Couple Pathé questions.

[larryh]

I was playing some Pathé records on the Brunswick.. I noticed for one that evidently the center start black edged at better recordings, at least that is how I am perceiving it. More Volume and tone. The other thing that I noticed was that on one of the black center starts as the ball needle traveled I could see what seemed like the record getting duller where the needle had been. I tried it on some others and didn't get anything like that noticeable difference. Do those ball type needles become damaged in someway to cause a noticeable difference in the records? I think I need to find a new one somewhere. Both of mine are original types I am sure. I haven't really noticed this problem previously and wondered if something about that record was causing surface change?

Larry

[Steve]

Larry, might I suggest you remove the sapphire ball and study it closely under a light with a small magnifying glass. I also had this problem once and discovered, much to my horror, that the ball had a tiny chip out of it leaving a sharp edge that used to chisel away the running grooves!

I agree that some of the early Pathé discs DO indeed sound quite loud. I'm not sure of the ones I've heard, whether the early type are better sound quality than the late type though. They certainly do sound better than needle cut records but that is not your question, I suspect?

[larryh]

Steve,

Thanks for the response, I have a magnifying glass, maybe it will be strong enough to detect something if its there. Oddly it didn't seem to show the same result on some other records of the same type.

As to wether the sound is superior to other types of early records, I would have to say yes. I find that next to the tone quality an realism of voice that edison was able to capture, a good Pathé record seems to be a close runner up. Not everyone may find this or hear this, but the extra edge of tone an realism the Pathés produce to me is superior to most other records expect perhaps the late acoustics of victor and others when the sound greatly improved for them as well. It might well be subjective as I can also recall being quite amazed at some early victor black label records that had quite a loud presence and good tone, so it might be the luck of the try at getting a recording an some turn out better than others.

Larry

[Valecnik]

I have to agree with both of you guys. I've got good quality machines, Vic V with Victrola no. 2, A250 Edison and Pathéphone no. 12 in the same room. All have good rebuilt reproducers. On acoustic recording ~ 1912-1920 something the Victor comes in 3rd... The Pathéphone is louder than the Edison but the Edison a bit clearer, crisper.

[Brad]

If it was the first time the record had been played a many years, it might just be surface oils/dust/crud being loosened.

[hillndalefan]

All valid comments, and the reason for my user name. I've found that often when there is a change in the look of the disc and the stylus is OK, it is a case of dirt, however slight, in the grooves. I've also found, when the friction between the stylus and the disc is too much [because of the disc having been played too many times in the past with a steel needle], if I give the record a coat of black shoe polish, buff it out with a tissue, then play it again, it plays without trouble and not slowing or stopping the turntable. I have to wipe excess wax off the first few times I play the record after that, but there are no long-term ill effects. Cylinders, from which these discs were mastered, played from left to right, so why not discs? The earlier, center-start Pathés have a higher surface speed at the end of the recording which also enhances the finale of whatever number is playing. It really was not a bad idea Bob Ault

[larryh]

I could see it if it were dirt that the surface would look different which you seen in edisons often after many years.. but this was a duller look and the shine was disappearing as the record proceeded. I hadn't noticed that happening previously, but did make me wonder what might be happening and of course the worst was my fear that it was indeed damaging the record. However as I also mentioned I don't seem to see a change of such an obvious nature on other records.. but I don't rule out a bad needle..

[Larry Hawes]

I have the NOS Pathé shank and stylus. Not too expensive. I mail me at [email protected].
Larry Hawes yes another Larryh