The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I am restoring an Edison Model A cylinder machine and have decided to rebuild the Model C reproducer. I ordered a copper diaphragm and gaskets; then I disassembled the Model C reproducer. I found that it had a mica diaphragm. Question: Should I replace the mica with a new copper diaphragm or leave the mica one? Thanks, Roy

I would only put in a modern copper gasket if it was one of the high-quality ones sold by Paul Baker or some of the performance diaphragms being sold...I forget who was doing those. Whatever he made those things of, it's perfect. I have a replica Model C reproducer he did that sounds as good or better than an original.

The new replica diaphragms are frequently too stiff. As for mica vs. copper, the stepped mica is really cool stuff and I would leave it if it sounds all right--but it may not sound as good as a fine quality copper one.

My two cents, adjust for inflation. I draw on a vast stock of ignorance.