The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I need a tip from a few of you experts please. I have collected these incredible machines and records for 50 years and still find out new things about them almost on a daily basis. I recently heard that it is unwise to regularly play my 5 inch brown wax original concert cylinders due to wear. Let me ask a really dumb question here. Was it unwise to play them a lot when they were new as well or is it because of the current condition of them due to the age of the materials used in their production? Thank you!

I think it's the fact that brown wax is softer than black wax.

Back when they were new, you could always buy another copy if one wore out...

Bill

If you are playing them only occasionally, I wouldn't worry. I had a modest collection of Edison and Columbia brown wax 5 inch cylinders for several years which I played mow and then and never noticed any wear or damage to them. Be sure that the stylus is in good condition and that the reproducer has the freedom of movement that it should have in order to avoid damage. If you want to demonstrate it often, you should consider purchasing a Paul Morris cylinder for that purpose and save the originals for your own enjoyment.

Jim

Jim, Thank you for that information. I will inquire about titles, availability, etc, as I am looking to purchase a few.

Because I make brown wax, and have studied it, this question has a confusing answer. Technically Brown wax is harder in a sense that original brown wax contains between .5-.3% aluminum for the double pressed octadecanoic Acid (stearic acid.) The original Ceresin content is from 12-14%. Gold moulded wax, while additives made it harder (more like gummy), the octadecanoic acid used was the same as brown wax, however Gold Moulded are .25-.3% aluminum, slightly less than brown wax, and contain 12-14% ceresin. The problem is a good, clean Concert or Grand cylinder is not easy to find, the records are fragile. I do not see harm in playing them once in awhile, or any brown wax once and awhile. What does wear cylinders, is repeated plays on the same setting, that is repeating over and over in one setting, the friction of the stylus in the groove heats it (an almost imperceptible amount but it does heat it.) However an occasional play should be fine. I hope to get my AG/HG going someday, so I can record Concert cylinders. I will repeat, check your stylus often make sure it is in good shape, that will do a lot to preserve them.

obmcclintock wrote:I will inquire about titles, availability, etc, as I am looking to purchase a few.

You should also check out the cylinders offered by Vulcan. These are extremely well recorded, authentically loud, and best of all, unbreakable.

You guys are awesome, thank you!

What, prithee , is a Paul Morris cylinder?

Paul Morris is a maker of wax cylinders and blanks in the United Kingdom. He makes both standard and concert size blanks and records. He probably produces the most wax cylinders per year of any talking machine company. He probably can record whatever you like on the concert records if you ask nicely.