Hi again John: Yes, you are correct, the dome will be very stiff and not be pliant at all. This means all of the flexure has to be on the metal between the dome and the outside diameter. Auto makers use curves to stiffen the bodies in the same manner as this dome diaphragm.
I tend not to believe this reproducer was for a coin operated machine. I cannot recall seeing one that when modified was not then nickel plated to look all original. The marks of an amateur on this reproducer are the lack of fine craftsmanship on the weight hinge and hinge block, the glue on the limit pin socket, etc... Best wishes to all, Al -----Original Message----- From: john robles <[email protected]> To: Antique Phonograph List <[email protected]> Sent: Mon, Sep 16, 2013 7:06 pm Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Odd cylinder reproducer Thanks Al. As to the stiffness of the diaphragm, it is actually extremely thin, however I could see that the domed area wold be stiffer due to its shape, correct? I am very tempted to replace it with an Edison diaphragm. The spring has a very light resistance, I wouldn't say it produces any more pressure than the full weight would had it not been docked. I've played indestructibles with it, and one wax cylinder, the "Angels Serenade" harp solo by Charles Scheutze. That's the one that creates the blast. But maybe I better stop using it - speaking of important cylinders, it is one of the first 6 cylinders I ever owned, going back 28 years or so. I still have 4 of the 6, all in mint condition. I got them at my first CAPS show back when it was still at Griswold's Hotel in Fullerton. Anyone remember that? A small conference room, no air conditioning..by afternoon it was like a sweatbox in there. John Robles ________________________________ From: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Monday, September 16, 2013 5:23 PM Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Odd cylinder reproducer Greetings John: >From everything I see, the reproducer screams 'Someone's Kitchen Table Experiment'. I have seen similar experiments to 'improve' an Edison reproducer and have a couple in my collection. In the mind of this guy who made your example, the weight was able to move so the force on the record by the stylus was inconsistent thus trimming the weight and adding a spring to give constant downward stylus force was the idea. Those people who have seen the Lyric type reproducer with its spring system and figured that Edison reproducers might be modified to use the same principle are the culprits. The most tragic form of this idea I have seen was on a Model L Reproducer and it didn't work for that one either. The booming peak resonant frequency is likely due to the weight added to the stylus bar versus the return force exerted by the aluminum diaphragm which may be way too stiff. That's my theory on the peak responses you are getting. You may also have found the resonance of the spring and the trimmed weight suspension. It is hard to tell without having the reproducer at hand to examine and run tests on. I would not play any valuable wax records with it ! ! ! Regards to all on the list, Al _______________________________________________ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org _______________________________________________ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org _______________________________________________ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
