Reproducer damaging cylinders when playing

[phonogfp]

I'm a bit confused, as the link I provided to you above on October 19 shows the Diamond B Reproducer and describes the cylinders it was designed to play.

The rubber connection between the horn and reproducer appears to be hose. A soft, supple rubber connector will give better results. They are readily available and inexpensive.

Also, the belt on your machine appears to be a rubber band. If this is the case, your results will likewise be unsatisfactory.

Often, bad results are caused not by one problem, but a combination of problems. A stiff horn/reproducer connector and a bad belt will certainly cause headaches.

You can contact Ron Sitko for these at:

56 Church Hill Road.
Waterford NY 12188
Telephone (518) 371-8549
(no website)

George P.

[orpington]

I don't know the definition of early, but it was shipped in June of 1906.

The belt is actually some sort of material like leather (vinyl?) and not an elastic band.

The hose is a radiator hose I had, and cut to fit.

It actually plays the Amberol cylinders VERY nicely but chews up 2 min cylinders even in 2 min mode (the one I tried first was cracked, anyways, so no real loss).

From the above post, I did not mean to confuse you. I know the problems and the resolution (4 min Amberols only). I only posted pictures because it was requested that I do so some time ago, and I only had time to do so today (and figuring it out how to get pictures onto the computer was a bit of a chore!)

[phonogfp]

I know the problems and the resolution (4 min Amberols only).

Again, just be sure you play only BLUE Amberols. The 4 min. wax Amberols will be destroyed by the Diamond B reproducer.

George P.

[NEFaurora]

"That's a Diamond B reproducer and will destroy anything other than a Blue Amberol, 4 min. cylinder."

Yes, That's correct, But you forgot to mention it will also play 4 Minute Indestructibles, and 4 minute Lakesides as well. The Diamond "B" reproducer is meant ONLY to Play 4 minute Celluloid plastic cylinders. It IS NOT meant to play any type of wax cylinders. Regular 4 minute Edison Amberol cylinders will be Destroyed if you try and play them using this Diamond "B" reproducer. The Diamond "B" reproducer was designed for the later post 1912 (1913-1929) Blue Amberols.

)

Tony K.
Edison Collector

[FellowCollector]

You have an early version Edison Home model B Phonograph with banner decal and 2/4 minute conversion added with Diamond model B reproducer mounted on a horizontal carriage and cygnet horn. A nice setup for playing 2 minute Indestructible cylinders and 4 minute celluloid [indestructible] (Edison Blue Amberol, Albany Indestructible, Lakeside, US Everlasting) cylinders only.

To add a bit here and reiterate what I had mentioned earlier, 2 minute Indestructible cylinders (Albany, Lakeside, Everlasting) may also be played with the setup being discussed. I have played hundreds of my 2 minute (Albany, Lakeside, Everlasting) indestructible cylinders over the past 25 plus years using several of my Edison phonographs setup with 2/4 minute gearing, horizontal carriage and diamond B reproducer (and also with my diamond model A reproducers on my Amberola 1A) with no damage or other problem whatsoever to the cylinders. The Edison diamond B reproducer was obviously intended for 4 minute Edison Blue Amberol cylinder use exclusively but it will play the 2 minute indestructibles as well other 4 minute celluloid cylinders just fine.

Doug