Double-needled soundbox

[Carlo 1963]

Hi all! I've just added to my collection an unusual reproducer: it looks like a normal soundbox, but you can insert the needle in two places, as shown in the pictures. As you can see, it has a tone-arm which can pivot in order to adjust the soundbox, as I suppose, to play both hill-and-dale and vertical records. Both the holes are triangular, and it's possible to use also bamboo needles. I put the soundbox facing the record, quite like the position of Edison diamond reproducers, so that the 45° needle was placed on the plate, and tried to play on my VIctrola gramophone one of my Pathé hill-and-dale records, using the appropriate sappphire needle with which I play Pathés, but I couldn't hear anything...
Can somebody tell me something about this reproducer, which doesn't have any brand-name?

Thanks for your attention!

[52089]

You appear to have part of a Jewel brand adapter used on Edison Diamond Disk machines to play lateral-cut records. Here are some pics I recently took of mine. The pin that lines up with the notch on the Diamond Disc horn reproducer mount has come loose on mine, but I do have it.

[Carlo 1963]

Thanks a lot for your answer! I plane in my future to buy an Edison gramophone, and that will be very useful... Can you tell me where could I find a needle suitable for these discs? I've got a dozen of them but I know that it's impossible to play them with a sapphire needle without damaging them.

Best regards

Carlo

[52089]

Carlo, my suggestion is that you don't bother finding a diamond stylus to play Edison records. In my experience, they all tend to mark the records from the very first play. If you're not able to get a Diamond Disk machine, the best alternative is probably a Brunswick Ultona machine with a 2-head reproducer. You can also play your Edisons on a modern turntable by cross-wiring the cartridge.

[Victrolacollector]

Carlo, my suggestion is that you don't bother finding a diamond stylus to play Edison records. In my experience, they all tend to mark the records from the very first play. If you're not able to get a Diamond Disk machine, the best alternative is probably a Brunswick Ultona machine with a 2-head reproducer. You can also play your Edisons on a modern turntable by cross-wiring the cartridge.

Agreed! Don't risk wearing your Diamond Discs. I have used some of these adapters and like mentioned, there is wear on the first play. I have found the best of any of the adapters to be the Vicsonia. However, even with a Vicsonia you may risk damage to your Diamond Discs. For what you may pay for a Vicsonia with a good stylus would probably be better spent toward a Edison Diamond Disc machine.

I do not believe there is any substitute in acoustic machines other than a genuine Diamond Disc machine. Once you acquire a Diamond Disc phonograph, make sure the motor is properly lubricated and adjusted. Also, make sure the reproducer is properly rebuilt and that it has a good stylus. I highly recommend Steve Medved for DD reproducer repairs. I had him rebuild mine and with a new Bruce Stylus and Larry's Trutone Diaphragm and it sounds amazing.

[Carlo 1963]

Thanks a lot to both of you: I totally agree with your opinions and I'll follow your invaluable suggestions.

Best greetings, I'll keep you informed about my future "Edison-news"!

Carlo