Amberola V Mainspring Length Question

[barnettrp21122]

I recently replaced the mainspring in my oak Amberola V, using a new spring from a well-known dealer who knew my model number. I've noticed that it winds fully at just 30 turns. My mahagony V takes 60 turns to be completely wound, with much less torque than the other, although slowdown has never been a problem.
If you own an Amberola V also, could you please tell me how yours compares, and if you think one or the other springs of mine are close to original specifications? Thanks for your comments!
Bob

[barnettrp21122]

Any help with this? Thanks!
Bob

[OrthoSean]

Hi Bob,

I'll wind mine up tonight and count, although I'm pretty sure mine takes more like 60 winds than 30 to fully wind it. With 100 degree weather in store for today, there will be no better place to be than inside with the AC on and a selection of BAs to sooth the soul.

Sean

[OrthoSean]

Hi Bob,

Just over 60 cranks (64 to be exact) from empty to a full wind on my V.

Hope that helps!
Sean

[barnettrp21122]

Thanks, Sean, for your research! I like the way the longer (and likely thinner)spring feels when winding and in use, and will be considering getting a similar spring for my oak player. It might run a bit quieter with less torque, and I figure it will run longer as well. Are there any available tables showing original spring sizes for Edison amberola machines out there? Any comments from others? Thanks again.
Bob

[epigramophone]

The attached list is an old photocopy, hence the poor quality image.

I cannot remember where it came from, so cannot vouch for it's accuracy. I post it here in the hope that it might be helpful.

The interesting thing is the number of spring variants, two for the Amberola V, three for the VI and four for the X.

[barnettrp21122]

Thanks, epigramophone, for posting the above. It's interesting to me that the difference in length and thickness of the Amberola V springs seems very little, and wonder how the difference is enough to change the running time and winding/playback torque of the motor so much.
Thanks again!
Bob

[52089]

That page is from Frow's Edison Cylinder Phonograph Companion.

The reason there are multiple types of springs for the Amberola V, VI, etc. is that there are sometime radical changes in the motor within each model. For example, the design of the VI is similar to the direct drive V, but the (B)VI is more like a Fireside, including a belt drive.