Is the reproducer shape correct for playback ?

[REM117]

Hello,

I've bought recently an Edison GEM in correct stand. The model of the reproducer is C.
I am playing some black wax and celluloid cylinders (not too much ) and I notified some white residue on a celluloid cylinder after the last playback.
I am careful and I wouldn't damage them.


I took picture of the saphir of the reproducer and we see that the shape isn't a perfect ball (like Pathé Saphir).

Microscope Edison C saphir

I've joined both pictures.


Do you think it can be harmful for the cylinders ?


Thank you in advance for your help !

[fran604g]

The shape of your stylus is correct for a Model C reproducer. It should be a doorknob shape.

It does appear to possibly have a crack or chip though? It's tough for me to see it well in the image.

If it is chipped, the chip would cause playback sound issues, and/or damage records.

If that's the case, you could try to soften the shellac which holds it in the stylus bar, and carefully rotate it to expose an undamaged section for use.

Best,
Fran

[NEFaurora]

"The shape of your stylus is correct for a Model C reproducer. It should be a doorknob shape."

That's 100% Correct. It has the correct shape. It should look as it looks...Like a Doorknob..

Big TIP:

One thing that I would do before you use it for playing any cylinder is gently give it (The Sapphire) a good cleaning with some Alcohol...then blow it dry.. You want to clean it of any Dust or debris..(Dirt)..

The playback will sound much better!

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

[FellowCollector]

I notified some white residue on a celluloid cylinder after the last playback.

Residue on the surface of a cylinder, especially a wax cylinder, after playing it can be alarming. However, some 2 minute black wax cylinders can be found with a light film on the surface from not being played in a very long time. When those cylinders with light surface film are played using a reproducer in fine playing condition the film on the surface will be (effectively) cleaned out of the grooves by the stylus thereby depositing some noticeable surface (film) residue after play. This residue can be blown off by a healthy exhale and then carefully wiped off with a soft towel. Upon replay of the same cylinder you should notice a far more clear performance since the details within the grooves are no longer coated with the light surface film. I have played hundreds of wax cylinders purchased over the years having this light surface film with absolutely no harm to the grooves. With initial play of these cylinders the sound can become intermittently muffled a bit since the stylus is being soiled by the surface film and then it is cleared and then soiled and then cleared and so forth as the stylus navigates the grooves. I have some wax cylinders right now with the surface film on them and I'll try to take some pictures so that you have an idea what they look like.

If you're seeing residue after playing a reasonably clean indestructible (celluloid) cylinder that can be a bit more concerning. Indestructible cylinder surfaces can surely become dusty and lightly soiled and leave tiny residue deposits on the surface after playing. From my own experience indestructible cylinders typically don't acquire the same light surface film after a period of years of remaining unplayed as referenced above with the wax cylinders.

If the stylus is in good playing condition then make doubly sure that the stylus meets the surface of the cylinder correctly. If there is any contact from the stylus bar on the cylinder surface you will begin damaging the cylinder surface during play. Years ago I owned a Columbia model AZ and the prior owned had fiddled around with the reproducer including replacing the original diaphragm link with one that was too long. When a cylinder was played the "heel" of the stylus bar was slightly touching the cylinder surface resulting in a deposit of residue on the surface after play of a wax cylinder and a celluloid cylinder would yield a "worn" appearance. I immediately replaced the link with one of the correct length and all was fine.

If you can post some additional pictures that you feel may be useful in determining the cause of the residue they may help us help you.

Doug