The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Earlier today, I was playing a couple of 2-minute Indestructible cylinders for a friend. He said he liked the music but hated the piercing tinniness of it, so I changed from my Model C reproducer to a Diamond B. I don't usually do that, obviously because it wears the grooves faster, but it just sounded so much better. I've been thinking as a result about looking into getting a second Diamond B, and then getting a 2-minute stylus made for it. I know that a celluloid cylinder can take the weight of a Diamond B, so I figure it's be safe if only the stylus was the right size. Any comments on the feasibility of this idea?

Probably not a problem playing celluloid 2 minute records, or Vulcan, Wizard, Berlin phonograph works, and Edisonia records. The two minute stylus is an interesting idea, dont' think any wax records will hold u though with that, it is pretty heavy.

When I play Indestructible cylinders I do so using my Indestructible N Reproducer. It is made to play these cylinders and being loaded it plays cylinders much louder.

Rich Gordon

I have never heard of such a reproducer. Could you put up a few pics? Are they rare/expensive?

I've used my Fireside with Diamond B to play celluloid 2-minute records with no apparent wear or damage, for many years. It's exactly the same celluloid on all of those records, certainly no softer, so there's no reason there should be any damage. If anything, the smaller stylus will ride between many surface scratches & provide a smoother sound.

Many years, you say, and with no wear? That DOES sound good. Perhaps I will just kep doing it, then. Saves me about $200 at least.

2 minute indestructibles sound fabulous on a diamond reproducer. I, too have never noticed any wear when doing this. They sound great when played with an O also.

Jim

Here are pictures of an Indestructible Reproducer that were posted on the Forum by Jerry B. It is the same as mine.

Rich Gordon

If you could put a 2m sapphire on a Diamond reproducer, that would be cats meow. I would wonder about the long term effects of repeatedly playing a 2m record with a smaller 4m stylus. Other collectors report no problems, and perhaps they are right. I have long suspected the Indestructible celluloid isn't quite as hard as the Edison Blue Amberol formula, but I have never attempted to prove it.

A 2-minute stylus on a Diamond A, B, or C would still kill 2M wax records quickly because of the much heavier weight. The O or S reproducers on the 2-minute setting, with their larger-diameter diaphragms, are likely to produce the best sound for 2M wax. Note, though, that folks complained about excess 2M wear from O reproducers, which led to some having their weights cut down to the trowel shape to lighten them.