Diamond Disc universal reproducer

[52089]

Just picked this up on ebay. It's an adapter for Diamond Disc machines to play lateral discs, but the head swivels so that it can also be used for vertical cuts like early Okeh and Pathé. It has a kind of unusual design in that there is a hinge at the back to allow for vertical movement and also to allow it to be lifted out of the way. Sound is adequate but not extraordinary. New gaskets and a drop of oil on the joints will certainly help.

I don't see a manufacturer's name on it anywhere, so I'm curious as to whether anyone here knows anything about this piece.

Thanks in advance!

Kevin

[estott]

I've seen that before- an interesting design, but doesn't that joint introduce a tremendous air leak on any disc with a slight warp?

[52089]

I've seen that before- an interesting design, but doesn't that joint introduce a tremendous air leak on any disc with a slight warp?

The rear joint extends partially into the throat and has a rubber washer surrounding it, so a slight warp shouldn't affect anything. I wouldn't use this for frequent play anyway, but at least now I can listen to my weird needle cut verticals like the Operaphones I posted about a while back.

[SonnyPhono]

These Orotone adapters are unique for sure. I had one that I rebuilt awhile ago. I replaced the gaskets and the rubber ring in the hinged section. It definitely helped and had pretty good sound. But with three moveable joints, it was nearly impossible to keep it completely airtight. Mine had a different style of needle chuck assembly with the needle bar connecting to the diaphragm from the back.

[52089]

Thanks! This is clearly made by the same company, just a different design. What did you use for gaskets? The gaskets on mine were still surprisingly pliable, but much thinner than the usual (i.e. Exhibition-style) tubing. I changed one gasket, but it buzzes, so I'd like to do it right.

[ImperialGuardsman]

I ast bid on that the other day, but already have a Kent adapter and couldn't justify another one. Do they make replacement diaphragms for those? Looks like the ones Chenny used.