The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Gene, welcome to the Schubert Edisonic club! I bought mine (serial no. 3621) a couple months ago for WAY more than $100, let me tell you--and it has its share of veneer issues. But it's my pride and joy. For the serious Diamond Disc collector who wants to play them acoustically, this is the way to go and is worth the bother. You'll want to play your entire DD collection all over again--and then marvel at all the details you were not able to hear previously.

I heartily endorse all the recommendations above, which you have already accepted. It would have to be a badly-shattered Schubert Edisonic indeed that did not merit saving.

Ralph

You can see that old gal is just waiting for new suitor to fix her up. Of course you (or somebody) must do it.

For those of us who have never heard or owned an Edisonic, can you explain the sonic improvements over a C-19, or Laboratory model (which I do have). Is it all in the reproducer? Or what?

Phototone wrote:For those of us who have never heard or owned an Edisonic, can you explain the sonic improvements over a C-19, or Laboratory model (which I do have). Is it all in the reproducer? Or what?

I have a Schubert and a couple C-19s, all in good playing order, and in my experience, other than a bit more volume there's little practical improvement in overall audio performance. The Schubert and Beethoven models have a longer horn, which should improve the sound, but having the opening nearer the floor rather than higher tends to minimize that. The Edisonic reproducer is based on the original Diamond Disc design, with a larger weight and some changes in thickness to the diaphragm...that's basically it. I also prefer the c-19's higher motor board and winding crank position when I do a lot of record playing.
Late electric Edison discs in excellent condition will sound very good on the Edisonics, but in my opinion, with a two-year delay over Victor's product, Edison's electric recordings often fall short of comparable Orthophonic examples.

Bring on the comments!
Bob

I agree with you Bob!

The main difference I hear with my Schubert is volume. Sometimes painfully so! (The reproducer is an Edisonic; not a Dance.) Most types of Edison records here sound as good or better on a C-250 with a standard reproducer. But comparing the two, the Schubert is impressive in its volume, if nothing else.

George P.

Well, I USED to own a C-250, so I can't do direct comparisons as some of the rest of you can. But my impression is that the Schubert Edisonic offers at least some improvement in most cases, especially if you have the various reproducers (standard; dance/Edisonic) and are willing to switch them frequently. Some acoustical DDs will sound better with the standard; some better with the Edisonic; same with the electrical DDs of 1927-1929.

I also have my Schubert equipped with the Long Play mechanism (and own an LP reproducer, of course). In that area (Edison LP records) I will say that the longer Edisonic horn throat/stem doesn't seem to bring out anything more than if you played them on any other Edison disc machine. The Edison LPs are fascinating in many ways, but one doesn't buy them for tonal richness.

Update:
I removed the grill today hoping to find the proceeds of a 1920's bank robbery.
No such luck, but I did find the crank sitting inside the horn!
I noticed that the original grill cloth has one thin area and one smile, but no real tears.
Can I use clear nail polish or something better to add support to those areas and prevent further wear?
Gene

gemering wrote:Update:
I removed the grill today hoping to find the proceeds of a 1920's bank robbery.
No such luck, but I did find the crank sitting inside the horn!
I noticed that the original grill cloth has one thin area and one smile, but no real tears.
Can I use clear nail polish or something better to add support to those areas and prevent further wear?
Gene

Try "Fray Check"...My wife,who sews alot, swears by this when ever she want to prevent fabrics from coming apart.
http://www.amazon.com/Dritz-674-Liquid- ... fray+check

Thanks Dave and Happy New Year!
Gene

After many failed attempts to solder the reproducer collar back in place and adjust the horn height so that the reproducer plays (I've never used a torch or soldered anything before!), I finally got the collar on so that the reproducer sits perfectly on the record and plays correctly.
I was able to adjust the horn by taking the advice of George Paul (He is one of the most unselfish individuals in this hobby and is always ready to share his knowledge and expertise with anyone who seeks it.)and studying a diagram posted in the archives of this forum.
My point in mentioning this;
I am a ten thumbs klutz with no mechanical ability what so ever.
My doing this would be like one of you rebuilding the Tappan Zee Bridge by yourself.
If I can do something like this, anyone can!!!
Hearing the music coming from a California Entertainers Diamond Disc, made me feel like Edison must've felt when his Tinfoil spoke back to him!
Happy New Year!
Gene
PS
Hey Wyatt- There's a new sheriff in town-You now have competition!