Reproducing Edison ‘Opera’ brake indexing sliders

[JohnM]

I recently purchased an Edison ‘Opera’ and as is often the case, the brake indexing slider is missing. I broached the subject of reproducing them with Pedro Martinez Diaz in Spain as I feel that there is likely a pent-up demand for these. The last ones that I recall being reproduced were in the 1980s, and although serviceable, weren’t exactly finished accurately. Pedro says Operas are scarce in Europe and that he would need an original to copy. I don’t have one to lend him — the fact that I need one is what started this conversation. Does anyone have one and the knurled set-screw that they would be willing to send to Pedro to copy? Of course, this is the same slider that is used on the Amberola I-B, III, and School. I have no financial interest in this project, just trying to initiate it. Thanks in advance if anyone is willing to help.

[JerryVan]

Darren Wallace, "Phonospud" on this forum, would be able to make perfect copies and would have access to a sample piece to work from... if it's something he would want to do.

[Raphael]

Don Gfell supplied them to me regularly until he died. He sourced them domestically. I don’t think that they would need to be made in Spain, with all the added complications that would entail these days. I and almost everyone I know in the clock and music box world is holding back on importing stuff. I have wooden horns marooned in Peru for the past 8 months and have had to turn away customers for them.

Raphael

[JohnM]

Raphael,
Do you have any mahogany Edison bells stateside?

[Raphael]

Sorry, my wooden horn sales are suspended until the import situation is resolved.

Raphael

[JohnM]

Sounds like we need a domestic source for those, too!

[cleveland1996]

Have you checked with Paul Baker? He may have what you need and it would be a perfect replica..

Joe

[JohnM]

I have zero interest in contacting Paul Baker.

[JohnM]

Oh, well, Pedro! I tried!