Information re Home please !

[Gramtastic]

Hi Guys, Please forgive my ignorance on this one... I have just bought this Home with 2/4 minute gearing. What reproducer is this ? Is it a Diamond B and if so I assume it is only for 4m Amberols ? What reproducer would fit it to play 2m on the machine ? ( we tend to only see C and H reproducers on machines in the UK !)
Can anyone give me a model and date - serial no:H180012 (reprodeucer 53195)
Thanks !

[Jerry B.]

For that carriage the ideal reproducer for playing both two and four minute cylinders would be the "O" reproducer. For playing only two minute cylinders you could buy a reducer ring and a "C" reproducer. Yes, your photo shows a Diamond B reproducer for playing four minute Blue Amberol or Indestructible cylinders only. (no four minute wax) Jerry Blais

[phonogal]

You are correct. It is a diamond B reproducer for 4 minute blue amberols. A model O reproducer would fit the carriage to play your 2 minute cylinders or you can use a model C with a reducer ring.

[phonogal]

OOPS, Jerry beat me to the answer.

[FellowCollector]

Is it a Diamond B and if so I assume it is only for 4m Amberols ?

Yes. It was designed to play Edison Blue Amberol cylinders but you can also play other celluloid cylinders. No wax cylinders as they'll be ruined by the diamond stylus. Looks like someone in the past tried to pry out your Diamond B as evidenced by the chips around the top edge. To remove it properly, remove the carriage and its shaft. With a towel on your lap and the reproducer upside down put a tiny bit of oil around the circumference of the reproducer body where it meets the carriage eye. Get yourself a punch, drift or even a screwdriver of the right size and gently tap around in different spots of the bottom edge of the reproducer body being careful not to touch the diaphragm or weight. The reproducer will eventually fall out into the towel. Done. And no damage to the reproducer.

What reproducer would fit it to play 2m on the machine ?

You would need a reducer ring in your horizontal carriage to use the C or K (set at 2 minute play) reproducer. Otherwise a model O reproducer set at 2 minute play would also be an option. The reducer ring would also allow a model H reproducer to play your 4 minute wax Amberols.

Doug

[Gramtastic]

Thanks for all the info ! So, a Diamond Model "O" is the equivalent of a "k" i.e. 2 and 4 minute ? I guess these are expensive... anyone have a reducer ring they want to sell ?
Anyone know the model and age of the "Home " ?

[Jerry B.]

The reducer ring is easy. It's available from Ron Sitko. His reproductions are better than originals because they are not pot metal. A good O reproducer will be expensive. Jerry

[clevelander]

Your Home phonograph is a model B which was introduced in 1905. Hopefully someone on the forum can be more specific as to when your serial number was manufactured.
Regarding the removal of your pot-metal reproducer. If it does not come out as suggested by GENTLY tapping round the underside, place it in the coldest part of your freezer for a day.
Pot metal will shrink slightly more than cast iron allowing it to be removed without serious damage.This has worked for me on many occasions.
Regards,
Alistair.

[Gramtastic]

As am in the UK I am not familiar with Ron Sitko - does he have a website ?

[phonogfp]

Thanks for all the info ! So, a Diamond Model "O" is the equivalent of a "k" i.e. 2 and 4 minute ? I guess these are expensive... anyone have a reducer ring they want to sell ?
Anyone know the model and age of the "Home " ?

There is no "Diamond O." The Model O uses sapphire styli.

The Edison Reproducers mentioned so far in this thread are illustrated in the following article - along with the records they play:

http://www.antiquephono.org/basic-antiq ... onal-tips/

If you provide the serial number, I can tell you with some accuracy when your machine left the factory.

George P.