Reproducer Questions

[maxxnas]

So this story begins by me finding a beautiful Edison Maroon Gem in excellent condition. The Model K reproducer has no issues playing 2 or 4 minute records. Sadly, the unit on full crank seems to run out of steam near the end of a 4 minute record. Since the unit is completely original (including crane and horn) I'll just leave it set up to play 2 minute records.


So I was really looking for a unit that had no problems playing a 4 minute record and once again I stumbled upon a completely intact Edison Standard Model F in nearly mint condition. So impressive is the power on this machine I can play two 4 minute records on a single crank. Shortly after purchasing this phonograph the sound went. I discovered the the combination Model S reproducer had lost it's stylus (sapphire). I shipped it out to Great Lakes Antique Phonograph for a rebuild.

Unfortunately it is the pot metal type and I'm not sure if it can be rebuilt. A new sapphire was added and to be honest with you...my Model K reproducer sounds better on the Model F then the S does.
This is where I'm looking for some help. I realize it's going to be impossible to find a Combination Model S reproducer (rebuilt or non pot metal). I'd like a larger reproducer like the S (I believe an R reproducer is the same size). Any ideas or suggestions? I really want the best sound out of the unit.

[FellowCollector]

The Standard model F has a carriage unique to that model. The model S reproducer can be rebuilt but it is very tricky since the pot metal is easily broken. I have rebuilt one of my own model S reproducers and it sounds a lot better. The first challenge is removing the reproducer itself from the carriage eye which takes a LOT of patience since most model S reproducers have swelled and are stuck good and tight in the carriage eye. If you are able to carefully get the reproducer out of the carriage eye, the safest bet to rebuild it would be to send it off to Steve Medved (if he still does reproducer rebuilds). The S reproducer top has to be carefully separated from the body in order to rebuild and therein lies the challenge due to the pot metal. I called Steve Medved several years ago and asked him if he thought it would be possible that I could rebuild it myself (Steve knew that I had rebuilt MANY of my own reproducers in the past but never a model S). He asked, "Doug, how does it sound right now?" to which I replied "Well, not too bad actually." and he said "Then I would enjoy it as is". I have 2 model S reproducers. One of them I was able to rebuild myself and it was a bear. The other one I ended up trying to rebuild and ended up chipping up the pot metal top so much that I deep-sixed it and bought a new steel top for it from Ron Sitko. Anyway, you have several options with yours. Send the S reproducer to Steve M., try a model R reproducer, replace your current model F carriage with one that will accommodate a model O reproducer or a diamond model B. Yes, it won't be completely original without that unique model F carriage but you will be able to enjoy playing it in the meantime. Just keep the model F carriage.

By the way, the oak grain / tiger striping on the front of your Edison Standard model F cabinet is SWEET!

Good luck,
Doug

[maxxnas]

Thanks Doug!

I sent pictures to Steve and he said it's rare (reproducer). A brass bottom with flat top. He thinks he can get it apart for rebuild.
I'll keep my fingers crossed. I'd love to pick up a Model R reproducer but I can't seem to find any. Do you know anyone selling one?

Bob

[Phonofreak]

I have a Model S that Steve Medeved is repairing. I should be getting that back soon. He is the man who will get this working right for you.
Harvey Kravitz

[CMcPherson]

Would somebody send me Steve Medeved's contact info so that I can add it to my repair providers list?

[52089]

Would somebody send me Steve Medeved's contact info so that I can add it to my repair providers list?

Search the board for "steve medved contact". It has been posted dozens of times.