15.5 inch Reginaphone Short Bedplate Music Box for sale

Do you want outstanding sound in a disc music box? Then a short bedplate Regina is definitely the way to go.

A late development in the history of the Regina music box, the short bedplate machines represent the apex of development of Regina sound. Rather than extending the entire width of the case, short bedplates extended around half the width of the case and incorporated a sort of second sounding board. The result was a deep, brilliant, unforgettable sound. Short bedplate machines are treasured by knowledgeable collectors, and always command a premium.

The Reginaphone was a combination music box and phonograph, a response to changing tastes gathering speed around 1905. Today, we esteem the Regina music box for its beautiful tone, but back then phonograph sales were cutting into music box sales, and the Regina factory responded in order to stay in business.

Over the years, the phonograph parts have been lost from many Reginaphones, and this example is no exception. It still retains the spindle for the turntable, and the mount which supported an elbow for an outside horn. This does not in any way degrade its operation or its value as a fine musical instrument.

The combs and mechanism of this machine are in superb condition. It's double comb rather than single comb; the combs were tuned slightly off from each other to yield a rich, ethereal sound.

This Reginaphone was owned at one time by a well known collector/restorer in the Midwest. I can't say for sure that he did any work on the mechanism, but either it was expertly restored at one time or else it arrived in great original condition. The combs are sparkling clean, the leads nice and solid, the dampers in regulation.

The motor works properly, the start/stop control is in adjustment, and the speed control slows or speeds up the disc as it should.

Short bedplate machines are usually, though not always, associated with pretty serpentine cases like this one. This mahogany case has good original finish and presents well. If you prefer a high gloss, it could be polished. There are a few inconsequential minuscule digs on the top of the lid; if you were here to see the box we wouldn't even talk about them, but in the interest of completeness I shot a picture of the most prominent.

Maybe most people don't think about a music box like this, but when you buy a music box what you're really buying is sound, and the sound of a machine like this is about as good as you can get for your money.

Your can hear this machine sing out on the mp3 file, or you can hear it play a different disc on the youtube video below.

Comes with a certificate of origin from the Musical Box Society International showing the date it left the Regina factory, and ten nice original 15.5 inch Regina metal records.

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Lynn Bilton
Box 435
Randolph,OH 44265
330 325-7866

We buy, sell, and repair antique phonographs and music boxes.

Pick-up and delivery possible in many parts of the midwest,south, and northeast.