Diamond disc converter

[KCW]

What do I need to play my victor discs on my Edison diamond disc player? Can anyone educate me on this? Thanks you!

[52089]

There are many different types of adaptors to play lateral cut records on a Diamond Disc machine. The adapter plugs into the horn, the same as a Diamond Disc reproducer would, but it is built differently, typically with joints that move in any direction and either a built-in reproducer or a socket for a "standard" reproducer like an Exhibition. You can find many examples on the board by searching for "Diamond Disc lateral adaptor" or similar. They generally run around $100, but you can sometimes find them for less.

[AZ*]

There are some pictures of the device in the following thread:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=41990

[KCW]

Probably a silly question, but with the adaptor then do I put in my regular victor reproducer? Found an adapter here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/373689172113?h ... SweNphHR4c

[Curt A]

Probably a silly question, but with the adaptor then do I put in my regular victor reproducer? Found an adapter here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/373689172113?h ... SweNphHR4c

I would wait until a better one comes along... That one is pot metal and missing a chunk where the reproducer connects... Just my opinion.

[drh]

For whatever it's worth, I have a Kent adapter, and although it does work, I've found playing conventional 78s with it on a diamond disc machine to be fussy, what with needing to coordinate an out-of-synch feed screw and what is, in effect, a very short conventional tonearm. If you want to play lateral disks acoustically, I'd be inclined to buy a machine that was designed to play them in the first place.

[gramophoneshane]

I've got 3 lateral adaptors.
An Oro-phone No.165
An Oro-tone No.5E
And a Kentone No.2

None of mine are designed to play vertical cut discs, so only play ordinary 78 records.

The Kent adaptor doesn't have the original soundbox so I use a German "Portuna", which is an oversize Victor/HMV No.4 copy.
The Kentone 2 is the one I like best, mainly because unlike the others it's not made entirely of potmetal.
The joints all move freely but I did have file a tiny amount off the end where it fits into the neck of the Dimond Disc horn so it will seat properly.
I had to do the same to the Oro-tone 5E.
The 5E however can occasionally skip a groove because it doesn't have much lateral movement to compensate for the difference between the feedscrew and record groove.
I've never encountered any problems at all with either the No.165 or the Kent.

[KCW]

Well, I’ve got a Vic V and a VV 8-9. Sounds like the adapters are not worth it. Will keep my diamond discs with my Edison and my 78s apart with the Vic V and 8-9! Thank you everyone for the advice!

[marcapra]

I did find one that works very well for 78s on an Edison DD player. It is the Orophonic, made by the Oro-tone company, and was made to sound like a Victrola orthophonic. It plays 78s very well. Edison made one just like it to play his new 78s on DD machines, except his has his name on it. I also have some of the earlier ones which mostly are not satisfactory.

[gramophoneshane]

That appears to be very similar design to my Kentone No.2, which has always been my favourite.
I think the extra length and gradual taper of the tonearm are a big improvement over other designs.
I've never thought about using an orthophonic style soundbox before, but next time I use it I must try my Meltrope 3 on it.