The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello everyone!

If you've seen my post in the machines tab, you'll know i just came into possession of an Amberola 75, and need some help. This post is about the Amberol Records I received with it.

1.
How do I clean these? I followed a tutorial of wiping it down with a damp Microfiber cloth, but that didn't really do much to its appearance.
2.
Along with some blue Amberols, one of the records I received was a black one, is this playable on my phonograph? Looking back in my memory, i remember vaguely someone saying that amberols were originally black, so i want to ask before I assume either or.
3.
Again speaking of the mystery black record, there's a decently sized crack on the record, from what I remember from reading on the forum many moons ago, certain cylinders are the equivalent to bombs, and if played with a crack, will shatter with force, is this one of those records?
4.
What are some tips I should know regarding cylinder records? things to watch out for, things you wish you knew when you started, just general advice.

Any help is appreciated - and if you wish, check out my Part I post in the Machine tab for my Machine questions.

Forgive me - I'm just realizing I never posted the mystery cylinder lol

To answer your third (and perhaps second) question first: that's probably a wax Amberol - it should have the Edison logo and 4M on the end. If so, I know of no reliable way to repair a crack. And wax cylinders, as they say, are 'no go' for an Amberola 75.

Cleaning: A soft cloth, and water, with a little dishwashing liquid, are good for celluloid cylinders. don't get the insides of the cylinders wet.

Tips: you can play Blue Amberols, Indestructible (cardboard core, metal rim) and Everlasting (composition core) 4 minute records as well (both marked 4M).

- Bill

Lucius1958 wrote: Sat Feb 22, 2025 11:21 pm To answer your third (and perhaps second) question first: that's probably a wax Amberol - it should have the Edison logo and 4M on the end. If so, I know of no reliable way to repair a crack. And wax cylinders, as they say, are 'no go' for an Amberola 75.

Cleaning: A soft cloth, and water, with a little dishwashing liquid, are good for celluloid cylinders. don't get the insides of the cylinders wet.

Tips: you can play Blue Amberols, Indestructible (cardboard core, metal rim) and Everlasting (composition core) 4 minute records as well (both marked 4M).

- Bill

Thank you Bill! I'll have to try that tomorrow. What should I do with the cracked Amberol?

mrvic2 wrote: Sat Feb 22, 2025 11:32 pm What should I do with the cracked Amberol?

You can put it on a shelf for display, or throw it away. I would do the latter.