The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I purchased a few cylinder cases ( 36, 72, 18 cylinders) and am thinking of storing some wax cylinders in them. Do I need to put anything in the case with the cylinders to prevent mold or they will store just fine??? Any tips on keeping them from cracking. I have ruined about ten lately I am a little clumsy lately. Tom B

You might want to set the cases themselves out in the sun to kill mold and use a disinfectant spray (check to make sure it won't stain). You could always put some silica gel packs in the cases and change them once and awhile. importantly keep them when they have records in them at a constant temperature, (about 67-72F) and away from humidity. Always handle cylinders with the index and middle finger, and don't let the cylinders go in rooms of variant temperatures.

Thanks for the information I will move them in from the garage. That may be why I am breaking a lot. Tom B

tomb wrote:Thanks for the information I will move them in from the garage.

As a general rule anything old and fragile will do better in the environment that you live in. Photographs, Phonographs, Books, Antique Furniture & etc. are better off in a constant temperature and humidity. (We all like to be cool and dry! )

Martin

Thanks Marten, I guess I am lucky living in Calif. towards the desert. It gets hot here at times ( a lot) but the humidity stays low. It does not get cold here though so I will have to monitor the wood in the machines. Once I am set up and the Edison's are more accessible I will go thru them and put some conditioner on the wood. I do not know if it will penetrate the shellac coating though. Tom B