How to repair Model C mica de-lamination?

[oldphonographsteve]

I have an Edison Model C reproducer that tends to be a bit buzzy on loud band cylinders. I have had the gaskets replaced, the retaining ring is very tight yet the thing still buzzes and rattles like crazy on any loud notes. I then checked the diaphragm and saw that the mica was somewhat flaky and separated. I have a hunch the mica diaphragm is the issue and would like to repair the flaking if possible.
I would like to keep it if possible because it is original to the reproducer, although I did test it with a copper diaphragm and it turns out that the reproducer does not buzz with that.
I would really appreciate any ideas on how to fix the mica de-lamination.
Thanks!

[Le0]

make a new one? I really don't think you can fix it... if you put glue it will probably have a bad effect.

[Curt A]

oldphonographsteve,

Send it to Steve Medved and he will do a fantastic job of rebuilding it... no sense being attached to or emotional about worn out mica...

[Bob]

You can get a replacement mica from Ron Sitko. I like the way the copper one sounds better thou.

[VintageTechnologies]

I think the corrugated copper diaphragms are more flexible and better suited to comply with and track the vibrations of loud Gold Moulded cylinders. I find the mica diaphragms to be more tinny and "blasty" with loud records; they are probably better suited for the quieter brown wax records, as the glass diaphragms certainly are.

[Victrolacollector]

I use the copper diaphragm in my model C
I had to replace the diaphragm in my Columbia Lyric, I used the copper diaphragm since nobody had the built up mica.

Jerry

[oldphonographsteve]

Thanks so much everybody! I think I'll skip trying to fix the flaking and just get another mica diaphragm and see if that makes any change.
However, even with the copper diaphragm that I tested the reproducer with there are some cylinders that just buzz a lot, I'm not sure why.
But over all I think the copper diaphragm sounds much better too, I just want to get the mica because it is what the machine originally had.

[edisonphonoworks]

The problem is the modern gaskets. ("Experts" going mutter mutter!!) Neoprene is used to make these modern gaskets, they are slightly hard, and limit the bass movement of the diaphragm. Even though natural rubber goes bad quicker than neoprene, but maybe not, my Ediphone dates from the 1930s and still has soft, tan colored natural rubber gasket that is not cracked or hard. I have used simple rubber cement and shellac to put the steps of mica diaphragms together, and have made stepped recording diaphragms this way and also I use burnt rubber , that is I use liquid latex, and attach the layer, and then take a lighter and burn the rubber to make viscous dampening between the layers. The original copper sounds much better than new ones as it is some kind of alloy, while modern replacements are just copper. I though think the mica sounds brighter.

[Victrolacollector]

The problem is the modern gaskets. ("Experts" going mutter mutter!!) Neoprene is used to make these modern gaskets, they are slightly hard, and limit the bass movement of the diaphragm. Even though natural rubber goes bad quicker than neoprene, but maybe not, my Ediphone dates from the 1930s and still has soft, tan colored natural rubber gasket that is not cracked or hard. I have used simple rubber cement and shellac to put the steps of mica diaphragms together, and have made stepped recording diaphragms this way and also I use burnt rubber , that is I use liquid latex, and attach the layer, and then take a lighter and burn the rubber to make viscous dampening between the layers. The original copper sounds much better than new ones as it is some kind of alloy, while modern replacements are just copper. I though think the mica sounds brighter.

I like the strength and life of neoprene, but it does seem to restrict and not absorb as much vibration as the old rubber. I purchased some new gaskets from Walt Sommers for my Victrola #2 and Victrola #4 reproducers. The sound is amazing. His gaskets are softer more like a rubber foam. I am not sure if he makes them for cylinder machines, but they would be nice.

Jerry

[VintageTechnologies]

However, even with the copper diaphragm that I tested the reproducer with there are some cylinders that just buzz a lot, I'm not sure why.

I think some buzzing comes from a loose fit between the link wire and the holes in the diaphragm and stylus bar. I once tried filling the gaps with glue to reduce the buzz, that made the linkage stiff and dampened the volume.

Has anyone else done experimentation along those lines to reduce buzzing?