iainp
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Posts: 37
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Post by iainp on Dec 20, 2012 10:23:53 GMT -5
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Post by maroongem on Dec 20, 2012 16:23:12 GMT -5
Iain,
If it were 100+ yrs ago and you were going to play a brown wax cylinder, I would say fine due to the relative softness but these cylinders have had a century to harden, and the consensus is that a C is ok to play them now. I would suggest though that you record them and play them sparingly as they are more unique than the later mass produced cylinders and why subject them to unnecessary wear?
Bill
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iainp
New Member
Posts: 37
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Post by iainp on Dec 20, 2012 17:59:24 GMT -5
Hi Bill, That's great news, thanks! You've saved me spending $200. I hadn't heard that before, and the only info I'd seen online was telling me not to use a C reproducer, eg this site: www.cylinder.de/guide_brown-wax-cylinders.html"Later reproducers as the far more common Model C carry an unsuitable doorknob stylus and should not used with brown wax like Model K, H and O. Be sure to always have the correct reproducer selected as the wrong model may cause irreversible damage to the cylinder!" Now I'll spend the money on cylinders instead ;-) Regards, Iain |
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Post by martinola on Dec 21, 2012 1:50:08 GMT -5
I'm going to have to disagree with Bill on this one. There is still quite a bit of debate out there about the extra wear the Model C puts on brown wax. Although you can play the cylinders with a "C" (I've done it), I've noticed that they do seem to wear faster than the ones that haven't been played with one. (And if you want to kill the grooves fast, play 'em with a model H. - Trust me on that one. ;D)
Seriously, you can probably get away with using a model C in a limited way, but if you're going to invest in these fragile bits of history, I'd invest in a model B at least or better yet: an automatic with the thinner weight. I'll climb off of my soapbox now. (Yes officer, I'll go peacefully...)
Regards,
Martin
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iainp
New Member
Posts: 37
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Post by iainp on Dec 21, 2012 5:24:21 GMT -5
Oh dear, what have I started? ;-)
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Post by wagnerian on Dec 21, 2012 7:02:30 GMT -5
To put in my ten-penneth worth.
If you are just going to play your brown wax cylinder once or twice to hear whats on it or what it sounds like, then a C reproducer is fine. If you are going to repeatedly play the cylinders then I would err on the side of caution and invest in a B or an Automatic.
Alternatively for the same money, you may be able to pick up a small Columbia or Pathe phonograph with a floating reproducer which would be fine for playing brown waxes assuming the stylus as in good condition.
All the best
Tim W-W
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Post by martinola on Dec 21, 2012 12:56:54 GMT -5
Oh dear, what have I started? ;-) No real controversy here. Bill has years of experience in the field and has merely expressed something that many other very respected people have also stated over the years. I highly respect his knowledge and opinions. I simply wanted to point out the opposing opinion that other folks have had over the years (which also coincides with some of my personal observations). When it comes to fragile brown wax records, I like to be extra cautious. That said, they are tremendously interesting to hear and I think you'll really enjoy having these links to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Regards, Martin |
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Post by refseries on Dec 22, 2012 6:07:57 GMT -5
For acoustic playing I agree with Tim and others that it makes sense to use a Model B or even the lighter Standard Speaker or Automatic. However while nothing beats an acoustic cylinder played acoustically in the case of early brown waxes I would be tempted to record them electrically then put them somewhere safe and listen to them on CD. These tracks are too valuable to risk.
Keith
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iainp
New Member
Posts: 37
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Post by iainp on Dec 23, 2012 18:00:50 GMT -5
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Post by martinola on Dec 23, 2012 23:10:43 GMT -5
Hi Iaian. Yes, the 2 main options seem correct. I prefer the Automatic with the lighter weight, but they require the earlier style reproducer carriage that does not have the reproducer locating pin at 12 o'clock. True, some have been altered with a notch, but they are kind of scarce and I don't advise filing a notch into a reproducer body that doesn't have one. For 1901+ Edison, the model B seems to be the best choice for brown wax. Here's a link to Rob Lomas' web page about different Edison reproducers: www.edisonshop.com/reproducers/ducer.htmlRob makes (or made) an excellent modern electrical pick-up for transferring cylinders to digital or tape. Regards, Martin |
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Post by lucius1958 on Dec 24, 2012 2:23:08 GMT -5
There's only one Columbia machine I can find on ebay at the moment. Is this what I'm looking for? Does this come with the 'floating reproducer' or is that something I need to buy separately? www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RARE-COLUMBIA-BF-PEERLESS-GRAPHOPHONE-CYLINDER-PHONOGRAPH-ORIGINAL-AND-WORKS-/140738163954?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20c4a5f4f2 Actually, the BF used the 'Lyric' spring tension reproducer, not a 'floating' reproducer. You'd be better off looking at one of the 'A' series Columbias. (The nomenclature is a little confusing; but most models with the 'A' prefix - except for the AZ - used floating reproducers. The 'B' prefix usually designates later 'Lyric' models- except for the variants of the Type B 'Eagle' open works Graphophone. Then there's the 'Q': also a floating reproducer model - but not really suitable for serious playing.) As for the Edison 'Automatic': those are easily recognizable by their recessed front plate; though they were built to fit the early 'clamp' type carriage, rather than the later set-screw type... -Bill (Yes, another one.....) |
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