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Hi all. Quick question. Does the Edison dance reproducer of 1926 have any advantages over the 1927-29 Edisonic reproducer, or did the latter represent a total improvement and incorporation of the virtues of the former? I know the dance reproducer had a additional spring.

Ralph

See this thread as a start:

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... f=2&t=3275

That thread explains very well how they work but does not specifically address the differences between Edisonic and Dance. Very simply put, the Edisonic is the better of the two and the dance has no advantages over the Edisonic that I'm aware of. The dance spring can vibrate a bit on a loud recording. Both sound about the tame. `Neither is nearly as tolerant with slightly warped or slightly off centered pressings as the Standard is. I've got all three but almost always use the Standard, except for an occasional demo.

Thak you for this, and for the prior string. I have plenty to read, but the initial question is settled: no one speaks up for any unique qualities in the Edison dance reproducer--the Edisonic is a full substitute. I have an Edisonic and no longer own a pre-1927 standard reproducer; am happy with the Edisonic and have not been noticing any wear issues.

pughphonos wrote:Thak you for this, and for the prior string. I have plenty to read, but the initial question is settled: no one speaks up for any unique qualities in the Edison dance reproducer--the Edisonic is a full substitute. I have an Edisonic and no longer own a pre-1927 standard reproducer; am happy with the Edisonic and have not been noticing any wear issues.

An Edisonic or Dance will definitely increase record wear, even if properly tuned, perfect stylus etcetea. Dramtaically more weight pressed against the record.

Valecnik wrote:

pughphonos wrote:Thak you for this, and for the prior string. I have plenty to read, but the initial question is settled: no one speaks up for any unique qualities in the Edison dance reproducer--the Edisonic is a full substitute. I have an Edisonic and no longer own a pre-1927 standard reproducer; am happy with the Edisonic and have not been noticing any wear issues.

An Edisonic or Dance will definitely increase record wear, even if properly tuned, perfect stylus etcetea. Dramtaically more weight pressed against the record.

I just put 2 repros on a scale. My standard repro weighs about 543 gm, my square weight (early) Edisonic weighs 629 gm, a difference of 86 gm or nearly 3 ounces. The later, more common round weight Edisonic would weigh even more. More telling would be to weigh the actual weights, but I doubt that the weights of the upper parts of the 2 repros are all that different.

The earlier Edison DD reproducer tracks with a force of about 108 grams on the stylus tip. The Edisonic tracks at 148 grams, about a 37% increase. The Dance has about the same tracking force as the Edisonic.

37% more pressure with an Edisonic as opposed to Standard reproducer? Well, it gets down to one of those subjective choices. Some will say that that amount of additional pressure is unacceptable, whle others will say that the records are rugged enough. Just when I thought I was done with my Edison expenses, I suppose I should consider owning a Standard reproducer again.

It couldn't hurt to have a Standard repro, and they aren't terribly expensive.

I've had 4 Edisonics (sold 2, 1 in pieces right now, and 1 dealer-stock rarely used) and all have had the same fault: the weight "rings" throughout every record. The ringing increases with surface noise, but it's prominent even on smooth-surfaced discs - maybe even worse, because it isn't masked by scratches and pops. Some Standard weights do the same, but I think their smaller size raises the ringing's pitch above what I can hear. I believe the weight's material is to blame and this is one case where the dreaded pot-metal should've been used !

An experiment for somebody: cast some new Edisonic weights in pot metal & see if they "ring" ...

Edisone, I've not heard any of the annoying high pitches you mention (we need a "smily" of a dog here) via my Edisonic. Altogether I've been mightily-pleased with it; it produces a very rich and vibrant tone. Still, a 37% increase in pressure on the grooves (as compared with the Standard reproducer) got my attention--and yes, I will go ahead and re-acquire a Standard so that I can switch between the two. I need a gold-plated one. I'll go make my intentions known in the "Yankee Trader" section.

Ralph