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Re: Amberola DX 2&4 minute with Model-O reproducer

Posted: Sun May 04, 2025 10:47 pm
by edisonclassm
Converting a DX, X, or VIII over to 2&4 minute cannot be done by just installing the gearing from a model A fireside. The bedplate on the DX is different dimensionally than the fireside. Also the feed screw gear is not in the correct position and has to be moved to the right approx. 7/32". Then there is the problem of the gear slot in the bedplate. That has to be increased (Milled out) to allow the gear on the feed screw to rotate properly. With those two things accomplished, you can then install the two 2 & 4 minute gears from a fireside A as well as the mandrel (which has two gears) and Bob's your uncle!
p.s These little machines a have terrific sound quality to them. The VIII is a little louder as the horn is slightly larger

Re: Amberola DX 2&4 minute with Model-O reproducer

Posted: Mon May 05, 2025 9:23 am
by paradroid1793
Hold on. Maybe someone can explain this to me?
Aren't there only 4-minute celluloid/amberol records? What would be the purpose of a 2 minute option?

Re: Amberola DX 2&4 minute with Model-O reproducer

Posted: Mon May 05, 2025 9:43 am
by JerryVan
paradroid1793 wrote: Mon May 05, 2025 9:23 am Hold on. Maybe someone can explain this to me?
Aren't there only 4-minute celluloid/amberol records? What would be the purpose of a 2 minute option?
The purpose would be to allow you to play 2-minute cylinders. With the Model O reproducer, 2-minute wax can be played without destruction. (And 4-minute wax as well...)

Re: Amberola DX 2&4 minute with Model-O reproducer

Posted: Mon May 05, 2025 10:38 am
by paradroid1793
Ah I see. Very neat.

Re: Amberola DX 2&4 minute with Model-O reproducer

Posted: Mon May 05, 2025 11:48 am
by edisonclassm
This setup allows you to play every type of standard size cylinder on a machine that doesn't have a large horn in the way. The machine would become totally versatile if I installed a speed control knob through the bedplate ( Like the early A model Edisons) so one could slow it down easily for the slower speed brown wax records.

Re: Amberola DX 2&4 minute with Model-O reproducer

Posted: Mon May 05, 2025 1:10 pm
by phonogfp
paradroid1793 wrote: Mon May 05, 2025 9:23 am Hold on. Maybe someone can explain this to me?
Aren't there only 4-minute celluloid/amberol records? What would be the purpose of a 2 minute option?
There are indeed 2-minute celluloid cylinder records. Lambert, Indestructible, and U-S Everlasting are American brands. They, along with others, are illustrated here:

https://www.antiquephono.org/#/collectiondetails/16

George P.

Re: Amberola DX 2&4 minute with Model-O reproducer

Posted: Mon May 05, 2025 6:32 pm
by Damfino59
edisonclassm wrote: Mon May 05, 2025 11:48 am This setup allows you to play every type of standard size cylinder on a machine that doesn't have a large horn in the way. The machine would become totally versatile if I installed a speed control knob through the bedplate ( Like the early A model Edisons) so one could slow it down easily for the slower speed brown wax records.
I had a Amberola VIII, similar to this DX. Speed adjustment is relatively easy. Just remove the front top grill and you have easy access to the governor and the adjustment screw.

https://youtu.be/YNvLxmLzdic?si=-6MkIiRg_MDqhMQG