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Post by reds2k on Dec 9, 2011 4:17:53 GMT -5
Hi, just joined after having a pretty hard time proving myself human! A long time ago I bought an old record player at a yard sale. I actually bought it for my brother but he didn't seem really interested so I decided to hold onto it. Now years later I have realized that it is an Edison diamond disc phonograph. Having done a small amount of research I believe it to be a model S19. When I bought it it was in working condition but after all these years of being stored at my parents I'm not sure if it stills works. Anyway, I now have a renewed interest in finding out as much as I can about it so here I am!
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Post by gibsonj on Dec 9, 2011 9:29:09 GMT -5
Welcome, and I think you've come to the right place. There are lots of very knowledgeable folks who contribute here.
The S-19 was a post WWI model that was available in the spring of 1919, and originally sold for $195.
Yours is likely in need of a good cleaning and fresh lubrication, and would also greatly benefit from a reproducer re-build. After all these years, the gaskets in the reproducers are dry and brittle, and don't allow the diaphragm to vibrate freely, which results in diminished sound and volume. I'd also suggest taking a close look at the diamond stylus with a jeweler's loupe or magnifying glass to be sure its still pointed and undamaged. Some folks have suggested a way to test the condition of the stylus is to lower it on a turning record in the run-off area, and see if any perceptible scratch is visible. The scratch would suggest a bad stylus. Obviously, a bad stylus can ruin records.
One last thing if you haven't already figured out. Only play Edison Diamond Disc records on your S-19 and Edison reproducer. The geometry of the record was unique to the Edison technology. So, playing a Victor record, for example, with an Edison reproducer will damage the record. Likewise, playing an Edison Diamond Disc record on a Victrola will damage the record. Adapters were made to allow for playing Victor records on Diamond Disc machines, so it can be done. But, it's important to understand the differences.
Hope this gives you a start. When you have specific questions or problems, I'm confident someone here has experience or an answer.
Good luck.
John
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Post by larryh on Dec 9, 2011 9:30:20 GMT -5
Welcome to the group.
If you have some questions about your machines operation just ask, someone is bound to help. If its not been played in a long time I recommend at the least removing the turn table and oiling the machine. There will be little oil cups under the motor board which should be marked "oil" on the plate. A number of drops of a 20 weight oil should get it loosened up again. Often the governor felt pads and disc are dry and need a few drops, you can see the governor usually in a large opening in the metal plate, its a round disc that two large felt pads are pressed against to control the running speed. Don't over oil those as it can throw oil all over the motor and worse the cover to the grill if it still has it. A drop or two on the crank where it passes into the cabinet and on the treads that turn it in to the motor are helpful.
Remember Edison machines with an Edison reproducer only play edison records unless you have an adaptor type part that replaces the standard edison head.
Hope that will at least get it running smoothly. You will want eventually to consider the reproducer as that is the heart of the sound and usually it needs at the very least new gaskets to make the diaphragm work as close to normal as possible. Also watch when the stylus is placed down on the rear of a record in that blank "run off" space, it should not be cutting an obvious line in the finish. A good needle will pass over it and you will not tell its been there. If you can see a line you need to have the needle replaced soon or your wrecking any record it plays.
Larry
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Post by larryh on Dec 9, 2011 9:31:27 GMT -5
Guess we were both writing at the same time.. Good minds think alike isn't that the saying?
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