The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I was playing my phonograph for a friend once, and he asked me what my favorite record was. So I pulled out my favorite record and played it for him. As I lifted it off the turntable, it neatly fell into two pieces. It must have had an internal crack that wasn't visible. Either that or one should never play favorites with their records! In any case, I'm superstitious now and I don't have a favorite record any more!

I have "Take me out to the ballgame" on Edison GM cylinder. I always liked to use it for demonstrations, because most people can relate to it, even if they don't like old music. One time I played it I noticed some ticks towards the end. When I took a closer look I found that it had developed a hairline crack from end to end while playing. Now it will be in its box forever and only be looked at.
I am so glad that Vulcan made a resin copy of it.

Andreas

Sorry for your loss.

I have lost records which just seem to break in the box all by themselves, maybe its the climate, humidity etc.

Some I have dropped, some just split on the mandrel while playing.

For this very reason, I only have maybe 5-10 Edison or Columbia wax cylinders. They are too fragile for me.

I personally stick with Indestructible or the new resin copies.

Jerry