Re: [Phono-L] Great Rust Removal Method - Electrolytic Rust Removal...
I came across this post, which I had saved from 2011, and have a question about this method. I've seen a lot of suggestions to use a car battery charger as the power source. How about a filtered and regulated, high-current DC supply? I figure the purer the DC the better and wonder about using a 12 volt, 25 amp Astron supply. Should I add a load of some sort (such as a light bulb) in series to prevent the fuse from blowing? Chris On 7/15/2011 2:43 AM, clockworkh...@aol.com wrote: This is well known to car restorers and has been used on iron or steel for years. Sodium hydroxide will also work. Sodium hydroxide is Drano but without the aluminum flakes that would mess up the process. Sodium hydroxide is commonly called lye and eye protection is advised. It works a bit better than 'washing soda' or soda ash which is sodium carbonate, Na2CO3. For a gas tank an electroplated coating of zinc is suggested immediately after the process. For a phonograph body any pits should quickly be filled and a coat of paint put on if it is an exposed part. Motor frames and the like can be dipped into an oil bath that has a paraffin base or given a dip into shellac or lacquer to keep the rust off. If the part is to be plated then the next immediate step is to copper plate the part before any oil or oxide can contaminate the pristine surface. Even a fingerprint is a problem. Cast iron needs a copper plating then tin plating before nickel can be put on. Electrolytic rust removal has been used by museums and restorers for ages. Bill Harrah had a huge bath when he was restoring old rust buckets into great antique cars for his collection. Harrah had an Edison Opera, a Triumph, an Amberola 30, and other Edison machines on display but never felt they needed restoration. Boy, did they! Happy Bastille Day to all, Al ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
[Phono-L] Wanted: Soft Tone Tungs-Tone Needles; Pfanstiehl Dollar Needle
I'm looking for a full tin of Victor Tungs-Tone needles, soft tone, needles unused (I don't care about the condition of the tin). Also a Pfanstiehl dollar needle for acoustic phonograph. Any offers? Thanks! Chris ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
Re: [Phono-L] Little Known Facts About Edison :)
If you google edison antisemite you will come across an astonishing and lengthy screed about how the Jews created Hollywood so they could peddle filth and undermine Christian morals. It begins with the struggle of Jews to wrest filmmaking away from the Edison Trust, and strays into communism, socialism, Disney, unions, Unamerican Activities, and Howard Hughes. I didn't follow any of the other google links, having reeled away from the computer after reading that paranoid dump from which it is impossible to sift any kernels of truth. But to get back to some useful information about Edison, he didn't invent the light bulb. He did make it practical in many ways, from developing a thin carbon filament with high electrical resistance to devising all the other elements of a complete electrical system: generators, wiring, conduits, switches and cutouts, means of measuring electricity consumed, etc. He was an astonishing businessman. The most money he made came not from the light bulb, the phonograph, or telegraphy -- it came from his alkaline batteries, which made electric cars practicable. He dabbled in cement and designed houses and furniture molded out of cement. His last project was to synthesize rubber (from goldenrod) -- not a great success. Cheers, Chris ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
[Phono-L] Newbie Question - How To Tell an Acoustical Record
Hi all, I've just gotten my first keeper wind-up phonograph, a Victor VV 8-35 (which a list member is refurbishing the mechanics of, I can hardly wait!), and I have a really elementary question: How do I tell which records can be safely played with a steel needle? I suspect all Victor batwings are OK. But is there a general rule of thumb besides date (would that be pretty much 1930s and before?) As late as when? Is absence of a spiral run-in groove a reliable indicator? Does electrically recorded mean too late? I belong to an antique radio club and at the last meeting one member sold another a table model along with half a dozen albums of 1940s-1950s 78s. I told them both that the steel needle in the heavy acoustic reproducer will ruin those records, and with the right records you also need to replace the needle for every play. But they went ahead demonstrating the machine and turning the grooves white. Oh well. Thanks, Chris Kocsis ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
Re: [Phono-L] Regina (or like) Music Box in Orange Cnty, CA
Hi Robert, The best resource for all questions regarding music boxes and other kinds of mechanical music is the Mechanical Music Digest, a fabulous Internet discussion forum with a vibrant community of congenial members -- collectors, repairers, dealers, beginning and experienced enthusiasts -- interested in everything from player pianos to musical clocks to band organs. Disc players come up often. I suggest you visit http://www.mmdigest.com/, sign up, and post your question there. You can also search and read extensive archives. Happy hunting! Chris On 11/19/2012 1:40 PM, rk...@cox.net wrote: My wife wants a Regina or Polyphon type disc player. I know enough about phonos to buy something online but not music boxes. Do you know of a store or booth or individual in Southern California that we could visit this week that might have Reginas or that type of antique music player for sale? We appreciate any hints. Thank you, Robert ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
Re: [Phono-L] contact info requested
If you google that domain name you do get a large number of predictable results, including at least one that seems to reference the site. This is unfortunate or worse, in my opinion. If that is what one is into, one should at least be discreet about it. On 11/18/2010 10:15 PM, Vinyl Visions wrote: I apologize for being insensitive, but when I read the domain name for Mr. Opera, I was thinking wtf does that have to do with phonographs? It sounds like a domain from San Francisco... From: steve_nor...@msn.com To: phono-l@oldcrank.org Date: Thu, 18 Nov 2010 19:08:22 -0500 Subject: Re: [Phono-L] contact info requested The first one is the main page for his site, the second one tells about how he became interested in phonographs. To: phono-l@oldcrank.org From: john9...@pacbell.net Date: Thu, 18 Nov 2010 23:59:45 + Subject: Re: [Phono-L] contact info requested Ok. The phonographs.html didn't appear in the first email and I was worried... Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry -Original Message- From: Steven Medvedsteve_nor...@msn.com Sender: phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org Date: Thu, 18 Nov 2010 18:46:36 To: Phono-lphono-l@oldcrank.org Reply-To: Antique Phonograph Listphono-l@oldcrank.org Subject: Re: [Phono-L] contact info requested http://teen-boy-preview.com/html/phonographs.html Hello John, This is actually the address to the Mr Opera phonograph website. Steve To: phono-l@oldcrank.org From: john9...@pacbell.net Date: Thu, 18 Nov 2010 23:35:59 + Subject: Re: [Phono-L] contact info requested Teenboy-preview.com?? Did you get your email hijacked? John --Original Message-- From: Steven Medved Sender: phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org To: Phono-l ReplyTo: Antique Phonograph List Subject: Re: [Phono-L] contact info requested Sent: Nov 18, 2010 3:29 PM burdettewalt...@yahoo.com webmas...@misteropera.com http://teen-boy-preview.com/index.html From: maff...@bresnan.net To: phono-l@oldcrank.org Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2010 21:20:30 -0700 Subject: [Phono-L] contact info requested All: I received the following earlier this year to an inquiry: Burdette Walters makes the reproduction boxes and lids for Blue Amberol (orange boxes). I would appreciate the E-mail contact address to inquire about cost and availability. If no E-mail info, any other type would work. Again, thanks in advance Bob ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
[Phono-L] Off-Topic -- Looking for early patent help in France
My apologies for this request unrelated to phonographs, but I'm looking for someone in France who is able to look up a patent number (205058) and tell me what the device is that it refers to. It is probably 1920s-30s. My hope is that there is a phono collector there who knows how to look this up (online patents don't go back that far) or can tell me how to do it. Phono question: Does a Victor Consolette sound about as good as a Credenza? Thanks, Chris ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
[Phono-L] Coin machine or jukebox needles?
Can anyone give me the lowdown on jukebox needles? I bought some new old stock Cole's coin machine needles with osmium tips. The package says the needle lasts many plays and doesn't have to be rotated. I'm also curious about the shape of the needle. A couple of millimeters up from the point, the metal is flattened into a pointed oval like a cobra head and then resumes being cylindrical. What is that for? Osmium is nearly as hard as tungsten and I've seen some references to people cutting their own needles from tungsten wire and forming the point by rubbing the cut end in a record groove while rotating it (which seems astonishing). Is such hardness a good idea in a needle, or does it cause excessive record wear? If these jukebox needles are safe to use, how do I tell when it's time to change one? Best regards, Chris ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
Re: [Phono-L] Coin machine or jukebox needles?
Thank you, Greg! Are you saying that tungsten wire shaped needles are just clipped lengths of tungsten wire, without a point being formed on them before being used to play a record? Chris Greg Bogantz wrote: Osmium tipped needles were a transitional style. They were the cheapest permanent needle typically marketed in the late 1930s thru the '50s. The more expensive varieties of permanent needles were sapphire or ruby and the most expensive were diamond. People were using record changers and didn't want to mess around with changing steel needles all the time, so these styles became popular. The problem with all of these needles in that time period is that the pickups tracked at too high a force for any of them to be optimal with regard to record wear. The magnetic and crystal pickups of that period typically tracked at between 30 and 80 grams. Although that's less than the 80 to 150 grams of the earlier acoustic reproducer period, it's still just too high for any of these hard needles. They were especially deadly when used with the early vinyl 78s that were beginning to appear after WWII. The proper technology for high tracking forces was the steel or tungsten wire needle when used with shellac records that contained abrasive fillers that were intended to quickly wear the needle into conformance with the groove shape. But, of course, the steel needles needed to be changed with every record side or two. Tungsten WIRE shaped needles are superior to the osmium tipped needles because the cylindrical wire shape retains the same cross-sectional area during the entire lifetime of the needle. The osmium needles were tapered and as they wore they got a bigger cross section. This is fine until the cross section gets too big to fit into the groove width which happens after just a few records are played. Then the needle forms shoulders that ride outside the groove and on the land of the record. This lifts the needle out of close contact with the groove walls which leads to mistracking, distortion, and high record wear. These hard needles, especially the sapphire and diamond ones don't wear down quickly, and instead wear the records. These needles that were typical in this time period are the main reason that records that have survived from the '30s thru the '50s look worn and sound more distorted and worn than records that have survived from the teens and '20s and that were played properly with steel or tungsten wire needles. The use of these hard needles only became proper when pickup tracking forces were reduced to 10 grams or less in the 1950s. I don't feel comfortable using them even above about 5 grams. Tracking forces of 1 to 2 grams became commonplace in the early 1960s, and jewel-tipped needles are perfectly satisfactory when used in these pickups. The bottom line is, I would NOT recommend using hard needles in any pickup tracking at more than 10 grams if you want to preserve your records. When new, these needles will sound good for a while. But they will be grinding the bejeezus out of your records if you are tracking them at 30 grams or more. If you have a jukebox or record changer that operates at high tracking force, use tungsten wire needles. Or change the pickup (and tonearm if necessary) to allow tracking forces below 10 grams if you want to use jewel-tipped needles. Osmium would also work in this application, but it will wear out after 20 sides or so, even at this tracking force. Osmium is just a bad idea for just about any application. Greg Bogantz - Original Message - From: Chris Kocsis chris...@cox.net To: phono-l@oldcrank.org Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 8:47 PM Subject: [Phono-L] Coin machine or jukebox needles? Can anyone give me the lowdown on jukebox needles? I bought some new old stock Cole's coin machine needles with osmium tips. The package says the needle lasts many plays and doesn't have to be rotated. I'm also curious about the shape of the needle. A couple of millimeters up from the point, the metal is flattened into a pointed oval like a cobra head and then resumes being cylindrical. What is that for? Osmium is nearly as hard as tungsten and I've seen some references to people cutting their own needles from tungsten wire and forming the point by rubbing the cut end in a record groove while rotating it (which seems astonishing). Is such hardness a good idea in a needle, or does it cause excessive record wear? If these jukebox needles are safe to use, how do I tell when it's time to change one? Best regards, Chris ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
Re: [Phono-L] Columbia 122 angle correct?
There is something wrong. Regardless of whether it is the correct tone arm for the machine, or the correct reproducer, the shaft of the needle must be straight up and down when viewed from the front. It should never lean into the groove at a sideways angle. Period. Chris Keith Wright wrote: It looks like it. I have now included a side picture the owner sent. http://keithwright.ca/columbia122/columbiaport122%20angle.html Compare to another 122 shown below. The owner of this one has not replied to a request for more pictures. http://keithwright.ca/columbia122/columbiaport122.html Anyone got pictures of their 122 with the correct angle? Thanks, Keith From: ediso...@verizon.net To: phono-l@oldcrank.org Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 12:35:58 -0500 Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Columbia 122 angle correct? Is that the correct reproducer ? - Original Message - From: Keith Wright khwri...@hotmail.com To: phono-l@oldcrank.org Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 9:25 PM Subject: [Phono-L] Columbia 122 angle correct? Hi Folks, Some one I know with a Columbia 122 portable pointed out the angle at which the reproducer leans at the end of the arm. I didn't think anything of it until I compared it with one of my HMVs. Is there some problem with the Columbia or is this an inherent flaw with the make/model? I've posted the photos on the page below (it should work with a copy-and-paste): http://keithwright.ca/columbia122/columbiaport122%20angle.html Thanks, Keith ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org _ ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
Re: [Phono-L] Columbia 122 angle correct?
It should be straight up and down as with your HMV. Beyond hurting the sound, this can harm the records. From my limited experience, the problem with the portable could be a wrong tonearm. Raising it at the other end will correct the angle. I had to do that with my General Phonograph Model E, which had the wrong arm, by making a circular disk out of wood like a large, fat washer. Also, by the way, the tip of the needle should swing over the center of the spindle (for the correct tracking angle with respect to the groove). If the tonearm is too long, this can result in the needle being too straight up and down, which will create too much drag and also hurt the records. I saw a Victor pamphlet that said the ideal angle of the needle with respect to the groove was 60 degrees. Chris Keith Wright wrote: Hi Folks, Some one I know with a Columbia 122 portable pointed out the angle at which the reproducer leans at the end of the arm. I didn't think anything of it until I compared it with one of my HMVs. Is there some problem with the Columbia or is this an inherent flaw with the make/model? I've posted the photos on the page below (it should work with a copy-and-paste): http://keithwright.ca/columbia122/columbiaport122%20angle.html Thanks, Keith _ ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
[Phono-L] Some 7-inch Berliners on eBay
Just a note that I've posted three 7-inch Berliner records on eBay, with a few more to follow eventually. These are earlier than my other records and don't fit my interests, and I don't want to attempt to play them on what I have. You can search on 7-inch Berliner Gramophone Phonograph Record. Best, Chris ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
[Phono-L] VV-1-90 -- Available?
I've decided the next phonograph I'm really looking for is a VV-1-90, the orthophonic table model. Does anyone have one for sale? What can I expect to have to pay for one? Chris ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
[Phono-L] Semi-Luddites - was Re: Definition of antiques
How many of us older folks have embraced Web 2.0 social media like Facebook and LinkedIn? Frankly I have no interest in either, but I have friends and acquaintances my age (61) (including my dentist) who send me invitations. Has anyone here found these to be worthwhile and beneficial? Chris Robert Wright wrote: [snip] Fun story, Peter. I know people less than half your friend's age who are still to scared to embrace modern (computer) technology fully, even though in their youth they were anything but Luddite. From: pjfra...@mac.com Date: Sun, 3 Jan 2010 11:34:22 -0800 To: phono-l@oldcrank.org Subject: [Phono-L] definition of antique - was Re: Shipping phonographs Yesterday my 14 year old and I went to install some RAM in the computer of a friend. We also helped our friend with her iPod. As we left, I told my daughter that she would be lucky if she, too, could be as with it when she got to the age of our friend: 92. She replied that she'd always stay up on the latest ipods and other technology...but paused to reflect when I mentioned that by that time, an iPhone would look to youngsters the same way an Edison cylinder phono looks to her today. Antique is a moving target. Most kids today have no idea what an LP is - and even cassettes as well - and when they see one consider it to be an antique. _ Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222986/direct/01/ ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
Re: [Phono-L] source for Columbia companion vol 2
There are three copies here -- all expensive: http://www.addall.com/SuperRare/RefineExact.fcgi?id=091102180443984607order=TITLEordering=ASCdispCurr=USDexaAuthor=Bob+Baumbachmatch=YexaTitle=Columbia+Phonograph+Companion:+2 If that long URL doesn't work, go to addall.com and search for columbia phonograph companion. Good luck! Chris Bob Maffit wrote: All: A short while ago, someone listed a link, source, for the out of print book: Columbia Companion vol. II. This is the one for the disk machines. I would appreciate it if I could get it. Thanks Bob ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
[Phono-L] Questions about a General Phonograph Model E
I got this cute little machine at an auction and have some basic questions I hope you can help me with. I've posted photos to Photobucket: http://s664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/chrisk33/ 1) Does this look like the original tone arm? 2) How about the sound box -- see closeup -- It seems to say RCA and V in a deco style. Do those letters together mean that it was made no earlier than 1929 (the RCA and Victor merger)? Could it possibly be the one that was supplied on this machine? 3) The sound box is not fastened to the tone arm very rigidly. There is a cylindrical red rubber seal (hard and cracking now, don't know if it was ever flexible) in between and the sound box can be twisted a little, both sideways (on the axis of the tonearm) and vertically, changing the angle that the needle makes with the line of the groove. Should the needle be slanted at all sideways with respect to the record surface, or would anything other than 90 degrees be tracking error? How about the rake of the needle longitudinally in the groove? All the phonographs I've seen with one-use needles seem to have the needle at an angle, such as 35 minutes past the hour if the sound box were a clock. What is this ideal angle? 4) Lastly, much of the (nickel or chrome?) finish is corroded and pitted -- on the turntable edge, on/off switch, the needle cups -- can you recommend someone to restore these, or from your experience should I attempt to polish and plate them myself as suggested in The Compleat Talking Machine? Thank you! Chris ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
Re: [Phono-L] Paper cone for Polly Portable
Thank you Ron, that is splendid suggestion. If I decide to sell the player, would that affect the value? Chris Ron L'Herault wrote: How about coating it with shellac? It would add stiffness and maybe improve function. Ron L -Original Message- From: phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org [mailto:phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org] On Behalf Of Chris Kocsis Sent: Tuesday, September 08, 2009 12:57 AM To: Antique Phonograph List Subject: [Phono-L] Paper cone for Polly Portable I just bought a Polly Portable Phonograph in good condition, but the paper cone speaker is rather worn and doesn't hold together very well. It's also lost a lot of stiffness, which I assume is necessary for best performance. Does anyone make a replacement or know of a spare? Best, Chris ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
[Phono-L] Paper cone for Polly Portable
I just bought a Polly Portable Phonograph in good condition, but the paper cone speaker is rather worn and doesn't hold together very well. It's also lost a lot of stiffness, which I assume is necessary for best performance. Does anyone make a replacement or know of a spare? Best, Chris ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
Re: [Phono-L] Advice please - holes in cylinder surface
Hot stylus drops with a C reproducer on a day that would fry eggs on the sidewalk? Chris Bruce Mercer wrote: I saved the photo to My Pictures and looked at it extremely blown up. There is a dimple in the bottom of each hole. It looks like it was done with heat and ??? If they were bubbles I don't think the perimeter would be that perfect or have that mark in the bottom of each hole. One hole appears to be 'starting'. They look like BB holes until you look closely and see the dimple in the bottom. You can see a stylus drop above one of them. Bruce and my .02 ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
Re: [Phono-L] Advice please - holes in cylinder surface
Thanks, Norman, I will try that. My 2-minute reproducer is a C. I thought of bubbles too but not only is the size exactly the same of all the holes, but the sides of the holes are cylindrical, straight down, and they are of uniform depth. A mystery. Chris Norman Bruderhofer wrote: Chris, These holes look indeed different than the ones I used to find sometimes on black wax cylinders. The usual holes are, to what I was to figure out, caused by the collapse of the wax surface when tiny bubbles are underneath it. You can see this sometimes on broken black wax cylinders, both 2-minute and 4-minutes. The holes on your cylinder do not have an uncommon size though. It's just the large group of them what looks suspicious. A regular stylus should even be able to play over such an area, especially when you are using a Model B reproducer which has a bullet sapphire instead of the doorknob of a C. As Steven pointed out, candle wax could actually do but it can be sticky and, as a worst case, can mess up your stylus that has to cleaned then. I had good success with filling comparable holes with modelling wax (for wood restoration) with a wooden toothpick. It takes a lot of time and you should have the cylinder on the mandrel to give it a better support while applying the wax. Norman Chris Kocsis wrote: I just got a cylinder I won on eBay (Edison 9100, Bob Roberts' Everybody Works But Father) to replace mine that cracked. It was advertised as in excellent + condition, and as I pulled it out of its sleeve it looked like it was. But as I turned it to examine it closely, I found a strange, almost patterned number of deep circular pits among the grooves. I'm afraid to play it in case the stylus catches in these holes and gets ripped out. I'm attaching a picture. I would appreciate advice (as well as any information on how these holes could have formed -- I'm not an experienced collector, but I've never seen anything like them before). Many thanks, Chris -- ATTACHMENT -- **An Attachment Was Scrubbed** Name: 9100 holes.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 52776 bytes URL: http://oldcrank.org/pipermail/phono-l/attachments/20090812/f397cb3b/attachment.jpg ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
[Phono-L] retarmysgt (William) post regarding Gramophoneshane
Hi all, I think this is it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbPa-VWAzSY Cheers, Chris Thatcher Graham wrote: Shane, If there's a youtube video that shows how to replace the mainspring that'd help me out. got a link? -- Thatcher shane nolan wrote: I know him well, because I am gramophoneshane! I have NOT harrassed you. I have NOT spread rumours or lies about you, and quite frankly, I am getting fed up with this kind of nonsense on these forums. I am the one being harrassed by a couple people from Boston, and it all seems to come down to a youtube video I posted, showing the removal installation of a main spring. I've obviously upset these repairmen by showing how easy spring removal is. Now Bill, you have my email address. Please use it with proof of these accusations you are making. I am on a carers pension because I look after my elderly mother, who is close to disabled herself, so why would I harrass anyone because they are in a wheel chair? Your claims are complete nonsense, and posting this sort of rubbish on this other boards is childish behaviour from someone who should know better. Stay connected to the people that matter most with a smarter inbox. Take a look ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org From waltsomm...@comcast.net Mon Mar 2 09:45:31 2009 From: waltsomm...@comcast.net (Walt Sommers) Date: Mon Mar 2 09:50:49 2009 Subject: Small Spring Service on YouTube: Was Re: [Phono-L] retarmysgt (William) post regarding Gramophoneshane In-Reply-To: 49abf58e.2010...@cox.net References: 176860.26718...@web62304.mail.re1.yahoo.com 49abf186.3030...@mediaguide.com 49abf58e.2010...@cox.net Message-ID: 49ac1b3b.2000...@comcast.net Thanks for the link Chris: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbPa-VWAzSY I mostly use jigs and fixtures to hold and wind springs because of the numerous services I perform for others and the benefit that they afford me in terms of speed and safety. The technique described is applicable to 1/3 or less of the motors I routinely encounter. Most springs are significantly larger. I don't know the dimensions of the barrel or the spring in the video clip but I am guessing they are no more than about 1 wide, and based on the ease of flexing them they can't be thicker than about .019. Such a hand-held technique is okay for tiny springs like the one shown, but anyone attempting to service springs in machines like the Edison Diamond Disc or Edison Triumph (just to name two) should not attempt the job with such an unsafe and mechanically inadequate arrangement. My grip is that of a high steel worker but it falls short of what the big guns need. Once you start trying to wrestle with two springs in the same barrel or those that are wider than 1 1/4, thicker than .02 and with lengths that exceed 12 feet, the danger factor increases exponentially. I actually enjoy a certain sense of risk when I work on motors and I don't mind getting nipped (Hint: The use of red grease helps hide the damage from my wife), but there is a level at which mere risk becomes high probability. I know that some folks don't wear gloves of any sort when they work on springs, claiming that it reduces their dexterity which they say adds a risk factor that outweighs the potential of getting gashed from Pandora or one of her high tension sisters. Good, thin, Kevlar reinforced gloves are expensive, but one pair costs a fraction of what a trip to the emergency room costs. And some injuries that send you to the emergency room often result in permanent losses of dexterities (I know firsthand - pun intended). I think Shane's video pretty much shows the gore and inevitable goo that one must contend with when confronting spring service and I am glad he posted it. Regards, Walt Chris Kocsis wrote: Hi all, I think this is it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbPa-VWAzSY Cheers, Chris Thatcher Graham wrote: Shane, If there's a youtube video that shows how to replace the mainspring that'd help me out. got a link? -- Thatcher shane nolan wrote: I know him well, because I am gramophoneshane! I have NOT harrassed you. I have NOT spread rumours or lies about you, and quite frankly, I am getting fed up with this kind of nonsense on these forums. I am the one being harrassed by a couple people from Boston, and it all seems to come down to a youtube video I posted, showing the removal installation of a main spring. I've obviously upset these repairmen by showing how easy spring removal is. Now Bill, you have my email address. Please use it with proof of these accusations you are making. I am on a carers pension because I look after my elderly mother, who is close to disabled herself, so why would I harrass anyone because
[Phono-L] Circus Wagon Phonograph - Incorrect ebay listing
Is it worth a lot more than the closing bid? jan...@comcast.net wrote: Too bad the auction ended last month. ;-( Antique Wood Band Bus Truck Music Box w/ Musicians http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=180314199983 ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org From fun...@comcast.net Wed Jan 7 20:44:06 2009 From: fun...@comcast.net (funk) Date: Wed Jan 7 20:44:19 2009 Subject: [Phono-L] Atlantis Talking Machine Company// In-Reply-To: 63f75c556a6849a4b0521f9a8f3ac...@glastrispc References: cc8.42055d93.36965...@aol.comcfbfa3d39d644cb586add29c22e02...@glastrispcacb11b078c9d42d4876acd3cb3d4c...@t60 63f75c556a6849a4b0521f9a8f3ac...@glastrispc Message-ID: f6895ca2f6d64f709c1d17d2e5846...@your4dacd0ea75 I have scanned the brass tag but do not have any active web site. If you wish to see a scan of the tag-- please email me at fun...@comcast.net. I will be happy to send it as an attachment. Suellen Funk -Original Message- From: phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org [mailto:phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org] On Behalf Of George Glastris Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2009 8:35 PM To: Antique Phonograph List Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Atlantis Talking Machine Company// Am I missing something? What fraud case and who is Binzweig? - Original Message - From: Dan K ediso...@verizon.net To: Antique Phonograph List phono-l@oldcrank.org Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2009 5:22 PM Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Atlantis Talking Machine Company// I think this 'jibes' with my post about the fraud case; 46 7th St puts it at 2nd Ave, which is where Birnzweig had his phono shop. To me, it makes sense that a fraud running an Atlantic shop would send out Atlantis machines . - Original Message - From: George Glastris glast...@comcast.net To: Antique Phonograph List phono-l@oldcrank.org Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2009 5:48 PM Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Atlantis Talking Machine Company// Would the New Yorkers help me out here please; I did a MapQuest for the address and there isn't an exact address like that on Manhattan, but there is in Brooklyn and Staten Island. It's possible that that part of the street has been filled in as a building or something, but I'm curious in a very geeky way. - Original Message - From: allena...@aol.com To: phono-l@oldcrank.org Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2009 1:36 PM Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Atlantis Talking Machine Company// In a message dated 1/7/2009 2:23:51 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, harveykrav...@yahoo.com writes: Hi Allen, It says Atlantis Talking Machine Co. Hope this helps, Harvey P. Kravitz -- So far, they do not seem to have advertised in the Talking Machine World (under this name). They may have sunk beneath the waves like their namesake... ;-) Allen ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
[Phono-L] Player for 78 rpm records
Hi, I have heard that the Webcor portable phonographs from the 1950s do a good job. They have a flip-over or turnaround needle and I think styluses and cartridges can still be found. I've offered to help a friend restore his Webcor Holiday (someone previously tried to fix the turntable and failed and junked it, so now I'm looking for a replacement, if anyone has just that mechanism). Chris buck Buchanan wrote: I need some help in finding a cheap record player that will play the 78 rpm records. I have an Emerson and I have also looked at the Crosley and both of them just don't cut it. They use the same needle for the 78's and for the 33's and the 78's sound awful and it not because they are dirty because I have cleaned the records. My biggest problem is that I am a disabled vet trying to live on $1,000 a month. so I don't have much to pull from in the way of money. I know my in laws want to buy me something but I can't ask them to spend hundreds of dollars on this. does anybody know of a cheap player on the market that sounds good! And where can I find it. Thanks Bill ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
[Phono-L] Snagged on eBay -- did it bite me?
Hi all, this is on its way to me. I'm a novice at phonographs and don't know what it is (my specialty is old light bulbs). Anyone care to tell me? I'll be able to answer specific questions (like does it have a stylus?) when it comes http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:ITitem=200263341078 Best, Chris
[Phono-L] Snagged on eBay -- did it bite me?
Thanks Loran, Stan, and Bruce! My search string is a professional scrounger's secret, but I bet you can figure it out :-) Chris BruceY wrote: Congratulations, that is an excellent buy. My only question would be: How did you find it? What did you search under? - Original Message - From: Chris Kocsis chrisk33 at cox.net To: Antique Phonograph List phono-l at oldcrank.org Sent: Thursday, October 23, 2008 8:47 PM Subject: [Phono-L] Snagged on eBay -- did it bite me? Hi all, this is on its way to me. I'm a novice at phonographs and don't know what it is (my specialty is old light bulbs). Anyone care to tell me? I'll be able to answer specific questions (like does it have a stylus?) when it comes http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:ITitem=200263341078 Best, Chris ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
[Phono-L] should I get Pay Pal?
...but if you want to accept someone's credit card payment, you have to upgrade to a premier account (at least that's what it was called when I signed up). No problems other than I wish the fee was less. A friend in Europe sent me some money via credit card to buy something for him and the fee took a big bite out of what he sent ($17.27 out of $435). Rich wrote: Free account is gone. But the personal account is reasonable. If you are only going to use it for payments it is free. Peter Fraser wrote: i've managed to hang on to the original free account all these years. there's unceasing pressure to upgrade to a fee-based account but if you read the fine print and pay attention you can still use it free. i don't know whether they still even offer the free account, but it's worth looking into. most complaints that you hear are from cheapskate sellers who resent the 2.5% (or whatever it is) fee...the service is obviously worth it, and is secure and easy to use. -- peter pjfraser at alamedanet.net On Sep 23, 2008, at 8:53 AM, Steven Medved wrote: PayPal has been great to me I have had no problems. You can use a credit card and I would recommend this for added protection when you pay someone you are not sure of. I have had PayPal since it was free. PayPal is like any other thing you have to avoid the weak areas. Poor customer service, fees keep going up, not much protection but with care you can avoid most of the problems. Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:11:09 -0700 From: ddazer at sbcglobal.net To: phono-L at oldcrank.org Subject: [Phono-L] should I get Pay Pal? I never got a Pay Pal account because most ebay sellers would take a check or money order. Over the years, I have heard of many problems with Pay Pal. Have those issues been resolved? Those of you who use Pay Pal, do you like it? Any advice in this matter is appreciated. I do sell some non-phono related items once in a while on Ebay, but I am not sure it is worth the risk of using Pay Pal. Dave ___ Phono- L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
[Phono-L] should I get Pay Pal?
I had the same problem with Shawn Borri and it still rankles. I even defended him to strangers because he had a good reputation. No apology, no refund. I understand his partner screwed him over and he had severe financial problems, which he may not yet have recovered from; and there are people who speak well of him. ClockworkHome at aol.com wrote: YES ! ! ! I actually will bid way higher with a seller using PayPal and I have gotten some phonographic bargains from sellers who demanded only money orders. Once the ease and security change your mindset you cannot go back to the old system relying on snail mail to deliver payment. I like the very idea that I can pay for an item within minutes of the auction close and do so without getting out of my chair. If the seller is on the ball my item arrives often just days after the close. I have only been stung on eBay once by a guy selling Borri Wax Cylinders as he would not take PayPal but could cash the postal money order without delivering the goods. eBay pulled his account but I never got a cent or a cylinder. I figure that anyone who qualifies for PayPal has passed some scrutiny to begin with. Regards to all, Al **Looking for simple solutions to your real-life financial challenges? Check out WalletPop for the latest news and information, tips and calculators. (http://www.walletpop.com/?NCID=emlcntuswall0001) ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
[Phono-L] Looking for decent K reproducer
My new Fireside (bought at an auction) has the wrong reproducer, and I'd like to find a good K. I understand the reproductions are low-volume and need serious tweaking to sound good. So I guess I could also use suggestions on who could do such work. Thanks! By the way, my real expertise is old light bulbs, if anyone needs help there.
[Phono-L] Looking for decent K reproducer
Thanks Ron, the more I look into this the more I think that's the way to go. The reproducer that came on the machine is in poor shape but I have a C on my other machine -- a Standard -- so all I need is an H and I have a line on one through a friend. Chris Ron L wrote: Which reproducer did it come with? If it is a C, you could just get an H or vice versa. Ron L -Original Message- From: phono-l-bounces at oldcrank.org [mailto:phono-l-bounces at oldcrank.org] On Behalf Of Chris Kocsis Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 10:16 AM To: phono-l at oldcrank.org Subject: [Phono-L] Looking for decent K reproducer My new Fireside (bought at an auction) has the wrong reproducer, and I'd like to find a good K. I understand the reproductions are low-volume and need serious tweaking to sound good. So I guess I could also use suggestions on who could do such work. Thanks! By the way, my real expertise is old light bulbs, if anyone needs help there. ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
[Phono-L] Looking for decent K reproducer
Hi Al, many thanks for the reply. I'll remember what you say if I find a K. For now I have decided to get an H and have a line on one. You are the second person to refer me to Steve Medved and I'm grateful for that information! Chris ClockworkHome at aol.com wrote: Ideally you would want a brass body K that has not been previously worked on. Usually all they need is to have new gaskets put in properly under correct compression, the copper diaphragm cleaned (and lacquered with instrument lacquer), and the styli turned if needed. The two minute stylus is often in such good shape that it does not need turning but the four minute stylus will likely need to be turned. The four minute stylus that has played many Blue Amberols will have a flat spot. I do only my own reproducers but I believe Steve Medved, our list expert on Edison reproducers, will do rebuilds. In my experience the reproduction K reproducers suffer from a thicker diaphragm and improper compression of the gaskets. They can be tuned up to give better results. Best Wishes, Al The Edison Guy... **Vote for your city's best dining and nightlife. City's Best 2008. (http://citysbest.aol.com?ncid=aolacg0005000102) ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
