The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I couldn't figure out why I couldn't play a NEW 4 minute Cylinder from Vulcan although I have no problem with an older cylinder. I put in the new H reproducer I got from Pete but I couldn't get the cylinder on right. I learned that, yes, I can play 2 and 4 minute records from the day and modern 2s but the 4 minute new ones will have to go on the Fireside. Hard to explain this to my heirs when I don't understand it myself. It's A Long Way To Tipperary sounds great with the "H" 'tho.

There's always an explanation for something. First, what do you mean by not getting the cylinder "on right"? Does it not fit on your GEM mandrel?

I'm not sure how you can play any 4 minute cylinders on your Gem B unless it has a 4-minute combination attachment. The Gem B is a 2-minute machine.

Hi again. It does have a 2/4 combination.Blue Amberols go on like they are supposed to and I have a K reproducer which needs service so I put on the "H" reproducer and that works fine. The new Vulcan goes on but not securely almost as if it were too large and doesn't fit securely so I assumed that new 4 minute cylinders cannot be played on a GEM B. Am I doing something wrong? Thanks for your help also. (I didn't try any of yours Norman because I'm reserving them for the Fireside but I'm going to try to figure it out this week).

It seems that the "New" 2 minutes cylinders don't fit either. It's almost as if the mandrel's diameter is smaller on the right side. Is there some kind of adapter for this? The BA fits perfectly. Am I losing my mind?

The mandrel on the Gem has the same length and diameter as the other Edison machines. Maybe the cylinders need reaming so it will fit right, or maybe they are defective.
Harvey Kravitz

Thank you Harvey, Norman and Phonofreak . I was afraid I would ruin my GEM so I was babying it. I just pushed a little harder on the cylinder and it just popped on and plays great. Thank you for putting up with me.
John

Glad to help. That's how we learn.
Harvey Kravitz

Also glad to hear it worked out. Yep, reaming is very possible with the new cylinders. I usually get mine reamed as little as necessary. Since I have upgraded my Edison Home to a large eye carriage, the reproducer will not more enough to the left. By that, any cylinder that first more towards the left edge of the mandrel may not play from the beginning. Reaming is always possible, but putting material back - that's quite an effort.

When you say "It doesn't fit or go on right", do you men that it slips while playing? If so, I'll PM you a solution (but you'll think I'm out of my mind when you hear it!)
Stephen