The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

On youtube, I have noticed that some people put wax on their records before they play them. Is there any benefit to this?

Also, I have seen Victrola No. 2 sounboxes with what looks to be wax where the arm that comes up from the needle goes into the diaphragm (sorry if this isn't right, I am not that good with all the technical language), but mine does not have any. Is this a problem?

I have waxed a few records that were so worn that that they wouldn't play on a Victrola but I don't generally do it. There has been quite a debate about this on this forum and you might be able to search out relevant threads. Some people I have known have made it a practice to use spray furniture wax on Edison Diamond Discs but this has been generally dismissed as a bad practice.
On a side note, the last record I waxed was an Okeh electric that was in such bad shape that my Credenza wouldn't play it with a steel needle. There was so much friction between the needle and the record surface that the motor would slow down. After cleaning the record and applying beeswax, I was able to play it with a bamboo needle several times through before the needle needed to be repointed. And the motor held speed with no problem. The main issue here is whether the wax used contains chemicals which could damage your records over time.

As to your other question, the needle bar-to-diapragm connection is usually waxed in order to both prevent air leaks at the screw hole and to lock the screw in place. This is generally done in mica diaphragm reproducers. Those using glass or metal usually employ other methods.

Jim

First question- wax was recommended for records by some UK authorities back in the 20's and 30's but it isn't a widely used practice.

Second question- a little beeswax was melted to seal the arm and screw to the diaphragm to prevent any rattling. With age it can harden and fall off.

Okay, thanks guys.