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Hi folks... a question regarding my Diamond Disc machine. Have any of you noticed vibration at the reproducer when records reach loud portions or high notes? Is this normal or has something come out of adjustment? The vibration does not come through the horn. If I close the lid on the machine, I don't even notice the vibration, but with the lid open, I can distinctly hear it. Anyone have any input or advice?
Thanks!
Ed.

Guessing that your reproducer needs a new diaphragm and/or gaskets.

Thanks! Though that is disappointing to hear, as it was sent out and rebuilt several years ago. I found that the ring that holds in the diaphragm was extremely tight, to the point of squeezing the rubber gasket so that it puckered. I loosened it somewhat and found some improvement in the quality of sound. It appears that the original cork diaphragm and silk cord were reused. Not sure what's in behind all that as I have not figured out to disconnect the stylus bar from the weight, and I don't want to mess anything up.

Edisonh19 wrote:Thanks! Though that is disappointing to hear, as it was sent out and rebuilt several years ago. I found that the ring that holds in the diaphragm was extremely tight, to the point of squeezing the rubber gasket so that it puckered. I loosened it somewhat and found some improvement in the quality of sound. It appears that the original cork diaphragm and silk cord were reused. Not sure what's in behind all that as I have not figured out to disconnect the stylus bar from the weight, and I don't want to mess anything up.

If you want to remove the stylus bar, you will probably need a very fine pair of needle nose pliers to grip the pivot pin and work it out. If there is not enough of the pin protruding to grab, you'll need another pin of the right diameter and a small tack hammer. Place the pin in the pivot hole, and gently tap until enough of the original pin is exposed: then proceed as above.

Once the stylus bar is removed, you can unscrew the weight, either by removing the pivot screw with a special screwdriver, or by unscrewing the little plate that holds the spring. That done, you can remove the compression ring to get at the diaphragm.

A couple of Forum members have been doing experiments with improved DD diaphragms: you might contact them to try a replacement.

Bill

Lucius1958 wrote:

Edisonh19 wrote:Thanks! Though that is disappointing to hear, as it was sent out and rebuilt several years ago. I found that the ring that holds in the diaphragm was extremely tight, to the point of squeezing the rubber gasket so that it puckered. I loosened it somewhat and found some improvement in the quality of sound. It appears that the original cork diaphragm and silk cord were reused. Not sure what's in behind all that as I have not figured out to disconnect the stylus bar from the weight, and I don't want to mess anything up.

If you want to remove the stylus bar, you will probably need a very fine pair of needle nose pliers to grip the pivot pin and work it out. If there is not enough of the pin protruding to grab, you'll need another pin of the right diameter and a small tack hammer. Place the pin in the pivot hole, and gently tap until enough of the original pin is exposed: then proceed as above.

Once the stylus bar is removed, you can unscrew the weight, either by removing the pivot screw with a special screwdriver, or by unscrewing the little plate that holds the spring. That done, you can remove the compression ring to get at the diaphragm.

A couple of Forum members have been doing experiments with improved DD diaphragms: you might contact them to try a replacement.

Bill

I would just add that putting a drop of penetrating oil on both ends of the pin and allowing it to soak it a bit may make it easier to remove the pin.

Thank you for the advice and tips. I found that the gaskets and retaining rings were improperly installed. I've ordered a new set of gaskets, as the gaskets that were used don't seem to hold the diaphragm in tightly, and I think that's what is causing the vibration.

I *think* I solved the problem. The gaskets used in the rebuild were thin rubber. I purchased some new ones (neoprene I think) and also found that the shellac seals around the cork and rice paper had started to crumble on the diaphragm. Everything is re-assembled. I still get periodic vibrations or distortion, but I think it's probably worn records that are causing that. I'm posting a short video of The Georgia Melodians performing "Charley My Boy." The effect is almost stereophonic on this recording. Almost mesmerizing when you are in front of the machine. What do you guys think?

Sounds good to me! Nice arrangement too!
Bob

Thanks Bob, I am pretty happy with it. I wish that Edison had recorded more popular jazz music like Victor did. I grew up on that music (my grandmother graduated in 1925), so I really enjoy hearing it. Lots of great memories. Sadly the majority of Diamond Discs that I have encountered don't have a lot of appeal, though I'm finding some decent stuff in the later 51000 series.