Mod C Stylus

[mikec]

Is there any way to see if a stylus is good ( or would not damage a cylinder) without actually playing it and possibly ruining a record? Any visual techinques around??
I was looking at some units and would like to get an idea......both were not in working order at the time.

Any help would be appreciated

[maroongem]

Hi Mike,

If you have real good eyes, you will be able to see if the sapphire stylus is still shellacked into the stylus bar, but a 10x jeweler's loupe would be a better bet. Even then, there is no guarantee that there isn't a flat spot that may echo. That can be remedied by heating the bar and rotating the stylus.
If you can, you would be better off buying one that's been rebuilt and tested by a reputable dealer if you don't want to tackle to job.

Bill

[mikec]

Hi Bill,
Thanks for the reply..........Ca you tell me what I should be seeing..eg a fine sharp point like the tip of a disc needle or something else.

I can see where the bar is removable.........is that piece available if I need one or do you just replace the tip??

I am new to an Edison cylinder having worked on a Victor disc and now a Columbia disc..........so please excuse the questions.

is there a good site you know of to learn about them?

Thanks again Mike

[maroongem]

Hi Mike,

The stylus is shaped like a door knob and is not as sharp as you would find on a steel needle. Replacing just the sapphire is not an easy job for a beginner so I would sugggest you buy a new bar complete.
You can buy new bars with stylus from several sources, Ron Sitko at 518-371-8549 usually has these in stock and is very reasonable. Antiquephono.com (APSCO) is another source for parts as well. These are just a few vendors out ther that would have what you need.

Bill

[matty]

This site is excellent, and shows some pictures of styli, though not a close-up of the 2 minute sapphire.

www.edisonshop.com/en-us/pg_15.html

[mikec]

ALL, Thanks..........I will take a look at it with a magnifier and make a call based on your input to try playing a cylinder or not.

I just wanted to ask because....not knowing what should be there, I did not want to tear up a cylinder.