Edisonic Schubert Worth Saving???

[tubaphone]

I'm new to this forum and just found this interesting post about restoring an Edisonic Schubert phonograph. I also have one of these in similar condition to Gemering's and have been wondering how to reattach the reproducer receiver to the end of the horn. The obvious choice was to try and re-solder it but my concern was how to do this without destroying the finish on the ferrule or the paint on the horn. I would be very interested in finding out more details about exactly how you reattached yours. What kind of preparation did you do, what kind of flux was used and what kind of solder? Did you use a propane torch? Could you post a picture of the repair so we can see how it turned out?

I have tried to attach a picture of mine, hope it come through.

Mine also has some veneer issues but I think that those can be dealt with. I'm very glad to have found this forum and can see that it will be very useful. It is my hope that I will be able to be a contributor in the future.

[VintageTechnologies]

Welcome to the forum! In 45+ years as an Edison collector, I have never heard of those collars (or receivers or whatever to call them) coming loose from the horn, until recently as related to two Schubert models. That is not enough data points to establish a trend, but I wonder if there was some cost-cutting manufacturing change at that late date? If I understand correctly, the Schubert horn has a longer neck than usual, so swapping out that horn with an older model DD phonograph horn isn't an option. Shame, the regular horns are common as dirt.

[gemering]

Not sure if this was the best approach (As mentioned, I have no mechanical ability whatsoever.)
but, I used a small soldering iron, lead free water soluble flux, and silver bearing lead free solder.
I first tried to attach the reproducer collar with the reproducer and turntable off.
I placed plastic bags over the motor board with damp cloths on top to prevent heat hitting unwanted areas.
The result was a collar that looked straight, but a reproducer that was too high above the record when the lift lever was vertical.
A second, third, and fourth try did no better.
I then tried lowering the horn per the directions that are archived in the Tips and Tricks section of this forum.
Finally I put the turntable in place, put an Edison record on the turntable, and the reproducer on, and covered everything with plastic and dampened cloths, so I could get the reproducer at just the right height.
I had my son hold the reproducer in exactly the right position and was able to solder the collar in the perfect position.
I'll post photos soon.
Gene

[gemering]

PS
Do you have the Edisonic reproducer as well as the 78 rpm adaptor pictured?
Gene

[pughphonos]

I have to agree with VintageTechnologies in saying that the bad horn joint seems to be a problem found pretty much only on the Edisonics (Schuberts specifically, given the recent testimony here by two owners). I own one as well but this has not developed on mine--yet. Still, we all know that the Schuberts were sold without frills: no wooden collar to bracket the motor board; no speed control. They are still wonderful and scarce machines and every last one of them should be saved and repaired--unless in unimaginably horrid condition. The unique horn design is worth putting up with some shoddy machining.

I've had my Schubert now for a couple months and still am working through my Diamond Disc collection to see how they sound via the largest disc horn that Edison produced. It does bring out more detail and depth. I've found a particularly well-preserved standard reproducer (with original diaphragm) that's the best Edison reproducer I've ever owned, and I've placed it on the Schubert. The result: a mellow, pleasing tone that is truly wonderful (I'm talking the pre-1927 acousticals, BTW, which are 97% of my DD collection).

Ralph

[tubaphone]

Thank you very much for the detailed information on how you reattached the ferrule to the end of the horn. What was surprising to me was the fact that you were able to do it with a small soldering iron. That was farthest from my mind because it seemed like it just wouldn't produce enough heat to get the solder to flow making a strong bond. Another amazing thing was your choice of silver solder which requires a higher melting temperature but is a much stronger material. I'm very encouraged by your success and the fact that your method should do the least damage to the paint on the horn and finish on the ferrule.

I have an Edisonic reproducer for this machine however the 78 adapter that was stuck in the ferrule was toast because of pot-metal disintegration plus removing it from the ferrule didn't help it much either.

After examining the solder bond on the end of the horn and the detached ferrule it is very evident that they didn't take much care putting these together. It is a very small joint with what looks like soft solder. I can't help but wonder what they used on earlier machines. has anyone seen a detached ferrule on an earlier machine? If so can you describe the joining material?