The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I am trying to remove the reproducer from my Amberola 30 to replace the gaskets, but it won't budge. I've loosened the reproducer set screws and removed the horn. I've heard of the freezer method that will make the potmetal shrink to remove it, but does that actually work?

Absolutely it does work! Pop it in the freezer over night, and it should come right apart.

You must have a pot metal reproducer so you must use caution when taking it apart. I have experience with pot metal but not with rebuilding pot metal reproducers. Would someone with that experience please respond?

I send mine to Steve Medved for rebuilding. He is compiling a database of Edison reproducer serial numbers and manufacturing characteristics, which I feel is a worthy endeavor that I like to support. He doesn't charge for labor -- only for parts and return shipping, and his work is meticulous.

JohnM wrote:I send mine to Steve Medved for rebuilding. He is compiling a database of Edison reproducer serial numbers and manufacturing characteristics, which I feel is a worthy endeavor that I like to support. He doesn't charge for labor -- only for parts and return shipping, and his work is meticulous.

Same here. He does great work.

Jerry B. wrote:You must have a pot metal reproducer so you must use caution when taking it apart. I have experience with pot metal but not with rebuilding pot metal reproducers. Would someone with that experience please respond?

Maybe I've just been lucky, but I've never had any problems pulling down Edisons pot metal reproducers. I did have a little bit of trouble removing the Diamond C from my A30 carriage, but it wasn't anchored in too tightly. Edison seems to have used a better quality & more stable pot metal than most other manufacturers I've had exposure to.
I also used to have a pot metal Diamond B & model H, and all 3 remained level where the gasket & diaphragm sit, so none had to be reamed for a good flat seal.
The model H was the only one that required more than a very light sand around the outer circumference to fit the carriage properly, but that was probably because the lady who gave it to me had it rolling around in a drawer for at least 40 years. Even though it had swollen slightly, there was still no warping that had to be rectified.

I agree, put the carriage in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Wiggle the reproducer out. A common problem with expanded pot metal Diamond-C reproducers is that the rear tail block (hinge block) often is seized in its hole. Remove the screw, and using a machinists drill bit set, drill it out on a drill press SLIGHTLY to allow movement . Also, will need to be SLIGHTLY counter sunk with a #1 bit (i think that is the right size), because when the screw is reinstalled, it will be too tight, and it will hinder any easy swivel movement of the hinge block.

Any other questions, feel free to ask.

I finally got around to putting the carriage in the freezer. I started working on it and now the reproducer barely wiggles in the carriage, but it still won't come out. Is there anything else I can do?

Okay... The reproducer finally decided to come out of the carriage. Thanks everyone for your help!

Good work! Hip Hip HOORAY!

Also, Billy Murray is one of my favourite Edison recording stars.


-MM