Blue amberol and Edison Gem questions

[retro92]

Recently I acquired an Edison Gem Model C, which isn't in good shape (although it looks nice cosmetically).

It doesn't run but at some point a Blue Amberol cylinder has been put on the mandrel and left there, and I guess the plaster has swollen over time. The title is 2945 Serenade by E. Couturier. Would be there any way to get it off the mandrel without breaking it? If not, then I hope it isn't a particularly rare record. Either way, it's frustrating because that machine wasn't meant to play Blue Amberols in the first place...

Also, it's missing the on/off knob (not sure if that is the correct term) on the right side of the machine. There are two little holes with a pin shaped piece of metal sticking out of one which won't move. I've tried looking for a replacement piece online with no luck - is there anywhere I could find one?

This is only the second Gem I've ever seen and the last one wasn't running either, so don't know much about how they work - I do know a man who does repairs so will ask him to help me get it running eventually.

Thanks,
Scott

[HisMastersVoice]

You might be able to remove the mandrel and put it in the freezer overnight to see if that loosens up the record...just a thought.

[Jerry B.]

Another method to remove the cylinder is to take a small block of wood and gently tap it off. Jerry

[retro92]

The freezer method was successful and the record is unharmed. Thanks both of you for the suggestions!

[edisonplayer]

I showed a friend of mine who has a Gem model C that he bought from Tim Fabrizio how a 4 minute cylinder would play on his machine.I used a Blue Amberol to demonstrate.He saw that it didn't work.I got some wax Amberols and Blue Amberols from him.I've suggested to him,"You should get an Edison that plays both 2 AND 4 minute".But,he's happy with only 2 minute.edisonplayer

[JerryVan]

I have Gem that wasn't "meant" to play Blue Amberols either but it does. It has a 2/4 minute adapter & K reproducer.

Scott,

Does your machine possibly have the same adapter?

[retro92]

Hi Jerry

When I go back home for the mid semester break, I'll check to be 100% sure, but it didn't appear to have a 2/4 minute adapter fitted. Also, it didn't come with a reproducer.

Scott