The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Is there a good way to replace lost plaster on a Blue Amberol, where the celluloid has not shrunk?

Bill

Yes, here is what I do: I use latex wall patch that you can get in any home improvement store. I apply a thin coat in the missing areas. I let dry and keep applying until you get the correct thickness. Then I lightly ream the cylinder until it fits on the mandrel I don't know how to duplicate the ribs, so I leave it alone. For these small areas, I leave as-is with no ribs.
Harvey Kravitz

Thanks!

Bill

Yup! That's what I also have done. If there is a crack forming, I drill the hole and fill it in as shown in Reiss' Compleat Talking Machine book.

Keep those Amberols spinning!

Jerry

Yes Jerry I have done this with a tiny drill some one on this forum gave me and drilling does stop the cracking.

Where do you drill? End of the crack? More than one spot? After that you fill?

BwanaJoe wrote:Where do you drill? End of the crack? More than one spot? After that you fill?

Yes, end of the crack. I don't know about filling: if the crack is into the recorded grooves, it would take a good deal of work to fill it properly, so as not to damage the stylus. Even then, there aren't many fillers that can stand up to the weight of a Diamond reproducer; and the stylus would still mistrack there...

Bill