David:
I don't do vinyl, so I'll limit my comments to 78s. There are various
expensive and/or high-tech, and no doubt several "secret" methods out there
for cleaning 78s. There might even be the "RIGHT WAY," espoused with religious
zeal by some. I keep coming back to a weak mixture of grease-cutting dish
detergent and lukewarm water. Prepare a basin with these two ingredients - the
depth no more than 4 or 5 inches - and get your tap water running slowly at
the same temperature as the basin water. Place your dirty record edgewise in
the basin, being sure that the soapy water does not come up to the level of the
paper label (thus the 4-5 inch depth). Slowly rotate the record, while gently
brushing back & forth in the direction of the grooves with a soft toothbrush
or similar tool. Repeat on opposite side, if appropriate. Don't worry if a
little water runs over the label. When the recorded areas have been
soaked/brushed, go over entire surface - including label - with a clean sponge
or rag
soaked in the dishwater and immediately rinse with running water. Put in a
dish
drainer or wire record holder to drip a few minutes, then gently dry with a
clean, soft towel. Allow to air dry for an hour or so, depending on humidity.
Just be certain the record is dry before putting it in a sleeve or cabinet.
It's not fancy, but it does the job - and I've never had a bad experience with
this method. Hope this is helpful, and have fun -
George Paul
From Gpaul2000 Mon Apr 26 15:38:47 2004
From: Gpaul2000 ([email protected])
Date: Sun Dec 24 13:10:39 2006
Subject: [Phono-L] Edison A/B-80 Survey Results
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
It's been a week or so, and I've heard from exactly TWO people about their
Diamond Disc "A-80" and "B-80" machines. They can't be THAT rare! Just in
case
you missed it, I'm trying to compile some information on these interesting
machines to be shared with the list. If you own (or have access to) an Edison
Diamond Disc Phonograph "A-80" or "B-80," please send me its model number,
serial number, and type of grille (wooden or metal). I'll share results -
regardless of how little - in a week or so. Thanks,
George Paul
From tvenetis Tue Apr 27 13:22:22 2004
From: tvenetis (Tim)
Date: Sun Dec 24 13:10:39 2006
Subject: [Phono-L] main spring question
Message-ID: <001601c42c84$8892be00$ef9a5...@toshibauser>
I was wondering on a gem what is the best way to wind up a main spring so I can
put the shaft in the motor thanks
From maxbud12 Tue Apr 27 18:09:31 2004
From: maxbud12 (Bruce Mercer)
Date: Sun Dec 24 13:10:39 2006
Subject: [Phono-L] Record Cleaning
References: <[email protected]>
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
If you should collect Edison Diamond discs, 'never' use water to clean them.
Use only denatured alcohol. They have a laminated core and the water will
cause them to swell. The factory specifically stated to use alcohol to clean
the discs. Today, most OTC alcohol has some amount of water in it.
Denatured alcohol on a piece of plush velvet using paper towels in between
for very dirty discs and finish off with a dry piece of plush velvet will
make them sparkle.
I would also be afraid to get any laminated record too wet. I'm thinking of
Columbia here....but there were others. They were laminated on paper from
the mid twenties, or possibly earlier.....maybe somebody else knows when
they started. I definitely would not submerge them though. Damp cloth and
dry immediately.
YMMV
Bruce
