Got my reproducer fixed.

[Deleted]

I just got my reporducer, for my Edison Diamond disc phonograph back, today from George Vollema at Great Lakes Antique Phonographs. George does fantastic work, he installed a new diamond stylus, and rebuilt the reporducer as well. I reinstalled it tonight, and put on a disc, and was blown away by the sound. Before, it sounded muffled, but the with the new stylus, it's a whole lot clearer. For a 100 year old mechanical phonograph, the recordings are amazing.

[rocky]

Yep, George does good work. Some months back, I sent him my Diamond C reproducer to replace the stylus that was worn and had an echo. Now my Amberola 30 sounds great!

Rocky

[gramophoneshane]

New styli are recommended to be replaced after something like 200 hrs playing. Was there ever such a recommendation made by Edison as to how long his styli would last?

[bleek]

Good question.

[gibsonj]

Hey guys,

My readings suggest that Edison made a big deal about his diamond stylii lasting for the life of the machine and/or owners. This was one of his marketing differentiators with Victor, his main competition. He also emphasized less wear to his records from his reproducers, compared to the steel needles of the competition.

No doubt there is wear to diamond stylii from use. But, I suspect dropping reproducers did more resultant damange to stylii than record play.

John

[larryh]

Having had four new needles and only having one remaining that I can depend on not scratching the records I have grown leery of paying for new needles, especially after having a long and frustrating conversation with the owner of the needle manufacture in England. His contention was that any needle would scratch the surface under the pressure of the weight that Edison used. Somehow I could never get him to admit that the old ones can be 90 years old and still run without notice on the run off.

Getting an old needle in good shape is about as difficult as getting a new one that last it seems. I have several older needles which do not but I do suspect that the sound is a bit fuzzy due to the years of wear on the needle though normal playing. I did have one old needle that ran fine begin to leave a mark on the run off as well, I don't know if I dropped the head too hard on a record or if the needle just finally perhaps fractured a hair in some manner? My good new needle does play very clearly which is a real plus, I just wish the three other new ones didn't leave nasty lines in the run off or grooves when they were playing. I had to totally quit using them.

George does do great mechanical repairs. I was a bit surprised when he told me he was tone death had could not tell if a machine was playing properly or not! Not sure which new diaphragm he might be using currently but maybe that is why?

Larry

[bleek]

I'm looking to get my needle replaced on my Amberola 30. Is it something I should even attempt, or am I better off sending it out? And I'm in Vancouver BC so where should I send to?

[condensite]

I'd highly recommend sending it out, because if there are any immediate issues following replacement (faulty stylus, mostly)you'd have a rebuilder to deal with, not England's Expert Stylus Co., which supplies new stylii to everyone, whether you replace it yourself or not. I understand collectors dealing directly with Expert have often been discouraged trying to have any problems resolved.
The added cost of having it done by a dealer is worth it, in my opinion, and not very expensive.
That said, most complaints I've read about faulty new stylli have been related to diamond disc ones, not amberola examples.
George Vollema of Great Lakes Antique Phonograph is my favorite dealer. His work is good, the prices most reasonable, and best of all, he's quick!
The link:
www.victroladoctor.com/
Good luck!
Bob

[bleek]

Just got my Amberola reproducer rebuilt by George Vollema. Sounds fantastic! Apparently the needle was in pretty good condition but the rebuild and cleaning brought it back to life. I would recommend George for anyone wanting good and quick service!

[bleek]

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