Hello Tom,
Al covered it very well. I rebuilt two R reproducers, one R that was still air
tight and one I replaced the gaskets on. I rotated both styli and restored
mechanical freedom to all the parts. The difference in sound was negligible
between them.
There are 6 different H bars, the R has two different ones, but the R never
came with the one that has the thin tail. The earliest H bar was made to
swivel in shoulders that do not move. I have not seen one in an early H but
Model L serial number 79 came with a gold plated one. This Model L has the
flat H weight and the very first of the 6 different large diaphragms.
On the R I suggest replacing the link with .020 wire, .022 would be even
better.
When the R was new it fit the shoe adaptor like an iron and brass O fits a
carriage. It was held in place with the three screws. As the pot metal would
swell over the years it becomes a press fit. Sadly most R and S reproducers
have large air leaks. The slot in the R and S adapter was put there so you
could adjust the compression ring tightness. Again thanks to Al and Ron D.
New gaskets on an Edison reproducer that does not have an air leak does not
make much of a difference in sound. Replacing gaskets is not a rebuild.
I restored a Diamond A that had new gaskets, is sounded horrible. The stylus
was broken, the stylus bar was gummed up and did not move freely, the hinge
block was gummed up and did not move freely. The diaphragm was warped. Each
problem will reduce sound quality.
I call the people that do this work Industrial Rebuilders. They consider
replacing gaskets a rebuild and have no sound test. I will share my rebuild
notes with anyone that asks. Even on the C reproducer I will make sure the
stylus bar and hinge block moves freely.
An Exhibition or No 2: soft gaskets and a diaphragm that has a high ring is
important. You can even ring a copper diaphragm, the ones with a dull sound do
not sound good. Ron D told me about doing this with Edison copper diaphragms
and it works on mica as well. When you spin a coin and it drops it rings.
Steve
> To: [email protected]
> From: [email protected]
> Date: Fri, 9 Aug 2013 02:48:25 -0400
> Subject: [Phono-L] Edison Model R Reproducer
>
>
>
> Hi Tom:
>
> I own 5 Model R Reproducers and have never seen a press fit. They all have
> had the three screws. I guess we will have to wait for Steve Medved to chime
> in with his findings.
>
> As for the low volume, the reproducer should be taken apart and serviced.
> Sometimes the diaphragm will have dirt and caked in grime that won't let it
> vibrate as designed. New gaskets for a tight seal might help. And I would
> be sure the 4 minute sapphire is good with a fresh face down. A worn stylus
> can give lousy sound. The linkage and stylus bar fulcrum may need work too.
> Also, be sure the stylus bar is the correct one for this reproducer. There
> are many Edison Reproducers that were assembled by kitchen table technicians
> showing up on eBay. Every time I think I have seen it all, something new
> comes along.
>
> Please let the list know what you find when the riddle of poor performance is
> solved.
>
> Regards,
> Al
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Tom Jordan <[email protected]>
> To: 'Antique Phonograph List' <[email protected]>
> Sent: Thu, Aug 8, 2013 8:00 pm
> Subject: [Phono-L] Phono L
>
>
>
> I recently purchased an Edison Model R reproducer on e-bay to replace the
> one that I had to sell several years ago.
>
> The one that I owned before was a pressed fit (front and back). This one
> has three very small screws on the back. Will someone please tell me if the
> model R's were ever made this way or have I accidentally purchased a
> FrankenR? I have a few photos available if anyone would like to see them.
>
> The reproducer plays, but frankly, my C reproducers are much louder than
> this R. It seems to be in need of a rebuild.
>
>
> Thank you.
> Tom
>
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