couple questions from a newcomer

[darryh]

Some of the black and blue cylinders appear to be dusty and dirty.
This does NOT appear to me mold.
How do you safely clean these cylinders??

My wife and I would like to have more cylinders.
Is there a list of titles by number, and title???

We also would like to buy a player for the black wax cylinders.
Most are pretty high priced compared to the Edison Model 30 we bought.
Where should we look?

Thank you. Darry & Debbie

[keith1954]

Hi Darry and Debbie,

Here's a link to the City of London Phonograph & Gramophone Society page on cleaning cylinders. I've found it most helpful. This society was founded in 1919 and is considered to be the premier recorded sound society in the world. (No doubt, someone will have a different opinion, but isn't that why we're here, to share opinions?) As a former museum professional, my view on cleaning just about anything is to do the least invasive thing. Avoid chemicals and any harsh treatment. It's expensive, but the best way to store cylinders (in my humble opinion) is in a modern acid free box. The original boxes are not acid free and have had 85+ years to collect dust, gook and who knows what else. By no means throw them away, store them carefully in another box as the are valuable.

The older Edison phonographs that only lay 2 minute cylinders can be a bit pricey. There are many vendors. If you're new to this, or just don't have the talent or interest to restore a machine yourself then buying a restored machine makes sense. Maybe some folks here could make a suggestion for you.

I do recall seeing a list of cylinders and titles, a search on line will most likely find it for you.
Hope this helps,
Keith

[lucius1958]

Blue Amberols can be safely cleaned with distilled water with a few drops of detergent in it. Apply with a clean soft rag, then dry them. Don't get the plaster too wet, as that might cause it to swell. Other celluloid cylinders can be cleaned the same way.

Wax cylinders should be cleaned with distilled water only, using a soft brush. Avoid rubbing the surface.

BillS

[refseries]

Dear Darry & Debbie

There are many lists of blue Amberols about, or you could try a larger list of more manufacturers (see www.clpgs.org.uk/reference_series_page.htm).

I completely agree with BillS about avoiding rubbing the surface of a wax cylinder. Years ago I proudly polished the first Sterling wax cylinder I found, rubbed it until it shone like a new pin. I had to rub quite hard, to get rid of all those little grooves...

Hmmmmm

Keith

[keith1954]

That's a great story, Keith! All collectors have a " can't beleive I did something so silly" story. As a 17 year old, I once tried to iron a very warped 78 to get it to lie flat. It was a disaster.
Other Keith