Edison Fireside combination with model K reproducer

[azbuckeye]

I have an Edison Fireside Combination cylinder player with a model K reproducer (2 and 4 minute settings) with a cygnet horn. I have owned it for about 30 years
When trying to play a 4 minute blue ambrola I barely can hear the cylinder.  light and fuzzy.  I am wondering if I damaged the reproducer or it has just gotten worn out and needs work.  See pic below, it is set to 4 min mode.  Appreciate any thought or ideas.

Thanks!

[lucius1958]

OK, some questions:

. Does it play properly on the 2 minute setting? If so, the culprit may be the 4 minute stylus: it may have become worn or chipped, after playing very many Blue Amberols. Also, it may have been damaged by hitting a bad split on a cylinder. Blue Amberols were made with a diamond stylus in mind, so a sapphire may be more vulnerable.

Get hold of a powerful jeweler's loupe, or a pocket microscope, and examine the stylus under good light: if you see any flat spots, that's damage. If the damaged area is small enough, it is possible to melt the shellac that secures the stylus, and turn it around until an undamaged area is present. However, this is an extremely delicate task, and should best be left to a professional.

If there is not enough usable surface on the stylus, the sapphire will have to be replaced. I would recommend Steve Medved or Wyatt Markus as excellent repairmen: while you're at it, you might as well have the whole reproducer rebuilt, for a small additional cost.

I hope this has been helpful to you.

BillS