Edison model s reproducer

[Stephen_Heatherly]

I recently bought and restored an Edison green oak home phonograph. It has quickly became my favorite cylinder machine. I've installed a NOS 2/4 minute attachment and the machine plays great. Problem is I would like to use a reproducer with a larger diaphragm for better sound output but I don't want to replace the original carriage with a horizontal one. I've been considering getting a model s reproducer for the machine so I can keep the original carriage and play both 2 and 4 minute records with the larger diaphragm. Are s reproducer s easy to find? How do they sound compared to a c or h reproducer? Compared with a diamond b? Can the reproducer be changed from 2 minute to 4 minute and visa versa without taking it out of the carriage? Is there much of an issue with both styluses hitting the record at the same time? Anything else I should know?

Thanks,
Stephen

[52089]

I recently bought and restored an Edison green oak home phonograph. It has quickly became my favorite cylinder machine. I've installed a NOS 2/4 minute attachment and the machine plays great. Problem is I would like to use a reproducer with a larger diaphragm for better sound output but I don't want to replace the original carriage with a horizontal one. I've been considering getting a model s reproducer for the machine so I can keep the original carriage and play both 2 and 4 minute records with the larger diaphragm. Are s reproducer s easy to find? How do they sound compared to a c or h reproducer? Compared with a diamond b? Can the reproducer be changed from 2 minute to 4 minute and visa versa without taking it out of the carriage? Is there much of an issue with both styluses hitting the record at the same time? Anything else I should know?

Thanks,
Stephen

I have model H and S reproducers that are properly rebuilt and I do not notice significant difference in volume. Others may have other opinions.

The Model S is fairly hard to find, but not impossible. it is essentially the same as the Model K but with the larger diaphragm. You do not have to take it out of the carriage to select the 2 or 4 minute stylus, but you will probably have to lift the carriage up. That's easy if you have a small horn in use, but not quite as easy with a morning glory of cygnet.

As for the stylus hitting the record, I've heard of this but have not experienced it. If your record is badly out of round, it would certainly seem possible.

[phonojim]

In my opinion it is not worth it to buy either a K or an S. I have used almosr every reproducer from the Automatic upward and my advice is to get a restored H for your 4 minute cylinders. It will be much cheaper in the long run. I don't know what you are using for a horn, but if you are currently using a 14 inch horn, a larger one, such as an Edison Standard or Home horn will be a huge improvemement, moreso than the S reproducer.

Jim

[Stephen_Heatherly]

Thank you for your opinions. I just bought a large 30" black and brass horn for the machine. Still need to order a crane for it. I have a model h reproducer that I installed new gaskets in but, it echos a little and does not sound quite right. I think the stylus may be bad.

Thanks,
Stephen

[rgordon939]

Just to add my two cents in this discussion. The large body reproducers such as an N, O, R, or S all produce greater volume than a standard size reproducer. To get maximum results all reproducers need to be rebuilt properly. If I were going to the expense of replacing the carriage I would get a Model-O Reproducer for best results and ease of use. The least expensive way is to use a C & H.

Rich Gordon

[Stephen_Heatherly]

Thanks Rich. I would like to have an o reproducer but, they are very expensive and I really don't want to spend around $500 for a reproducer. I would like to get more volume out of my machine. One aspect of the c and h reproducers that I don't like is they tend to blast when playing loud recordings which I assume is do to the small diaphragm. If the model s is a significant improvement over the c and h reproducers I would like to find one for my machine but, if not I'd rather keep what I have. An o would be great, I even have a horizontal carriage already but, the cost is a little too high.

[tomb]

In my opinion it is not worth it to buy either a K or an S. I have used almosr every reproducer from the Automatic upward and my advice is to get a restored H for your 4 minute cylinders. It will be much cheaper in the long run. I don't know what you are using for a horn, but if you are currently using a 14 inch horn, a larger one, such as an Edison Standard or Home horn will be a huge improvemement, moreso than the S reproducer.

Jim

When everything is matched up, these machines play well. That would be with a C or H reproducer that was rebuilt and the larger horn to go with them. Some records blast out and some cylinders are quieter . There is a difference in them. A march record would be louder than a solo. With the horizontal carriage you will need a 45 degree adapter to attach to your horn. That would be your preference on what to use the horizontal or the angled carriage. When Edison went to the Amberola machines they gave a better sound on the cylinder that was played as everything was matched up. Your home will sound very nice when everything is in place with the horn making the biggest difference. Tom B

[Phonofreak]

I have an S reproducer, and I think they sound louder and clearer, than the C, H, or K. I have a Standard Model F, that I am currently restoring. The Model S was original equipment. Since you have a Model D, the C and H were original to this. The S reproducers are scarce and expensive if you can even find one. It took me years until I found a Standard Model F with the S reproducer. Also the size of the horn makes a difference, too.
Harvey Kravitz

[Stephen_Heatherly]

I just put the horizontal carriage and a diamond b reproducer on the machine and played a couple cylinders. With the horn that I just bought the machine sounds great. I think I'm gonna leave the horizontal carriage on the machine and use the diamond b to play my two and four minute celluloid cylinders. I have a model c and adaptor ring for two minute wax records.

Stephen

[Menophanes]

It may help to mention that the Model R reproducer, a single-stylus (nominally four-minute) type which has the same shell and the same large diaphragm as the S, runs perfectly well with a two-minute stylus. This model may be a little easier to find; I have bought two this year. For me the improvement in body and depth given by the larger diaphragm is well worth the expense, although I must admit that I have never had, or even heard, a professionally-rebuilt example of the smaller reproducers.

Oliver Mundy.