The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

A few weeks ago I got an Amberola 30 that I could use for parts. Since the horn was much nicer on the parts machine... I took apart my Amberola and installed the "new" horn. Ever since the reproducer height seems to be off. When I move the carriage over to the far left side of the record, the diamond stylus will scrape across the top part of the record. And then on some cylinders I can't listen to the end of the song because the stylus doesn't seem to reach down far enough. I never had these issues before I put the "new" horn on... any thoughts on what to do? I wanted to ask for advice before I started messing with the height adjustment for the weight. If the problem is the horn.. I will just put the original one back on. I had my reproducer rebuilt by Wyatt, so I don't think this is a reproducer issue.

Thanks!

David

Did you by chance compare the 2 horns side by side before swapping them? Is it possible the new one is bent or distorted in some way?

I did not. I didn't think it would make a difference .

I'll check.

David

I think Fran is on the right line.

I had a similar problem with my Amberola 50. The original horn had been replaced with a wooden one. This was done back in the day probably under the believe that wood sounded better than metal. I got a replacement 50 metal horn but had trouble fitting it, it would lift the reproducer up and just didn’t seem to want to fit. My solution was to slightly squeeze the horn to a better shape thus making it more oval on the horizontal. It then worked perfectly. I wonder if they sometimes did this in the factory...

Actually I rather miss that wood horn. The metal one is much louder but the wood one gave a rather unique gentle music box type sound.

Jamie

I put the old horn back on and no difference. I adjusted the height of the weight so it doesn't scrape at the beginning of the records... but it still won't play the end of some cylinders. Is this just a matter of reaming out the cylinders so they fit onto the mandrel better?

David

If you weren't having the problem with the old horn, but had it with the new horn, and now you're having it with the old horn, there must be something in the way you are installing the horn that is causing the problem. Are you using the little spring that hangs the horn from the bedplate and the metal post in the bottom that keeps it in place. I've worked on a lot of 30s and the horn has to be just right for them to function properly. Also, are you putting oil where the reproducer goes into the horn. This has to move freely.

hbick2 wrote: Sun Mar 07, 2021 1:52 pm If you weren't having the problem with the old horn, but had it with the new horn, and now you're having it with the old horn, there must be something in the way you are installing the horn that is causing the problem. Are you using the little spring that hangs the horn from the bedplate and the metal post in the bottom that keeps it in place. I've worked on a lot of 30s and the horn has to be just right for them to function properly. Also, are you putting oil where the reproducer goes into the horn. This has to move freely.

I made sure everything moves smoothly on the machine; the carriage slides really nicely on the carriage rod. And yes I did oil where the reproducer goes into the horn.

The only issue I am having now is that I can't play the end of some of my cylinders. I haven't reamed any of my blue amberols... so maybe this is the issue?

David

Are your Blue Amberola not fitting all the way onto the mandrel. If so, then that is probably the problem. Try it with one that doesn't need reaming and slips all the way onto the mandrel and see if you still have the problem.

The ones that slide on completely don’t have any issues.

Do I buy a reamer or can I make one?

David

dzavracky wrote: Sun Mar 07, 2021 3:02 pm The ones that slide on completely don’t have any issues.

Do I buy a reamer or can I make one?

David

It's easier to buy one than make one, since it has to be tapered correctly. You might be able to make one using an old spare mandrel, attach a handle somehow and add several strips of 180 grit sandpaper...