Stupid Question

[MisterGramophone]

Well, as a newbie to Edison machines, I have a pretty stupid question.

The question is: Can I play wax amberols on a blue amberola or a blue amberol on a wax amberola or should I buy separate machines for them?

[epigramophone]

Assuming that you already have a 4 Minute machine, you will need separate reproducers to play Wax and Blue Amberols.
Wax Amberols are played with a sapphire stylus and Blue Amberols with a diamond.
You can play Blue Amberols with a sapphire stylus, but they will soon wear the stylus out.
You cannot play Wax Amberols with a diamond stylus. It will destroy them.

[drh]

Not a stupid question at all! Knowing which cylinder can be played on which machine isn't exactly "complicated," but it does take some travel up a learning curve. I wrote on the subject some time back; perhaps this will be helpful--I hope so! https://www.tnt-audio.com/vintage/ediso ... rs2_e.html

[phonogfp]

Certainly NOT a stupid question. So many people have ruined so many records using wrong reproducers that the Antique Phonograph Society posted a free illustrated article explaining the differences between various cylinder records and reproducers:

https://www.antiquephono.org/#/collectiondetails/16

As a newbie, if you haven't looked over the free articles on the APS website, you really should. Many, many questions answered there.

George P.

[MisterGramophone]

Certainly NOT a stupid question. So many people have ruined so many records using wrong reproducers that the Antique Phonograph Society posted a free illustrated article explaining the differences between various cylinder records and reproducers:

https://www.antiquephono.org/#/collectiondetails/16

As a newbie, if you haven't looked over the free articles on the APS website, you really should. Many, many questions answered there.

George P.

So, I should use separate machines? Also, how do I tell a wax Amberol from a 2-minute cylinder (For which I do have a machine)

[AmberolaAndy]

Certainly NOT a stupid question. So many people have ruined so many records using wrong reproducers that the Antique Phonograph Society posted a free illustrated article explaining the differences between various cylinder records and reproducers:

https://www.antiquephono.org/#/collectiondetails/16

As a newbie, if you haven't looked over the free articles on the APS website, you really should. Many, many questions answered there.

George P.

So, I should use separate machines? Also, how do I tell a wax Amberol from a 2-minute cylinder (For which I do have a machine)

They are flat on top and say 4M on the edge. Usually in a green box but you know how stuff ends up in different boxes over time.

[MisterGramophone]

Certainly NOT a stupid question. So many people have ruined so many records using wrong reproducers that the Antique Phonograph Society posted a free illustrated article explaining the differences between various cylinder records and reproducers:

https://www.antiquephono.org/#/collectiondetails/16

As a newbie, if you haven't looked over the free articles on the APS website, you really should. Many, many questions answered there.

George P.

So, I should use separate machines? Also, how do I tell a wax Amberol from a 2-minute cylinder (For which I do have a machine)

They are flat on top and say 4M on the edge. Usually in a green box but you know how stuff ends up in different boxes over time.

Ok, good to know
Should I play them on separate machines or both on a wax Amberol machine?

[phonogfp]

Ok, good to know
Should I play them on separate machines or both on a wax Amberol machine?

There is really no such thing as a "wax Amberol machine." It's all in the reproducer and the gearing. This is all shown in the article whose link I provided above, if you care to read it.

George P.

[MisterGramophone]

Ok, good to know
Should I play them on separate machines or both on a wax Amberol machine?

There is really no such thing as a "wax Amberol machine." It's all in the reproducer and the gearing. This is all shown in the article whose link I provided above, if you care to read it.

George P.

Yeah, it’s not quite a thing, but it’s better than naming the model and reproducer, but, is it a good idea to play a blue/royal purple Amberol on one of these things or vice versa, or should I just use separate machines?

[phonogfp]

Yeah, it’s not quite a thing, but it’s better than naming the model and reproducer, but, is it a good idea to play a blue/royal purple Amberol on one of these things or vice versa, or should I just use separate machines?

Forgive me, but apparently I don't understand the question.

George P.