The Kalamazoo Duplex



SEE ALSO: Our listings of outside horn talking machines for sale.


Manufactured around 1906-1909 in Kalamazoo, Michigan by the Duplex phonograph company, this unusual twin-horned machine was advertised in popular periodicals and sold by mail order. The design of the motor suggests that motor production was sublet to Columbia, although the motor does not swap with any Columbia disc machine models. Litigation initiated by the Victor Talking Company forced the Duplex out of business. Although the dual horns did not represent a significant technological breakthrough, the odd looks of the Kalamazoo Duplex have always made it a collector's favorite.

Kalamazoo Duplex
The rectangular oak case was decorated with a colorful banner decal. View larger image.		 Duplex motor
Details of the double spring motor. Note the Duplex stamping. View larger image.
Duplex reproducer
The two-faced reproducer. View larger image.		 Kalamazoo Duplex rear view
Rear view. The horn rest at the right is sometimes missing from surviving examples. View larger image.
Duplex horns
The silk-wrapped horns were suspended from a special horn cradle. View larger image.