The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

pughphonos wrote:There's also been testimony on this thread (stretching back a couple years) that the current Expert stylus isn't good and causes record damage; as for those that were made 15 years ago, they might be fine. Steve Medved has plenty of fans for his stylus--as is well-documented via testimony on this forum. But yes, if your old stylus is still good, paring it with one of Larry's yellow foam diaphragms is a good way to go.

Ralph

Yes, I find that Larry's foam diaphragm has made a huge difference in the quality of the music reproduction. I gather that he experimented extensively to get such a wonderful result. I'm so glad I have one.

There are still quite a number of people who make diaphragms for use in the Diamond Disc and many of the Cylinder Edisons. I am pretty sure that Steven is still using one by Greig Bogantz, particularly in the Edisonic Heads. Brian Knapes sells the white foam sheet ones on Ebay. I am not sure who has the reproduction older versions of the Edison Shellac and Cork replacements. Evidently there were a number of them as I purchased one quite some time ago an found it wanting in tone. It was sold on ebay as well. The three latest versions would be from Victrola Boy and Phono Boy both of whom are members here as well others may be. Mine is the styrofoam model. Each has its own particular sound. As what one hears tends to depend on the person to some degree its hard to actually know which one someone may find to be suitable to his ear. At the moment I think Nick, or Victrola Boy has perhaps the most promising new design. Mine has its own promoters but that may change. If nothing else it will have been a step toward better sound in an ongoing process. I have some of the new diaphragms here and will try to post photos of the ones I have soon.

Just about any of the newer versions have been large strides toward decent sound. That wasn't always the case.

Larry

I would need to hear, in person, if a modern plastic foam can compete with Edison's carefully researched diaphragm.

Edisone wrote:I would need to hear, in person, if a modern plastic foam can compete with Edison's carefully researched diaphragm.

Well, get on the stick!