Need help with phonograph

[kalash]

I got message from Russia. They ask me to help. They have couple of hundred wax cylinders with recordings made during ethnographical expedition in Siberia in 1928-29.
They want to record them and bought Columbia phonograph. But I think it is recorder, not reproducer they have in phonograph.
What is the best way for them to listen and record these cylinders?

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[Neophone]

Kalash,

I think the best and safest way to play and re-record them would be with a modern set-up. I believe a modern electric stylus can be rigged to fit a cylinder player's carriage so direct recordings can be made. Anyone else have any more solid info for Kalash?

Regards,
John

[phonogfp]

The machine is an 1899 model Type "Q" Graphophone, and it has its original reproducer so it will play cylinder recordings. The "Q" however is not a particularly steady-playing machine, nor is it a quiet machine. If the cylinders to be played are brown wax like the one shown, a better choice of period machine would be an Edison "Triumph" with either an Automatic reproducer or a Model B reproducer; better yet, use an electrical pickup such an an "Owl."

John's idea of using a modern apparatus such as an Archeophone would be the best solution.

George P.

[kalash]

an Edison "Triumph" with either an Automatic reproducer or a Model B reproducer; better yet, use an electrical pickup such an an "Owl."

What is it "Automatic reproducer" and where can I get "Owl" pickup?

[Neophone]

an Edison "Triumph" with either an Automatic reproducer or a Model B reproducer; better yet, use an electrical pickup such an an "Owl."

What is it "Automatic reproducer" and where can I get "Owl" pickup?

Kalash,

Scroll to the bottom of the page HERE for an description of an Owl.

Regards,
John

[phonogfp]

Thanks, John, for the "Owl" description. There are other electrical pickups available that may be worse, as good, or better than an "Owl." I don't own any, so cannot make a recommendation.

The "Automatic" reproducer was commonly supplied with Edison Phonographs until 1902. Unfortunately, they command several hundred dollars today, but a Model B will work just as well and can be had for more reasonable prices. Both reproducers use a ball stylus that is much easier on wax records.

Note: Don't confuse the Model B reproducer with the later Diamond B reproducer! You want the earlier Model B!

George P.

[kalash]

You want the earlier Model B!

George P.

How about Model C, will it work?

[phonogfp]

A Model C will work, but its chisel-shaped stylus exerts more pounds-per-inch than a ball stylus. For softer brown wax cylinders, use of the Model C may (and I stress MAY) result in increased wear to the cylinders. If these records are of value, I would invest in a Model B - - they are not rare nor expensive.

George P.

[WDC]

If I got you right on this and they want to transfer these cylinders, it is certainly not a good idea to use an old phonograph for this. All the existing imperfections of these recordings - and these are, technically, pretty much like poor home recordings - will add up with the flaws of the phonograph.

Have a look Christer Hamp's Phonograph Makers' Pages, it's full of ideas of how to accomplish a professional electric output for cylinder records.