Questions about my new Edison S-19

[dale h]

Recently bought an Edison S-19 (my first Edison machine) for what I believe was a good price, now trying to figure out just what I have and what to do with it.

So, it appears this is a diamond disc machine. Does this mean it can play any vertical cut discs? I have an Edison disc - one of those ¼" thick ones with no paper label - can it be played on this machine?

The reproducer will require some attention. Is there a way to determine if the diamond is still good? The pin at the end of the reproduce is missing and the thin cord that attaches to the diaphragm is broken.

It appears that something was mounted inside the case to the left of the horn. What was it?

Last, what am I missing for the drop-down door for record storage? No idea why this picture came in sideways.

Thanks for any help.

Dale H

[52089]

Welcome to the Diamond Disc club. You will find plenty of info on the board about models, maintenance, parts, service, records, anomalies, and many other things.

Yes, this is a Diamond Disc machine, specifically designed to play the thick Edison Diamond Disc records. As shown, that's all it will play, but you can buy adapters so that is can also play "78s" and other types of records, providing you also have the appropriate needle or stylus.

your reproducer is not useable as shown. You can rebuild it yourself or send it out for repair. See the Links section of the board for info, or search the board for "Edison reproducer repair" or similar term.

You can test the diamond by trying to play the blank area between the last groove of the record and the label on a clean record. If you see any marks, the diamond is no good. I don't recommend trying this with your reproducer as is.

The mounting device inside the cabinet held the reproducer during shipping.

As far as I can tell, the only thing missing for your record storage is a screw and possibly a spacer. I can see the worn spot on the wood where the screw used to be.

Good luck with your new machine!

[dale h]

Thank you for taking the time to reply, it has been very helpful.

I have searched on "Edison reproducer repair" and it turned up a lot of hits. I am part way through them now.

I would like to get it playable, but without spending a lot of money. The case isn't in good shape. The grille is broken, there is damage to the veneer at the bottom of the case, and it will need to be refinished. Since this is a common model and not particularly valuable, I have no qualms about doing the repairs and refinishing myself. I used to do part time repair and refinishing work for an antique shop, so I am not without some relevant skills.

From what I have read so far, it seems than replacing the diamond will likely cost more than the machine is worth, given the state of the case. So, I need to determine if it is good before I go much further.

As I said, I got it for a good price and can likely sell it as a parts machine and still come out ahead. Still rather get it working, though.

Thanks again

Dale H

[JerryVan]

Do you have access to a microscope or a strong jeweler's loupe? Have a close look at the diamond and see if it still has a nice, conical point with a slight tip radius.

[dale h]

Jerry, unfortunately I have neither. I will around, but I doubt any of my friends will have them either.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Dale H

[Governor Flyball]

I bought a reasonable microscope for $10 at a thrift shop 20 years ago. One of the best purchases I have ever made. I have used the microscope countless times to examine phonograph stylii.

I always check under a microsope the condition of the Edison stylus. Under the microscope it is easy to determine if there is a worn flat or chip. A chipped stylus is the worst as it makes the stylus a cutter.

If you have the parience and dexterity, it is very straight forward rebuilding an Edison reproducer. I have learned over many years making my own gaskets and salvaging the rice paper/shellac diaphragm. The silk link I have replaced with cotton cord with excellent results. For the stylus hinge pin I buy cheap Chinese minature drill sets. We have a surplus shop in our town that sells Chinese tiny drill sets for about $2 and by selecting the appropriate drill size I cut off the shank for a best fit.

I do not know or expect there is anything published on this subject. But if you have a scientific bent and appreciate the physics of the reproducer's vibratory system, there is no reason you cannot repair the reproducer yourself.