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I found this Amberola 30 at an auction last weekend. I've wanted one for a while now so took a chance. Plays really nice, but the cylinder on it is scratched pretty bad at the end of the song. I've tried to remove it but seems to be stuck. Any ideas out there on how to proceed? The veneer on the top is pretty bad so I was going to strip it and replace the veneer. Thanks for any suggestions you might provide.

Place your thumbs on the end of the mandrel and your fingers on the opposite end of the cylinder and using that leverage, pull with your fingers. If that doesn't work and the cylinder is not significant, you could cut it off...

You can also place your hand around the record - wrap your fingers right around it - and leave it there for a minute or two. This will warm the record, cause it to expand, and usually make it much easier to remove. Be patient; it takes a while for the heat of your hand to penetrate the plaster core of the record.

(When doing this with a wax record, wrap the record with a tissue first.)

George P.

Thanks! I'll give it a shot.

I fancy one of these machines .

I have a fireside with a cygnet horn 11 petal, but I don't get much pleasure from the sound it makes .I find it quite inferior to a gramophone . I have had nothing to compare it to .But I have had the reproducer looked at with is apparently ok.

Nice!

My 30 was in much worse shape when I got it: the veneer on the top was completely shot, and nearly half of it missing on the crank side; the finish was quite dingy, and the grille and gear cover were gone, as was the suspension spring.

That little machine was my introduction to the hobby, and my guinea pig for restoration techniques. 40-odd years later, I almost have it right (I should probably put in some more authentic grille cloth to complete it).

Bill

I would definitely get the reproducer inspected and rebuilt with new gaskets and possibly a new diamond stylus...I recommend Steve Medved for that.

A bad stylus will damage your records. A rebuilt reproducer will sound awesome. I love these little Edison Amberola 30's they are small and put out great volume, plus you can find many Blue Amberol cylinders for these machines.

From the looks of it, Your machine is a 3rd (1919-1925) and last series Amberola 30.

I have a 2nd and a 3rd Series Amberola 30's and they are both mint. I also have a mint Amberola 50 and nice Amberola 75.. I love them and I would not trade them for anything!

The Amberola 30 is one of my favorites! What a great machine! Congrats on your acquisition.

I see that your machine is missing some veneer, Most times, It is worth it to try and repair the missing veneer that is gone rather than try to replace the whole side with a new piece. George Vollema (Great Lakes Antique Phonograph) has old veneer for sale. You can cut and shape the old stuff with a simple X-Acto knife and simply glue onto the missing piece areas. APSCO has new replacement veneer for sale.

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

I appreciate the comments and have written down the names provided for the different services. The veneer on the side I can "cut & paste" but the top needs to be replaced entirely. Still have not been able to remove the cylinder- lord knows how long it has been on there. I'll continue working on it and will most likely cut it off once I've found some replacements and have the veneer work done. Another question I have is whether there was cloth in the grill when they were first produced? I've seen pics of them both with and without. Mine was really crappy looking so I took it off. It presents a nice contrast both in looks and sound on the table next to my Victrola VV-XVII!

Where are you located? Perhaps a Forum member can provide assistance. Plus, it sounds as though you may be in the markets for some 4 minute amberol cylinders.