The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I recently purchased a large quanity of Gold Moulded cylinders in very nice condition. They had been stored in cylinder cabinets and were clean and mold free. I have been placing them in boxes so they won't get broken. Since new boxes are not available, I have been using clean old boxes. Some boxes I have had for many years and came to me with BA cylinders in them. Some I have recently purchased. I know these are very prone to mold so I have to assume that at least some of these boxes held moldy cylinders at one time. Anyone have problems with mold appearing on clean cylinders after transfering them to boxes?

I have seen new mold growth on cylinders over periods of years, but the humidity in my apartment is not controlled well. Despite running a dehumidifier frequently, it's not unusual for me to have 70-75% humidity.

If you can keep the humidity down, you're probably OK.

I'm in Tucson and have not had any issue with mold on my wax cylinders.
All of them are in original cartons in a cabinet.
Hot and dry is good for these babies.

James.

Thanks. I just didn't want to cause damage to these. They are nice and clean and i want to keep them that way. I only need about 30 more boxes but need a bunch of lids. Is anyone making new lids for Gold Moulded boxes?

Roaring20s wrote: Hot and dry is good for these babies.

I live in the South where mold in general is a common problem. Mold grows best in a hot, humid environment. So, I'll agree about the dry part, but I think you would do better to keep the records cool instead.

I have a big batch of Columbia wax records from 1909 or so, all of which were stored (in their cotton-lined boxes) in a blazing hot / freezing cold Buffalo attic for decades. They are all perfect, without any spots of "mold" at all. I doubt it's really mold at all - it's more likely a chemical reaction in the wax formula itself.

Hmm... those hot/cold temperature changes, even over a longer time appear to be very problematic for later Amberol wax. They tend to develop internal cracks and may crumble the next time you'll slip 'em on the mandrel. I had this happening to a set of 5 cylinders that were stored that way.

Otherwise I am also fortunate not to have a moisture issue. My living room is pretty dry, usually not beyond 65% during summer and around 35% during winter. What I am still doing with at least with my more precious cylinders to put a pack of silica gel inside the closed box. They do not last forever but are quite affordable to replace like once a year or so.

thats interesting WDC, I never gave silica pack a thought,
but where would i get them and how often would you replace
them?
Gene

As I live in an area where humidity can be a problem (and have already lost some cylinders to improper storage), I prefer keeping them in containers, with a tub (or similar receptacle) of desiccant inside.

Bill

You can get them on eBay from various sellers, either in small pre-packed packs or even loose. It always depends on the humidity to absorb how long a pack will last. But I would assume that you'd be fine for at least 6 months, especially if the cylinder is stored in a tightly closed box.

Silica gel can be also found with indicator in blue or orange. When the indicator becomes pale or transparent it needs to be replaced or dried, which usually can be done by baking (usually without the packs around). If you prefer the indicator, I strongly recommend the orange ones. The blue indicator is known to be carcinogenic.

I also use additionally the Pingi Dehumidifier 250g, which is much larger and can be placed inside drawers, etc. It's practically the same thing but comes with an indicator on the little pouch. The most useful feature is, that it can be easily dried in the microwave for 3 minutes @ 600 watts. I wouldn't do this with other desiccants unless it's clearly stated.

Of course, they are also sold on amazon. Comparing prices is quite useful, especially with the small packs as some dealers have crazy prices.