The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Edisonh19 wrote:Thanks for the photo. That's the horn this machine has. I was able to rig something up to replace the missing threaded rod that keeps the horn centered. Also picked up a spring at the hardware store and got the machine working properly. Thanks again guys! Another successful repair.

Great! If you want to get your 30 sounding at its very best, you should insulate all connections between the horn and the cabinet.

The suspension spring was originally covered by a piece of rubber tubing, as was the hook on the horn to which it connected. A felt or leather washer was also inserted between the horn and the nut that held it on the lower screw. Replacing these should improve the sound.

Bill

"The suspension spring was originally covered by a piece of rubber tubing,as was the hook on the horn to which it connected."

I've never seen or heard of this...

Got a pic of an original machine with one?

I own quite a few Amberolas... and this is the first that I have heard of what you describe.

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

NEFaurora wrote:"The suspension spring was originally covered by a piece of rubber tubing,as was the hook on the horn to which it connected."

I've never seen or heard of this...

Got a pic of an original machine with one?

I own quite a few Amberolas... and this is the first that I have heard of what you describe.

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

The info came from an article in In the Groove some years ago. I've never seen an original example; but I tried the technique on my 30, and it definitely seemed to improve the sound.

The purpose was to insulate the horn at all attachment points (also including a felt or leather washer at the bottom pivot), and to damp out resonance from the suspension spring.

Bill

Oh Bill, I don't doubt for one minute that it actually works.. I'm just wondering if it was just something that some phono-nut came up with in his workshop..to improve the sound..versus something that was originally added by the Edison factory itself.. Until I see some vintage untouched machines with one installed...I'll guess that I'll remain skeptical about the whole thing.

Much Thanks for the info Bill.

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

I have seen the insides of at least a dozen Amberola 30s and have never seen any indication of a rubber covering of the supporting spring or other parts.

I have two Amberola 30's from the teens. One with the external speed control rod and one with out. Both are originals from private estates. Both had the remenents of a rubber covering the hook for the spring on the horn. When that article came out in "In The Groove" I followed the information and replaced the rubber on this little hook. I used a piece of gasket material like used on an Exihibition sound box. I should point out I did not see any evidence of a rubber sleeve on the spring. But it may of log ago rotted out.

Now a major contributor to this article was Ron Defeleson. Now I may of misspelled his name, but never the less he was/is a quite knowledgable Edison phonograph researcher.

I also recommend light oil on the feed crew and the bar in front. And any other gears this helps it. Most importantly oil gently each end of the guvnor. This is most important.
I have an amberola 30 and I oil mine it really help But you must know where and how must to use so not to over oil it.

Damfino59 wrote:I have two Amberola 30's from the teens. One with the external speed control rod and one with out. Both are originals from private estates. Both had the remenents of a rubber covering the hook for the spring on the horn. When that article came out in "In The Groove" I followed the information and replaced the rubber on this little hook. I used a piece of gasket material like used on an Exihibition sound box. I should point out I did not see any evidence of a rubber sleeve on the spring. But it may of log ago rotted out.

Now a major contributor to this article was Ron Defeleson. Now I may of misspelled his name, but never the less he was/is a quite knowledgable Edison phonograph researcher.

That's Ron Dethlefson. That's the article I followed.

Bill

Ron is famous for writing his two Blue Amberol Cylinders books.

A Great guy, and Great books! I have both of them, Both the 1980's originals, and the 2000's Newer updated versions of the same books. I recommend them to everyone that collects Edisons. A must get.

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

Thanks again everyone! I'm always amazed at the amount of knowledge here!