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Post by poconosteve1 on Mar 11, 2015 17:33:37 GMT -5
Hi all. I have a black cylinder with metal ring insert on one end. Is this an indestructible? It plays well on my 2 min 1905 standard A....but cylinder doesn't fit on mandral all the way? Overhangs about quarter inch. Is this the way they were designed? And is it safe to play? Song is great! "I'd rather be a lobster than a wise guy"...lol!
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Post by lucius1958 on Mar 12, 2015 2:07:57 GMT -5
It's definitely an Indestructible: you'll see the patent date of July 29, 1902.
I don't think Indestructibles were as prone to swelling as Blue Amberols: it might be that one end is slightly out of round. If you have a cylinder reamer, some gentle work might remove the high spots that are preventing it from fitting on the mandrel properly.
As long as it plays through to the end, I should not worry too much about it. Some have suggested that frequent playing of celluloid cylinders might tend to wear the stylus slightly faster: but if you play mostly wax, it should not be a problem.
BillS
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Post by poconosteve1 on Mar 12, 2015 19:01:24 GMT -5
Thanks much Bill for the info. I will take a closer look at the shape, that is probably where the problem is. I didn't realize that this was celluloid either. These aren't really recommended for a C reproducer?. Probably best to stick to black wax. They are quite easy to come by it seems. Question: When you hear some background 'scratching' when playing some cylinders..is this an indicator of a more worn cylinder? or was this fairly typical for these early recordings? I have one or two that have almost no background noise..others noisier. Thanks again...
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Post by lucius1958 on Mar 12, 2015 23:29:19 GMT -5
A C reproducer will work fine on 2 minute Indestructibles: I just mentioned some opinions I have heard elsewhere. Generally, all 2 minute cylinder reproducers used sapphire styli, anyway, so you are probably OK.
Surface noise is one indication of a worn cylinder; or it may be that it may have become scratched, scuffed or dirty from careless storage. With wax cylinders, mold is often a problem.
BillS
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Post by poconosteve1 on Mar 14, 2015 8:06:15 GMT -5
Thanks again Bill for your input! Yes, I try to be really careful with my choice of cylinders to make sure free of mold, scratches, etc. I also clean gently before use with damp towel and then dry. My C reproducer was 'rebuilt' from person I bought unit from..so I assume that is playing at its best?.
These machines are a lot of fun to learn about and listen to. The sound of an original, 100+ y.o. recording is truly amazing, even with a little background noise expected. When you think these voices were probably born around the civil war, and are all gone now, you can appreciate the sound even more.
I'm sure all members would agree. Thanks again... Steve
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Post by nefaurora on Mar 24, 2015 17:18:51 GMT -5
It's most likely RUST on his cylinder ring stopping his Indestructible from going on all the way, HOWEVER, Albany Indestructibles (as they are called for being manufactured in Albany, NY) do suffer from shrinkage occasionally and this is worst on both ends of the cylinder. I've found that out of every 20 Albany cylinders, At least 5 will have shrinkage...so it's pretty normal. Thay are still the best made cylinders of the era..hands down though. Way better made than wax! That's for sure!  ) Tony K. Edison Collector/Restorer |
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