The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi. I just purchased an Amberola 30. I am quite impressed by this machine. It came with 25 cylinders. It sounds good. I was surprised at how loud it is. No volumne of course. I thought I could just listen to a few songs while everyone else slept. Not a chance.

This particular machine is missing the grill. I see a few come up for sail on craigslist every now and then. I will most likely manufacture a reasonable replica until I can afford a replacement.

The cabinet has a small bit of damage. The top veneer is starting to "bubble". I believe it is due to humidity. It was stored in a basement.

Is there a site that has a step by step procedure for cleaning and servicing the motor?

Is there a site that covers cleaning the cylinders? I have been trying to remove any dirt or dust. The cylinders do not seem to be that dirty, looking at them. They are all inside the cardboard sleeves. Yet, they sound "dirty" when played. Well, many of them do. I have been rinsing them with a bit of water, then wiping with soft kleenex.

The cylinders have an interesting selection of music. The only title I recognize is, Hark The Herlad Angels Sing.

Kevin

If you go to the "Links" portion of the Forum, there are several good parts dealers. Ron Sitko and Wyatt's Musical Americana both sell good quality reproduction grills. Great Lakes Phonograph company may have an original. The outside grill is very inexpensive as as are most parts your your Amberola. They're a great little machine but play only Blue Amberol cylinders. Jerry Blais

Jerry's right - the Amberola 30 uses a diamond reproducer that will quickly ruin solid-wax records. Be sure any records you play on it have a celluloid surface. If the record is blue, you're safe. If it's black, check the inside for a cardboard core, and make sure that "4MIN" is printed on the edge with the title.

One thing to keep in mind with the blue cylinders (called "Blue Amberol" cylinders) is the plaster core. Don't get it wet or it may expand and break your record. A gentle wiping with a damp cloth is usually all that's needed to clean a Blue Amberol record.

George P.

And don't use window cleaner or anything containing ammonia. It will chemically degrade the cylinder immediately.

This might help. I take pictures when I disassemble motors

Hi.
Thank you for the tips. Most of the cylinders are Blue Amberol. There are a few dark ones. They are all four minute records. I cleaned the dust out of it today and found a small metal clip. Hmm? I will try and post a picture of it. All of the gears are well oiled. It must have been well looked after.

I will look into the price of a replacement grill. I also need to find a better selection of music.

Kevin

the dark cylinders could be indestructible...which would be OK on this machine.

If they don't break when you drop them, they are OK!