Max Wurcker reproducer

[gramophoneshane]

I just won myself a Max Wurcker reproducer and have a couple questions about it.
If the stylus is worn, does anybody know if the stylus can be turned as on an Edison reproducer, or if it needs replacing, will an Edison stylus fit the needle bar?
Also, the horn connection tube appears to be bigger than an Edison. Will a normal rubber connector stretch to fit the Wurcker, or will I be looking for a different size rubber tubing?
Are there any special considerations when rebuilding one of these?

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... 0397307349

[WDC]

Congratulations, that was a very neat price! From what I can see, the stylus bar appears to be suitable for a regular Model C sapphire. However, if the hole for the stylus is towards the record (straight down) it should be used with a bullet stylus as used on a Model B and all the Columbia floating reproducers. I can imagine that a regular black rubber connector should be elastic enough to cover the larger shaft too.

[Lenoirstreetguy]

I can hardly wait for a Youtube video. These are beyond rare.

Jim

[gramophoneshane]

There was actually a pair of them on ebay a couple weeks ago- a 2 min & a 4 min, with an opening bid of either $500 or $600, but I didn't see the final price they brought. I didn't even know a 4 minute version existed. These are the only 3 I've seen on ebay out here though.
My camera has auto volume levelling, so you probably wont hear any difference in volume, but hopefully the sound quality will come through. We should know next week sometime

[Mechtronix]

Gramophoneshane, there were several versions and types of the Max Wurcker reproducers made. Manufacturing commenced in 1908, Sydney, Australia.
There was an early and late type 2 minute version, a saphire 4 minute model, a combination 2&4 minute model, and the rarest of all, a diamond stylus/heavier weight type for 4 minute celluloid cylinders.

The company also made a special horn for these, and I only know of 2 in existance so far.

All reproducers used the Coombs patented pressed aluminium diaphragms.