The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I see some people offer four minute records, I was wondering where everyone is getting the four mintue cutting stili, I would love to produce a new four minute titles on a resin type material, I just do not have any four minute cutters. I worked with Rich Goodin on making new two minute stili, and they are sold out, and will only be made again if there is enough interest, a minimum order is more than I can afford, I could have two and four minute cutters made again, but I need a four minute sample, for which I do not know anything about the dimensions, except the cutter would be twenty thousandths in diamiter, but perhaps the shape is different than a two minute, beings I have never seen one in person.

Well
Some I had saw were molded from resin. These were from old rare molds.

Best Regards,
Brad

With all the Edison recorders sold on eBay without stylus I would imagine that there should be a good market for new cutting styli, probably even with holder. Most of the recorders I see are 2 minute, so not sure what the market for 4 minute cutters would be, but I would think 2 minute cutters should sell quite well. There were several recent inquiries both on this forum as on the Edison phono forum.
Andreas

For the record, (if you'll pardon the expression), I've got a 4 Minute recorder that needs a cutting stylus. Anybody else? Maybe we can collect enough orders here to get a minimum run.

Count me in. I'd be very interested in a 4-minute recording stylus.

If there is enough interst, I need at least enough orders for 100 pieces. Im going to need the specs for these to make, them so if anyone knows tha profile of the cutter, please contact me from my website. When I have ths specs, then I can give the drawing to the company that manuractures them for a quote.

Shawn, Leo Hirtz had a few 4 minute recorders years ago and I got a look at the stylus at the time and he did a good job of describing it. I think there is a patent on it which I can send if I can locate it; I had a pdf of it several years ago. It looks like a four minute reproducer stylus with a flat cut so that the 'squashed doorknob' part (that rides in the groove sideways on a 4 minute reproducer) is left with a cutting face. Will look this evening when I get home to see if I have the drawing.

edisonphonoworks wrote:I see some people offer four minute records, I was wondering where everyone is getting the four mintue cutting stili, I would love to produce a new four minute titles on a resin type material, I just do not have any four minute cutters. I worked with Rich Goodin on making new two minute stili, and they are sold out, and will only be made again if there is enough interest, a minimum order is more than I can afford, I could have two and four minute cutters made again, but I need a four minute sample, for which I do not know anything about the dimensions, except the cutter would be twenty thousandths in diamiter, but perhaps the shape is different than a two minute, beings I have never seen one in person.

I would like to buy a complete 4 munute recorder, or could the 4 minute cutting stili be installed in an original two minute recording cuttng Stili? I would prefer if I have a reproduction recorder, with the four minute cutting stili installed if available. If you are planning to make some count me in.

James

scullylathe wrote: It looks like a four minute reproducer stylus with a flat cut so that the 'squashed doorknob' part (that rides in the groove sideways on a 4 minute reproducer) is left with a cutting face. .

This sounds very different to my 4M recorder, which has a cutting stylus just like the 2M version except smaller. Apparently different versions of the 4M recorder were made, but the most notible difference between my 4M & my 2M's is the glob of solder used to attach the stylus mount at the centre of the diaphragm. Mine originally had a split rubber diaphragm gasket, similar to what you find on a No.4 Vic/HMV soundbox, but as replacements aren't available (to my knowledge), I remounted the diaphragm with wax like on my 2M recorders.

Interesting: outside of the styli, is there any significant difference between a 2-minute and a 4-minute recorder?

If not, I'd be interested in a stylus......

Bill