clean condiition of the metal parts and the crispness of the originalbracket decoration and gold filigree. In this image you can appreciate how the horn fairly glows with our luminous finish. It took years to perfect the multi-step process by which we achieve this precise replication of the original translucent finishes from back in the day.
We have meticulously rebuilt and calibrated the special
Zonophone soundbox to produce outstanding "Grand Opera" sound quality.
The spring motor has three main springs -- no wonder this instrument was so expemsive when originally sold -- $55. That was a significant expense at the time! At phonophan we go all the way when we perform a restoration. No short-cuts produces the finest results. Have you been looking for a beautiful talking machine? Be careful, the Internet is full of misrepresented junk. Our instruments have the backing of our 53 years of experience.
This patent notice is on the bottom surface of the cabinet. The serial number is written in by hand at the upper right.
We seldom get a chance to offer an instrument as dazzling and well made as this. Are you a collector? A music lover? Antique fancier? Doesn't matter -- Here's something worth adding to your life!
Price: $2250. plus s/h (NY State residents must add sales tax if applicable).
E-mail: phonophan@aol.com
Telephone: 585-244-5546
US Post: PHONOPHAN
PO Box 747
Henrietta, NY 14467 USA
Click here for Terms & Conditions of saleWe encourage Zelle. Visa, Mastercard, Amex and Discover accepted for US purchases. Foreign buyers please use bank transfer.