The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Who sells the best gaskets for a model c reproducer? Cork or rubber best? How can You tell if the stylus needs to be replaced?

Rubber is generally best; although many reproduction gaskets are neoprene, which is not quite as soft as the originals (does anyone make them in silicone?)

If you hear any "echoing" on playback, that is often a sign that the stylus is worn. As a confirmation, look at the stylus through a high powered magnifier: if you see a flat spot, that is wear.

You can, however, turn a stylus by melting the shellac, so that it presents an unworn surface to the cylinder.

-Bill

"that is often a sign that the stylus is worn."

Sometimes, but not always... If the reproducer has not lateral movement (Side to side movement)....This will also cause the same "Echoing" effect... It usually happens when the Forward Weight Adjustment Screw is too tight on the Diamond A, B, or C Reproducer. In order for the Reproducer to function correctly, The Diamond A, B, or C Reproducer Weight needs to freely move from side to side... If the Forward Weight Adjustment Screw is too tight, and the Weight can't move from side to side freely... You'll get the Echoing. This is often and easily mistaken for a worn Diamond Needle..so that's always why you have to check the Weight Lateral movement first, before replacing any Diamond Needles...otherwise, You may have replaced a perfectly good, usable Diamond Needle when it was not at all necessary.

PS: A "Stylus" is what is used on older Edison Model A/B/C Sapphire Reproducers. Diamond Amberola machines use a "Diamond Needle"....on their Diamond A, B, or C Reproducers...Just so you don't confuse the two... since they are far from being similar.

Since this thread question was on the older Edison Model A/B/C Sapphire Reproducers. A "Stylus" is the correct terminology here and was correctly chosen.

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

NEFaurora wrote:"that is often a sign that the stylus is worn."

Sometimes, but not always... If the reproducer has not lateral movement (Side to side movement)....This will also cause the same "Echoing" effect... It usually happens when the Forward Weight Adjustment Screw is too tight on the Diamond A, B, or C Reproducer. In order for the Reproducer to function correctly, The Diamond A, B, or C Reproducer Weight needs to freely move from side to side... If the Forward Weight Adjustment Screw is too tight, and the Weight can't move from side to side freely... You'll get the Echoing. This is often and easily mistaken for a worn Diamond Needle..so that's always why you have to check the Weight Lateral movement first, before replacing any Diamond Needles...otherwise, You may have replaced a perfectly good, usable Diamond Needle when it was not at all necessary.

PS: A "Stylus" is what is used on older Edison Model A/B/C Sapphire Reproducers. Diamond Amberola machines use a "Diamond Needle"....on their Diamond A, B, or C Reproducers...Just so you don't confuse the two... since they are far from being similar.

Since this thread question was on the older Edison Model A/B/C Sapphire Reproducers. A "Stylus" is the correct terminology here and was correctly chosen.

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

Tony, I've never encountered Edison literature referring to its product as a "Diamond Needle." I'd be most grateful if you would provide a copy of your source.

Here's what I'm familiar with seeing with regard to the Diamond C Reproducer ("Diamond Points" rather than "needles"):
As noted, the original question had nothing to do with the later Diamond series of Edison Reproducers. But the caution about lateral compliance is a good one. The Model C Reproducer (with the sapphire stylus) has a hinge block which needs to move freely in order for the stylus to track properly.

George P.

Yes George, That was the exact specific Edison Ad that I was thinking of. But, I would swear that I had seen Edison refer to it in other material as a "Diamond Needle" as well.. in all of the reading that I have done over the years...but perhaps instead it may have some "Jobber" Ads material (Which were a bit looser on certain Terminology) rather than Edison's own Factory promotional material. But Good catch either way. "Diamond Point" it is..

Thanks for the correction.

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer...

On an Edison Amberola what is the side to side movement if the guide needle is still on the bottom of the curved guide while playing?

Shalomjj wrote: Mon Mar 24, 2025 6:26 pm On an Edison Amberola what is the side to side movement if the guide needle is still on the bottom of the curved guide while playing?

Very simply, the "guide needle" should never be in the bottom of the "curved guide" while playing. If it is, some adjustment is likely needed.

Just for reference...
"Guide Needle" = Limit Pin
"Curved Guide" = Limit Loop

Also, you would get better results if you posted your question in a new thread.