ICS Amberola 30 Question

[Jerry B.]

I bought but have not picked up an ICS Amberola 30. I have only seen two in all my years of collecting. Does an ICS Amberola 30 play entertainment cylinders as well as wax ICS cylinders? I know the ICS Gem only plays ICS cylinders and wondered if the ICS Amberola 30 is similar.

Thanks, Jerry B.

[rgordon939]

“A modified Model H reproducer with adapter ring was supplied with the I.C.S. AMBEROLA 30 equipment; this had the tail weight cut short and a half-moon section ground out from the front top edge of the tube. A right-angled elbow could then be mounted over the tube and led back to the neck of the horn. It was mainly intended for playing back recordings of language exercises made into the horn on the Edison 4-minute cylinder blanks.
”
Rich Gordon

Excerpt From
Edison Cylinder Phonograph Companion
George L. Frow
https://books.apple.com/us/book/edison- ... d931232534
This material may be protected by copyright.

[Lucius1958]

If the modified H reproducer has the regular stylus, it could be used to play wax Amberols; for playing BAs, a Diamond C would probably be better. I assume it has the external speed control?

- Bill

[gsphonos]

Hi Jerry,

I have owned a few of these neat machines! Usually the attachment is found on an earlier 30, with the speed control at the back of the gear cover, but not always! You can play the blue amberol ICS cylinders and entertainment cylinders—including 4M wax amberols. If the modified H reproducer is in good shape, the sound should be good. You can also simply take out the Language Attachment and put in a regular Diamond reproducer if you wanted to. You will notice that the reproducer set screws are extra long. In fact, if you ever find an extra long set screw for an Edison reproducer carriage, it is for an ICS attachment! When you get your machine, you will see that the set screw is that long because it goes through the regular carriage eye, then through the adaptor ring, and then against the modified H reproducer, to hold it in place. I am typing all of this on my cellphone, on vacation, so difficult! Lol. If you have any issues or problems with your new 30, just text or call, and I will be happy to help! I’ve even got a couple of experimental H weights, for the ICS attachment, which I got from Ron Dethlefson years ago. Have always loved any of the ICS machines!

Mike

[rgordon939]

The Modified H reproducer on the ISC Amberola 30 has the standard Model-H stylus. The modification to the tail weight was done because a standard tail weight would drag on the cylinder. Yes a Diamond-C woul play better on BA’s but ICS machines only came with the modified H reproducer.

Rich Gordon

[Jerry B.]

Thanks for the replies. I will report back when I pick up the machine.

Thanks againE
Jerry B

[chewy]

i would love an ICS 30 with model H to play 4M wax Amberol

[AmberolaAndy]

I have completely never heard of a machine like that! I cannot wait to see pictures!

[phonohound]

I have had an ICS Amberola 30 but any Amberola 30 can be converted into an ICS machine with the right components.

You need the reducing ring (not just any ring; it has a flipper that works with the Amberola lift lever to raise the reproducer up and down, a specialized Model H reproducer, and elbow.

The reducing rings are made of pot metal and most are chipped or broken and don't fit the phonograph carriage.

I have a complete ICS 30 carriage assembly which is pictured below for reference.

Finding one in good, operable condition is tough.

Scott

[Jerry B.]

Thanks for the great photos phonohound!

Jerry B.