The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I recently purchased an Edison ‘Opera’ and as is often the case, the brake indexing slider is missing. I broached the subject of reproducing them with Pedro Martinez Diaz in Spain as I feel that there is likely a pent-up demand for these. The last ones that I recall being reproduced were in the 1980s, and although serviceable, weren’t exactly finished accurately. Pedro says Operas are scarce in Europe and that he would need an original to copy. I don’t have one to lend him — the fact that I need one is what started this conversation. Does anyone have one and the knurled set-screw that they would be willing to send to Pedro to copy? Of course, this is the same slider that is used on the Amberola I-B, III, and School. I have no financial interest in this project, just trying to initiate it. Thanks in advance if anyone is willing to help.

Darren Wallace, "Phonospud" on this forum, would be able to make perfect copies and would have access to a sample piece to work from... if it's something he would want to do.

Don Gfell supplied them to me regularly until he died. He sourced them domestically. I don’t think that they would need to be made in Spain, with all the added complications that would entail these days. I and almost everyone I know in the clock and music box world is holding back on importing stuff. I have wooden horns marooned in Peru for the past 8 months and have had to turn away customers for them.

Raphael

Raphael,
Do you have any mahogany Edison bells stateside?

Sorry, my wooden horn sales are suspended until the import situation is resolved.

Raphael

Sounds like we need a domestic source for those, too!

Have you checked with Paul Baker? He may have what you need and it would be a perfect replica..

Joe

I have zero interest in contacting Paul Baker.

Oh, well, Pedro! I tried!