New Antique Phonograph Society Website

[phonogfp]

As part of the merger of MAPS and APS, the new website for the Antique Phonograph Society is now operational. Our intent is to make the website a valuable resource for beginning, intermediate, and advanced collectors. To that end, there are presently six introductory articles on identifying antique phonographs, proper operation, a glossary of terminology, and the collecting of antique phonographs. More are on the way, plus articles for intermediate and advanced collectors. In addition, back issues of The Sound Box (2004 through 2011) are now available at the click of a button. Some future events are announced, plus a report of a regional groups's recent meeting. And the Online Shop currently offers 4 different DVDs of interest to collectors. There are also pages for quick and easy joining/renewals, donations (which have helped make this website a reality), and for contacting us.

The new website is only a starting point; the result of many, many hours of work by people around the world. Because we believe that most beginning collectors will find us through the Internet, we have front-loaded our initial "Articles" offerings for maximum value to novices. Expect to see additional features in the weeks to come, including articles of interest to intermediate and advanced collectors, some outstanding book-length resources unavailable anywhere else, and videos.

We at the Antique Phonograph Society are pleased with our new beginning, and we are quite eager to add new and exciting features in the near future. We invite everyone to visit the website at:

www.antiquephono.org

We also encourage our members to offer suggestions for future additions to the website, and of course to RENEW!

Finally, I'd like to recognize the excellent work of both Boards of Directors (MAPS and APS) for their efforts in developing the new website; to the Xakbox team who performed the programming and responded to our endless requests for modifications; and to our donors, whose generosity enabled the plan to become reality in a remarkably short time.

As Rod Pickett (current MAPS President) and I have stated before, we think our hobby is on the brink of a new era.

Best regards to all,

George Paul

[soundgen]

I like the glossary and the basic tips great ! BUT "Mouldy or mildewed cylinders are of little or no value. The mould, being a plant material, has consumed some of the wax compound of which the record is made. This material is gone forever and no amount of cleaning can ever restore it. Brown wax cylinders can be shaved down and re-recorded, but the black wax cylinders are beyond redemption. "

My friend Gerry records Elvis on all his old damaged black wax cylinders , they sound great ! Brings a new dimension to the cylinder ! So don't bin them re record on them !

[Valecnik]

I like the new site. A big improvement. One suggestion, have you considered offering back issues of "the Sound Box" in PDF format, at a reduced price or possibly gratis after a period of time. Even those of us who are long terms members have difficulty finding all of our back issues. Being able to page through old issues might also be a good way of showing off the publication and attracting new members. Just a thought.

[gramophone78]

This is wonderful. However, should this not be in our "Links" section so it is not so easily lost down the "Machines" list?. Just a thought.... .

[Valecnik]

IMHO the announcement is better placed here where it gets more traffic. It's directly related to the collecting of machines. It can, and should still be put into the Links section too though, I agree.

[gramophone78]

IMHO the announcement is better placed here where it gets more traffic. It's directly related to the collecting of machines. It can, and should still be put into the Links section too though, I agree.

.That's what I meant. It's already here. However, in our "Links" would be good too and easier to locate down the road.... .

[FloridaClay]

George,

It looks like the site is off to a great start. Best of luck to all of you as the newly merged organization gets up and running.

Clay

[rodpickett]

Several options are under consideration, including eBook Versions of specific articles. Our new website will be the primary portal. Watch it continue to grow and improve. - rod

One suggestion, have you considered offering back issues of "the Sound Box" in PDF format, at a reduced price or possibly gratis after a period of time.

[Bruce]

Great site. All the hard work is well worth the effort.

Soon to be new APS member

Bruce

[edisonphonoworks]

I like the glossary and the basic tips great ! BUT "Mouldy or mildewed cylinders are of little or no value. The mould, being a plant material, has consumed some of the wax compound of which the record is made. This material is gone forever and no amount of cleaning can ever restore it. Brown wax cylinders can be shaved down and re-recorded, but the black wax cylinders are beyond redemption. "

My friend Gerry records Elvis on all his old damaged black wax cylinders , they sound great ! Brings a new dimension to the cylinder ! So don't bin them re record on them !

Yes I have erased Gold Moulded records with mineral spirits, let them set a bit. and put them on my shaving machine, and polished them up with cotton flannel. I then used a heat lamp and heated them hot, and recorded some really good records on them but I also will say that the wax is not good for your cutter, or shaver, it is more abrasive and gummy, but yes it can be done, and good results can be had.