The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Subject: Need advice on Diamond Amberola Diaphragm and gaskets.


Hi guys.. I need some help here. I have two Diamond Amberola "C" Reproducers... One for a Amberola 30, and the other for a Amberola 75. Both need rebuilding. I have taken both of them apart and I am rebuilding them. I see that there are some people selling new Diaphragm and gaskets out on the web, but I'd like to get ones that are rice paper and cork like the originals, not just cut cardboard. Does anyone know who sells the best reproductions of these Amberola Diaphragm and gaskets??? I'd like to get the best ones that I can. If you know who sells the best ones, and how much you paid for them, Please post it here. Thanks. Also, My last question is, Does Anyone know if the Diaphragm and gaskets from the Amberola are identical to the Diaphragm and gaskets from a Diamond Disc Reproducer?...or are the Diamond Disc Reproducer Diaphragm and gaskets bigger than the Amberola Diaphragm and gaskets???

Let me know....And Thanks for the help. I will be rebuilding these Amberola reproducers myself, I just need the best reproduction Diaphragm and gaskets out there.

Thanks again,

)

Tony K.
Edison Restorer

The DD diaphragms are much larger. Regarding the best repro diaphragms, I'd suggest to rebuild with your originals first. They could be just fine with some new gaskets installed. The originals are usually not quite as loud but a bit broader range imho.

"They could be just fine with some new gaskets installed."

Not an option here.. Both Diaphragms have there cords broken, and one Diaphragm is pretty cracked though intact. Replacement is definitely necessary here in both cases.

I need replacements as close to original as possible.....Who sells them????....and How much????

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Tony K.

Try Ron Sitko. Contact info should be on the forum.

I know about Ron Sitko...What I am looking for is someone who has had experience and done their own Amberola reproducer rebuilds and knows someone who sells the best Diaphragm and gaskets. I don't want to just buy Diaphragm and gaskets from someone and then find out that its not what I am looking for.

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Tony K.
Edison Restorer

Again - I second Ron Sitko!

Originals are the best, sorry to say, new ones use nylon, or floss for the link, although the nylon looks better. I have gotten nice diaphragms from Ron but none are exactly like the originals or as good, Cecil Dancer made some rice paper/cork diaphragms years ago.

If your original diaphragms are damaged what Ron Sitko has would be your 1st choice. Also APSCO has one similar. I've used the replica type in several diamond B, and C reproducers. Stay away from the cardboard type on ebay. It doesn't sound close to what Edison used. Ron also will have the gaskets you need.

Be kind to your original diaphragms. Unless they have a hole punched in them, or are split they can be renovated quite nicely. They are shellac impregnated rice paper and cork and consequently they stiffen with age as the shellac dries out. If they're limbered up and put into shape with the application of a little oil and heat they can be wonderful. By all means try a replacement, but keep the originals for a little experimentation down the road.

J

Here's what Ron Sitko sells. I've always been satisfied with the rebuild when using his diaphragm and gaskets. When I rebuild a reproducer I'm after something that's close as I can get it to a authentic original reproducer. If this is what you are after, than I would call Ron. But on the other hand if your after what I call a high performance reproducer, something that would never had left Edison factory (custom hand made diaphragm & gaskets from custom materials) than Ron is not your guy. There are others who experiment with that.

Best Regards, Larry