The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I just rebuilt my Edison model H reproducer with new gaskets from Walt Sommers.
But the sounds quality is not really any better than it was before..... did I do something wrong?? Is the something wrong with the stylus bar/ needle?
I watched 'The victrola guy"s video on youtube on how to take it apart, and how to put it back together.

The records are really quiet now.

Any advice?

The diaphragm may be hitting the side of the reproducer. How is your stylus? Is the metal retaining ring there? Did you clean the diaphragm and hold it up to light to check for holes? Watch the diamond disc reproducer rebuild video on YouTube at Dyslexic Genius Hurt.

I’ll take it apart soon and clean the diaphragm. What do I use to clean it? It’s reallt gross haha (like it was black)

I didn’t know what to do so I put it back together before I lost those little screws

In addition, the amount of pressure exerted by the compression ring is critical. Without disassembling the reproducer, you can back off the pressure. Simply hold the reproducer upside-down with both hands, keeping your thumbs free. Now with the tips of your thumbs beneath the weight, gently move the compression ring counter-clockwise JUST A FEW DEGREES. Try playing a record with the reproducer. If no louder, repeat as above ONLY A FEW DEGREES. If the playback becomes "buzzy," you've gone too far, so try tightening the compression ring clockwise just a smidge.

If this fails, it's time to disassemble and follow the good advice given above.

George P.

Presuming you're test playing good condition cylinders, if your stylus is worn or otherwise damaged and therefore not properly compliant with the cylinder grooves no amount of rebuilding will improve the sound. In addition to the prior helpful advice I would also examine the stylus under proper magnification. The 4 minute model H stylus is very small and if it's worn or otherwise compromised you will not get much sound at all and in addition you could be potentially injuring the recorded grooves. As with many members here on the Forum, I rebuild all of my own reproducers and a good rule of thumb I've found useful is to first examine the reproducer stylus under magnification. If it visually appears to be in fine condition and it's a reproducer I plan on keeping and using then I rebuild it. Ron Sitko has Edison 4 minute styli and 4 minute styli mounted in stylus bars if it turns out yours needs replacing.

Okay! My dad has a microscope, and we are going to look at it today

dzavracky wrote:Okay! My dad has a microscope, and we are going to look at it today

If the stylus is observed to be worn you can rotate it to a section that shows no wear. Note you need to have very steady hands as if you drop the stylus, 90% chance you can kiss it goodbye as so tiny. Work in one of those fruit cartons that will contain the stylus in case you lose your grip.

UPDATE:

I called a friend and during our call I asked him about the hinge block. It turns out I had screwed it down too low, and it caused me to have to screw the ring on too far. I took it apart, put it back together correctly this time (I also cleaned the diaphragm) and it sounds SO much better than it did before.

LOL i can actually understand what they are singing about!

That's what this place is for!
Glad to hear it is working better.

I'm glad the compression ring was the culprit - - that's an easy and cheap fix.

George P.