Re: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration Invitation

2015-02-13 Thread Antique Phonograph List
Amazon has some rubber tipped ones.  I was thinking of dipping some I have in 
silicone sealant to see if I could get a decent coating.



Ron



From: Antique Phonograph List [mailto:phono-l@oldcrank.org]
Sent: Friday, February 13, 2015 12:45 PM
To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration 
Invitation



Where do I get them?

Steve


  _

From: lhera...@verizon.net
Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration 
Invitation
To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
Date: Thu, 29 Jan 2015 01:18:15 +

sounds like a job for silicone tipped forceps.



Ron L



From: Antique Phonograph List [mailto:phono-l@oldcrank.org]
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2015 4:39 PM
To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration 
Invitation



Hello Jim,

Back in 1905 when you purchased an Edison recorder it was new, being new it 
most likely moved freely.  I say this because I have come across recorders 
where I have had to sand with 2000 grit sandpaper to get them to move freely.  
2 minute recorders are relatively stable, with four minute recorders you have 
to have the flap fit perfectly or they will not track properly.  I had one 
recorder that the sound transfer tube got stuck near the top because the sound 
tube was too small to allow it to move freely.

Some people get lucky, one of the people who record commercially told me his 
recorder was as found and worked perfectly.  Another did work on his.

There are several things that make a recorder weak.  The first is a chipped 
stylus and the chips do not have to be large.  You have to look down on the 
contact side not into the cupped hole with a 30X loupe.  It takes experience to 
spot a bad one with small chips out of the sapphire.

Next is the flap, the flap must move freely.  The sound transfer tube must move 
freely.  The mica has to be good.  The sapphire cutter has to be cocked up at 
the correct angle.

Recorder styli are a challenge to rotate because metal tweezers can damage the 
sapphire and plastic ones will melt.

Steve


  _

From: phono-l@oldcrank.org
Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration 
Invitation
To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2015 20:59:49 +

Are you warming your blanks before/during recording process?  How thick is the 
diaphragm on the recorder?  Is there a gasket underneath it(i.e. between the 
diaphragm and the body of the reproducer.   Is the diaphragm waxed in place?  
Does the little tube inside the reproducer neck move up and down easily to help 
maintain a reasonably tight air path?  When you inspect the cutter with a 
magnifying glass, does it look sharp and feel sharp?



Nice blanks can be purchased from Shawn Borri.



Ron L



From: Antique Phonograph List [mailto:phono-l@oldcrank.org]
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2015 3:40 PM
To: 'Antique Phonograph List'
Subject: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration Invitation



As part of what has become Immortal Performance’s annual Thomas A. Edison 
Birthday Celebration on the 11th of February to which Central Texas antique 
phonograph collectors are invited I am planning to record wax cylinders of a 
few of Austin’s very best jazz musicians.   However, results obtained with an 
Edison Triumph Model B phonograph with end gate & unencumbered by four-minute 
gearing, an 1890s 3 ft. conical horn & an Edison Recorder have been 
disappointing.   The baby grand Steinway with conical horn pointing right into 
lid was weak & a ‘cellist playing quite loudly with end of horn less than a 
foot from the instruments “f” holes was also very weak.   Only with my head 
right at the mouth of the horn & singing loud in a quasi “operatic” voice was I 
able to make a recording of suitable audibility.The local antique 
phonograph repairman was able to acoustically dub a 78 played on a Victor VI 
using smaller horn pointing into the recording horn with fair results.



The jazz musicians would probably include clarinet/saxophone/bass saxophone 
(hopefully “channeling” Adrian Rollini, my favorite jazz artist), trumpet, 
trombone, tuba & percussion with piano used if it can be recorded.   Would like 
to have used a fine string bass player but am pretty sure his efforts would not 
register at all.



Would anyone have suggestions for tweeking the Edison two-minute Recorder to 
obtain optimum results?Would anyone have an excellent recorder for sale?   
Would anyone have old Dictaphone cylinders for sale which could be cut off & 
shaved down to record on?



In the Edison “American Experience” documentary shown here on PBS yesterday 
evening, an 1890s film clip was shown of a violinist playing into a recording 
horn from at least a foot from its mouth.   Lionel Mapleson recorded fragments 
of actual Metropolitan Opera performances between 1901 & 1903 on an Edison 
cylinder pho

Re: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration Invitation

2015-02-13 Thread Antique Phonograph List
Where do I get them?

Steve

From: lhera...@verizon.net
Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration 
Invitation
To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
Date: Thu, 29 Jan 2015 01:18:15 +

sounds like a job for silicone tipped forceps. Ron L From: Antique Phonograph 
List [mailto:phono-l@oldcrank.org]
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2015 4:39 PM
To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration 
Invitation Hello Jim,

Back in 1905 when you purchased an Edison recorder it was new, being new it 
most likely moved freely.  I say this because I have come across recorders 
where I have had to sand with 2000 grit sandpaper to get them to move freely.  
2 minute recorders are relatively stable, with four minute recorders you have 
to have the flap fit perfectly or they will not track properly.  I had one 
recorder that the sound transfer tube got stuck near the top because the sound 
tube was too small to allow it to move freely.

Some people get lucky, one of the people who record commercially told me his 
recorder was as found and worked perfectly.  Another did work on his.

There are several things that make a recorder weak.  The first is a chipped 
stylus and the chips do not have to be large.  You have to look down on the 
contact side not into the cupped hole with a 30X loupe.  It takes experience to 
spot a bad one with small chips out of the sapphire.

Next is the flap, the flap must move freely.  The sound transfer tube must move 
freely.  The mica has to be good.  The sapphire cutter has to be cocked up at 
the correct angle.

Recorder styli are a challenge to rotate because metal tweezers can damage the 
sapphire and plastic ones will melt.

Steve
 From: phono-l@oldcrank.org
Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration 
Invitation
To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2015 20:59:49 +Are you warming your blanks before/during 
recording process?  How thick is the diaphragm on the recorder?  Is there a 
gasket underneath it(i.e. between the diaphragm and the body of the reproducer. 
  Is the diaphragm waxed in place?  Does the little tube inside the reproducer 
neck move up and down easily to help maintain a reasonably tight air path?  
When you inspect the cutter with a magnifying glass, does it look sharp and 
feel sharp?Nice blanks can be purchased from Shawn Borri. Ron L From: 
Antique Phonograph List [mailto:phono-l@oldcrank.org]
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2015 3:40 PM
To: 'Antique Phonograph List'
Subject: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration Invitation 
As part of what has become Immortal Performance’s annual Thomas A. Edison 
Birthday Celebration on the 11th of February to which Central Texas antique 
phonograph collectors are invited I am planning to record wax cylinders of a 
few of Austin’s very best jazz musicians.   However, results obtained with an 
Edison Triumph Model B phonograph with end gate & unencumbered by four-minute 
gearing, an 1890s 3 ft. conical horn & an Edison Recorder have been 
disappointing.   The baby grand Steinway with conical horn pointing right into 
lid was weak & a ‘cellist playing quite loudly with end of horn less than a 
foot from the instruments “f” holes was also very weak.   Only with my head 
right at the mouth of the horn & singing loud in a quasi “operatic” voice was I 
able to make a recording of suitable audibility.The local antique 
phonograph repairman was able to acoustically dub a 78 played on a Victor VI 
using smaller horn pointing into the recording horn with fair results. The jazz 
musicians would probably include clarinet/saxophone/bass saxophone (hopefully 
“channeling” Adrian Rollini, my favorite jazz artist), trumpet, trombone, tuba 
& percussion with piano used if it can be recorded.   Would like to have used a 
fine string bass player but am pretty sure his efforts would not register at 
all. Would anyone have suggestions for tweeking the Edison two-minute Recorder 
to obtain optimum results?Would anyone have an excellent recorder for sale? 
  Would anyone have old Dictaphone cylinders for sale which could be cut off & 
shaved down to record on? In the Edison “American Experience” documentary shown 
here on PBS yesterday evening, an 1890s film clip was shown of a violinist 
playing into a recording horn from at least a foot from its mouth.   Lionel 
Mapleson recorded fragments of actual Metropolitan Opera performances between 
1901 & 1903 on an Edison cylinder phonograph.If the recorder Mapleson used was 
a weak as mine, he would have gotten absolutely nothing even with his gigantic 
recording horn situated many yards from the performers yet we know he caught an 
amazing lot.   Therefore, the problem must be with my Recorder. The Edison 
Birthday Celebration will begin at 6:00 P.M. on the 11th of February 2015 & 
will take place at my home located at 1404

Re: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration Invitation

2015-01-28 Thread Ron L'Herault
sounds like a job for silicone tipped forceps.



Ron L



From: Antique Phonograph List [mailto:phono-l@oldcrank.org]
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2015 4:39 PM
To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration 
Invitation



Hello Jim,

Back in 1905 when you purchased an Edison recorder it was new, being new it 
most likely moved freely.  I say this because I have come across recorders 
where I have had to sand with 2000 grit sandpaper to get them to move freely.  
2 minute recorders are relatively stable, with four minute recorders you have 
to have the flap fit perfectly or they will not track properly.  I had one 
recorder that the sound transfer tube got stuck near the top because the sound 
tube was too small to allow it to move freely.

Some people get lucky, one of the people who record commercially told me his 
recorder was as found and worked perfectly.  Another did work on his.

There are several things that make a recorder weak.  The first is a chipped 
stylus and the chips do not have to be large.  You have to look down on the 
contact side not into the cupped hole with a 30X loupe.  It takes experience to 
spot a bad one with small chips out of the sapphire.

Next is the flap, the flap must move freely.  The sound transfer tube must move 
freely.  The mica has to be good.  The sapphire cutter has to be cocked up at 
the correct angle.

Recorder styli are a challenge to rotate because metal tweezers can damage the 
sapphire and plastic ones will melt.

Steve


  _

From: phono-l@oldcrank.org
Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration 
Invitation
To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2015 20:59:49 +

Are you warming your blanks before/during recording process?  How thick is the 
diaphragm on the recorder?  Is there a gasket underneath it(i.e. between the 
diaphragm and the body of the reproducer.   Is the diaphragm waxed in place?  
Does the little tube inside the reproducer neck move up and down easily to help 
maintain a reasonably tight air path?  When you inspect the cutter with a 
magnifying glass, does it look sharp and feel sharp?



Nice blanks can be purchased from Shawn Borri.



Ron L



From: Antique Phonograph List [mailto:phono-l@oldcrank.org]
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2015 3:40 PM
To: 'Antique Phonograph List'
Subject: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration Invitation



As part of what has become Immortal Performance’s annual Thomas A. Edison 
Birthday Celebration on the 11th of February to which Central Texas antique 
phonograph collectors are invited I am planning to record wax cylinders of a 
few of Austin’s very best jazz musicians.   However, results obtained with an 
Edison Triumph Model B phonograph with end gate & unencumbered by four-minute 
gearing, an 1890s 3 ft. conical horn & an Edison Recorder have been 
disappointing.   The baby grand Steinway with conical horn pointing right into 
lid was weak & a ‘cellist playing quite loudly with end of horn less than a 
foot from the instruments “f” holes was also very weak.   Only with my head 
right at the mouth of the horn & singing loud in a quasi “operatic” voice was I 
able to make a recording of suitable audibility.The local antique 
phonograph repairman was able to acoustically dub a 78 played on a Victor VI 
using smaller horn pointing into the recording horn with fair results.



The jazz musicians would probably include clarinet/saxophone/bass saxophone 
(hopefully “channeling” Adrian Rollini, my favorite jazz artist), trumpet, 
trombone, tuba & percussion with piano used if it can be recorded.   Would like 
to have used a fine string bass player but am pretty sure his efforts would not 
register at all.



Would anyone have suggestions for tweeking the Edison two-minute Recorder to 
obtain optimum results?Would anyone have an excellent recorder for sale?   
Would anyone have old Dictaphone cylinders for sale which could be cut off & 
shaved down to record on?



In the Edison “American Experience” documentary shown here on PBS yesterday 
evening, an 1890s film clip was shown of a violinist playing into a recording 
horn from at least a foot from its mouth.   Lionel Mapleson recorded fragments 
of actual Metropolitan Opera performances between 1901 & 1903 on an Edison 
cylinder phonograph.

If the recorder Mapleson used was a weak as mine, he would have gotten 
absolutely nothing even with his gigantic recording horn situated many yards 
from the performers yet we know he caught an amazing lot.   Therefore, the 
problem must be with my Recorder.



The Edison Birthday Celebration will begin at 6:00 P.M. on the 11th of February 
2015 & will take place at my home located at 1404 West 30th Street, Austin, 
Texas 78703-1402.My ‘phone number is (512) 478-9954.   Please let me know 
if you plan to attend.   It should be fun, especially if the j

Re: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration Invitation

2015-01-28 Thread Rich
I will second that Shawn is a wizard at recording and the technology of 
the process.


Rich

On 01/28/2015 06:13 PM, Antique Phonograph List wrote:

There are several people who are in the expert ranks of recording, I am
not one of them.  Shawn (who in my opinion is the best when it comes to
making recordings) could have been a recording star for Edison, he is
that good.  He is like Billy Murray when he talks, I have a record he
recorded for me that still impresses me.

I use Chuck's blanks to test the recorders I rebuild, I go by groove
depth and volume.  These days I use the thin black Krapes gaskets and
RTV to seal the diaphragms, the end result looks like the later
recorders Edison's workers used on recorders.  He takes pride in his
blanks and numbers each one and tests them out, you will not be
disappointed if you purchase them.

We are very fortunate to have people who through making blanks, parts,
and giving advice keep this hobby going.

Steve

 > From: phono-l@oldcrank.org
 > Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday
Celebration Invitation
 > To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
 > Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2015 22:29:04 +
 >
 > Steve M. and Ron L. pretty much have it covered.
 > I would like to add that it's very important to have
 > a sharp cutter. As Steve says, it needs to be at the exactly
 > correct angle. Quite often this angle is a bit more than
 > the stylus holder provides straight away, hence the need to
 > cock up the cutter slightly when it is mounted in the holder.
 >
 > The sliding tube must slide freely. The swinging weight with the
 > diaphragm must swing freely with absolutely no side-play.
 >
 > The diaphragm needs to be sealed in air tight. I have found that
 > having a gasket on the outside of the diaphragm, along with the
 > beeswax sealing bead helps the overall performance of these recorders.
 >
 > A good recorder makes a definite resonant "ring-pop" when held
 > up to your ear and the weight moved and let down against the
 > limit loop.
 >
 > I make premium-quality, extremely low noise, high-sensitivity
 > brown wax blanks. They are for sale.
 > Each of these blanks carries my unconditional guarantee
 > of 100% customer satisfaction. Each of these blanks has a serial
 > number and can be traced back to specific lot numbers of the
 > raw materials used to make them.
 > Please check my website for all details.
 > Please watch the linked video on the website called "Finishing
 > Operations".
 > That video demonstrates 5 different recorders being used
 > on a brand new blank. That video demonstrates both the blank
 > and the recorders.
 >
 > Chuck Richards
 > http://www.richardslaboratories.com
 > email: 
 >
 >
 > >
 > >
 > > Original Message 
 > >From: phono-l@oldcrank.org
 > >To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
 > >Subject: RE: [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: [Phono-L] Recorder Question &
 > >Edison Birthday Celebration Invitation
 > >Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2015 20:52:28 +
 > >
 > >>Are you warming your blanks before/during recording process? How
 > >thick is
 > >>the diaphragm on the recorder? Is there a gasket underneath it(i.e.
 > >between
 > >>the diaphragm and the body of the reproducer. Is the diaphragm
 > >waxed in
 > >>place? Does the little tube inside the reproducer neck move up and
 > >down
 > >>easily to help maintain a reasonably tight air path? When you
 > >inspect the
 > >>cutter with a magnifying glass, does it look sharp and feel sharp?
 > >
 > >>
 > >>
 > >>
 > >>Nice blanks can be purchased from Shawn Borri.
 > >>
 > >>
 > >>
 > >>Ron L
 > >>
 > >>
 > >>
 > >>From: Antique Phonograph List [mailto:phono-l@oldcrank.org]
 > >>Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2015 3:40 PM
 > >>To: 'Antique Phonograph List'
 > >>Subject: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration
 > >>Invitation
 > >>
 > >>
 > >>
 > >>As part of what has become Immortal Performance's annual Thomas A.
 > >Edison
 > >>Birthday Celebration on the 11th of February to which Central Texas
 > >antique
 > >>phonograph collectors are invited I am planning to record wax
 > >cylinders of a
 > >>few of Austin's very best jazz musicians. However, results
 > >obtained with
 > >>an Edison Triumph Model B phonograph with end gate & unencumbered by
 > >>four-minute gearing, an 1890s 3 ft. conical horn & an Edison
 > >Recorder have
 > >>been disappointing. The baby grand Steinway with conical horn
 > >p

Re: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration Invitation

2015-01-28 Thread Antique Phonograph List
There are several people who are in the expert ranks of recording, I am not one 
of them.  Shawn (who in my opinion is the best when it comes to making 
recordings) could have been a recording star for Edison, he is that good.  He 
is like Billy Murray when he talks, I have a record he recorded for me that 
still impresses me.
 
I use Chuck's blanks to test the recorders I rebuild, I go by groove depth and 
volume.  These days I use the thin black Krapes gaskets and RTV to seal the 
diaphragms, the end result looks like the later recorders Edison's workers used 
on recorders.  He takes pride in his blanks and numbers each one and tests them 
out, you will not be disappointed if you purchase them.  
 
We are very fortunate to have people who through making blanks, parts, and 
giving advice keep this hobby going.
 
Steve
 
> From: phono-l@oldcrank.org
> Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration 
> Invitation
> To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
> Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2015 22:29:04 +
> 
> Steve M. and Ron L. pretty much have it covered.
> I would like to add that it's very important to have
> a sharp cutter.  As Steve says, it needs to be at the exactly
> correct angle.  Quite often this angle is a bit more than
> the stylus holder provides straight away, hence the need to
> cock up the cutter slightly when it is mounted in the holder.
> 
> The sliding tube must slide freely.  The swinging weight with the
> diaphragm must swing freely with absolutely no side-play.
> 
> The diaphragm needs to be sealed in air tight.  I have found that
> having a gasket on the outside of the diaphragm, along with the
> beeswax sealing bead helps the overall performance of these recorders.
> 
> A good recorder makes a definite resonant "ring-pop" when held
> up to your ear and the weight moved and let down against the
> limit loop.
> 
> I make premium-quality, extremely low noise, high-sensitivity
> brown wax blanks.  They are for sale.
> Each of these blanks carries my unconditional guarantee
> of 100% customer satisfaction.  Each of these blanks has a serial
> number and can be traced back to specific lot numbers of the
> raw materials used to make them.
> Please check my website for all details.
> Please watch the linked video on the website called "Finishing
> Operations".
> That video demonstrates 5 different recorders being used
> on a brand new blank.  That video demonstrates both the blank
> and the recorders.
> 
> Chuck Richards
> http://www.richardslaboratories.com
> email: 
> 
> 
> >
> >
> > Original Message 
> >From: phono-l@oldcrank.org
> >To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
> >Subject: RE: [POSSIBLE SPAM]  Re: [Phono-L] Recorder Question &
> >Edison Birthday Celebration Invitation
> >Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2015 20:52:28 +
> >
> >>Are you warming your blanks before/during recording process?  How
> >thick is
> >>the diaphragm on the recorder?  Is there a gasket underneath it(i.e.
> >between
> >>the diaphragm and the body of the reproducer.   Is the diaphragm
> >waxed in
> >>place?  Does the little tube inside the reproducer neck move up and
> >down
> >>easily to help maintain a reasonably tight air path?  When you
> >inspect the
> >>cutter with a magnifying glass, does it look sharp and feel sharp?  
> >
> >>
> >> 
> >>
> >>Nice blanks can be purchased from Shawn Borri.
> >>
> >> 
> >>
> >>Ron L
> >>
> >> 
> >>
> >>From: Antique Phonograph List [mailto:phono-l@oldcrank.org] 
> >>Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2015 3:40 PM
> >>To: 'Antique Phonograph List'
> >>Subject: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration
> >>Invitation
> >>
> >> 
> >>
> >>As part of what has become Immortal Performance's annual Thomas A.
> >Edison
> >>Birthday Celebration on the 11th of February to which Central Texas
> >antique
> >>phonograph collectors are invited I am planning to record wax
> >cylinders of a
> >>few of Austin's very best jazz musicians.   However, results
> >obtained with
> >>an Edison Triumph Model B phonograph with end gate & unencumbered by
> >>four-minute gearing, an 1890s 3 ft. conical horn & an Edison
> >Recorder have
> >>been disappointing.   The baby grand Steinway with conical horn
> >pointing
> >>right into lid was weak & a 'cellist playing quite loudly with end
> >of horn
> >>less than a foot from the instruments "f" holes was also very w

Re: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration Invitation

2015-01-28 Thread Antique Phonograph List
Steve M. and Ron L. pretty much have it covered.
I would like to add that it's very important to have
a sharp cutter.  As Steve says, it needs to be at the exactly
correct angle.  Quite often this angle is a bit more than
the stylus holder provides straight away, hence the need to
cock up the cutter slightly when it is mounted in the holder.

The sliding tube must slide freely.  The swinging weight with the
diaphragm must swing freely with absolutely no side-play.

The diaphragm needs to be sealed in air tight.  I have found that
having a gasket on the outside of the diaphragm, along with the
beeswax sealing bead helps the overall performance of these recorders.

A good recorder makes a definite resonant "ring-pop" when held
up to your ear and the weight moved and let down against the
limit loop.

I make premium-quality, extremely low noise, high-sensitivity
brown wax blanks.  They are for sale.
Each of these blanks carries my unconditional guarantee
of 100% customer satisfaction.  Each of these blanks has a serial
number and can be traced back to specific lot numbers of the
raw materials used to make them.
Please check my website for all details.
Please watch the linked video on the website called "Finishing
Operations".
That video demonstrates 5 different recorders being used
on a brand new blank.  That video demonstrates both the blank
and the recorders.

Chuck Richards
http://www.richardslaboratories.com
email: 


>
>
> Original Message 
>From: phono-l@oldcrank.org
>To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
>Subject: RE: [POSSIBLE SPAM]  Re: [Phono-L] Recorder Question &
>Edison Birthday Celebration Invitation
>Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2015 20:52:28 +
>
>>Are you warming your blanks before/during recording process?  How
>thick is
>>the diaphragm on the recorder?  Is there a gasket underneath it(i.e.
>between
>>the diaphragm and the body of the reproducer.   Is the diaphragm
>waxed in
>>place?  Does the little tube inside the reproducer neck move up and
>down
>>easily to help maintain a reasonably tight air path?  When you
>inspect the
>>cutter with a magnifying glass, does it look sharp and feel sharp?  
>
>>
>> 
>>
>>Nice blanks can be purchased from Shawn Borri.
>>
>> 
>>
>>Ron L
>>
>> 
>>
>>From: Antique Phonograph List [mailto:phono-l@oldcrank.org] 
>>Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2015 3:40 PM
>>To: 'Antique Phonograph List'
>>Subject: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration
>>Invitation
>>
>> 
>>
>>As part of what has become Immortal Performance's annual Thomas A.
>Edison
>>Birthday Celebration on the 11th of February to which Central Texas
>antique
>>phonograph collectors are invited I am planning to record wax
>cylinders of a
>>few of Austin's very best jazz musicians.   However, results
>obtained with
>>an Edison Triumph Model B phonograph with end gate & unencumbered by
>>four-minute gearing, an 1890s 3 ft. conical horn & an Edison
>Recorder have
>>been disappointing.   The baby grand Steinway with conical horn
>pointing
>>right into lid was weak & a 'cellist playing quite loudly with end
>of horn
>>less than a foot from the instruments "f" holes was also very weak. 
> Only
>>with my head right at the mouth of the horn & singing loud in a
>quasi
>>"operatic" voice was I able to make a recording of suitable
>audibility.
>>The local antique phonograph repairman was able to acoustically dub
>a 78
>>played on a Victor VI using smaller horn pointing into the recording
>horn
>>with fair results.
>>
>> 
>>
>>The jazz musicians would probably include clarinet/saxophone/bass
>saxophone
>>(hopefully "channeling" Adrian Rollini, my favorite jazz artist),
>trumpet,
>>trombone, tuba & percussion with piano used if it can be recorded.  
>Would
>>like to have used a fine string bass player but am pretty sure his
>efforts
>>would not register at all.
>>
>> 
>>
>>Would anyone have suggestions for tweeking the Edison two-minute
>Recorder to
>>obtain optimum results?Would anyone have an excellent recorder
>for sale?
>>Would anyone have old Dictaphone cylinders for sale which could be
>cut off &
>>shaved down to record on?
>>
>> 
>>
>>In the Edison "American Experience" documentary shown here on PBS
>yesterday
>>evening, an 1890s film clip was shown of a violinist playing into a
>>recording horn from at least a foot from its mouth.   Lionel
>Mapleson
>>recorded fragments of actual Metropolitan Opera performances b

Re: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration Invitation

2015-01-28 Thread Antique Phonograph List
Hello Jim,

Back in 1905 when you purchased an Edison recorder it was new, being new it 
most likely moved freely.  I say this because I have come across recorders 
where I have had to sand with 2000 grit sandpaper to get them to move freely.  
2 minute recorders are relatively stable, with four minute recorders you have 
to have the flap fit perfectly or they will not track properly.  I had one 
recorder that the sound transfer tube got stuck near the top because the sound 
tube was too small to allow it to move freely.

Some people get lucky, one of the people who record commercially told me his 
recorder was as found and worked perfectly.  Another did work on his.

There are several things that make a recorder weak.  The first is a chipped 
stylus and the chips do not have to be large.  You have to look down on the 
contact side not into the cupped hole with a 30X loupe.  It takes experience to 
spot a bad one with small chips out of the sapphire.

Next is the flap, the flap must move freely.  The sound transfer tube must move 
freely.  The mica has to be good.  The sapphire cutter has to be cocked up at 
the correct angle.

Recorder styli are a challenge to rotate because metal tweezers can damage the 
sapphire and plastic ones will melt.

Steve

From: phono-l@oldcrank.org
Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration 
Invitation
To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2015 20:59:49 +

Are you warming your blanks before/during recording process?  How thick is the 
diaphragm on the recorder?  Is there a gasket underneath it(i.e. between the 
diaphragm and the body of the reproducer.   Is the diaphragm waxed in place?  
Does the little tube inside the reproducer neck move up and down easily to help 
maintain a reasonably tight air path?  When you inspect the cutter with a 
magnifying glass, does it look sharp and feel sharp?Nice blanks can be 
purchased from Shawn Borri. Ron L From: Antique Phonograph List 
[mailto:phono-l@oldcrank.org]
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2015 3:40 PM
To: 'Antique Phonograph List'
Subject: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration Invitation 
As part of what has become Immortal Performance’s annual Thomas A. Edison 
Birthday Celebration on the 11th of February to which Central Texas antique 
phonograph collectors are invited I am planning to record wax cylinders of a 
few of Austin’s very best jazz musicians.   However, results obtained with an 
Edison Triumph Model B phonograph with end gate & unencumbered by four-minute 
gearing, an 1890s 3 ft. conical horn & an Edison Recorder have been 
disappointing.   The baby grand Steinway with conical horn pointing right into 
lid was weak & a ‘cellist playing quite loudly with end of horn less than a 
foot from the instruments “f” holes was also very weak.   Only with my head 
right at the mouth of the horn & singing loud in a quasi “operatic” voice was I 
able to make a recording of suitable audibility.The local antique 
phonograph repairman was able to acoustically dub a 78 played on a Victor VI 
using smaller horn pointing into the recording horn with fair results. The jazz 
musicians would probably include clarinet/saxophone/bass saxophone (hopefully 
“channeling” Adrian Rollini, my favorite jazz artist), trumpet, trombone, tuba 
& percussion with piano used if it can be recorded.   Would like to have used a 
fine string bass player but am pretty sure his efforts would not register at 
all. Would anyone have suggestions for tweeking the Edison two-minute Recorder 
to obtain optimum results?Would anyone have an excellent recorder for sale? 
  Would anyone have old Dictaphone cylinders for sale which could be cut off & 
shaved down to record on? In the Edison “American Experience” documentary shown 
here on PBS yesterday evening, an 1890s film clip was shown of a violinist 
playing into a recording horn from at least a foot from its mouth.   Lionel 
Mapleson recorded fragments of actual Metropolitan Opera performances between 
1901 & 1903 on an Edison cylinder phonograph.If the recorder Mapleson used was 
a weak as mine, he would have gotten absolutely nothing even with his gigantic 
recording horn situated many yards from the performers yet we know he caught an 
amazing lot.   Therefore, the problem must be with my Recorder. The Edison 
Birthday Celebration will begin at 6:00 P.M. on the 11th of February 2015 & 
will take place at my home located at 1404 West 30th Street, Austin, Texas 
78703-1402.My ‘phone number is (512) 478-9954.   Please let me know if you 
plan to attend.   It should be fun, especially if the jazz musicians attend & I 
get the Recorder functioning properly! Jim CartwrightImmortal Performances, 
Inc.1404 West 30th StreetAustin, Texas 78703-1402(512) 478-9954  Jim 
CartwrightIMMORTAL PERFORMANCES, INC“Austin’s Eclectic Used Record Store Since 
1971”1404 West 30th StreetAustin, Texas 78703-1402 USA(512) 478-9954
E-mail: jim...@earthlink.net 



Re: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration Invitation

2015-01-28 Thread Antique Phonograph List
Are you warming your blanks before/during recording process?  How thick is
the diaphragm on the recorder?  Is there a gasket underneath it(i.e. between
the diaphragm and the body of the reproducer.   Is the diaphragm waxed in
place?  Does the little tube inside the reproducer neck move up and down
easily to help maintain a reasonably tight air path?  When you inspect the
cutter with a magnifying glass, does it look sharp and feel sharp?   

 

Nice blanks can be purchased from Shawn Borri.

 

Ron L

 

From: Antique Phonograph List [mailto:phono-l@oldcrank.org] 
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2015 3:40 PM
To: 'Antique Phonograph List'
Subject: [Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration
Invitation

 

As part of what has become Immortal Performance's annual Thomas A. Edison
Birthday Celebration on the 11th of February to which Central Texas antique
phonograph collectors are invited I am planning to record wax cylinders of a
few of Austin's very best jazz musicians.   However, results obtained with
an Edison Triumph Model B phonograph with end gate & unencumbered by
four-minute gearing, an 1890s 3 ft. conical horn & an Edison Recorder have
been disappointing.   The baby grand Steinway with conical horn pointing
right into lid was weak & a 'cellist playing quite loudly with end of horn
less than a foot from the instruments "f" holes was also very weak.   Only
with my head right at the mouth of the horn & singing loud in a quasi
"operatic" voice was I able to make a recording of suitable audibility.
The local antique phonograph repairman was able to acoustically dub a 78
played on a Victor VI using smaller horn pointing into the recording horn
with fair results.

 

The jazz musicians would probably include clarinet/saxophone/bass saxophone
(hopefully "channeling" Adrian Rollini, my favorite jazz artist), trumpet,
trombone, tuba & percussion with piano used if it can be recorded.   Would
like to have used a fine string bass player but am pretty sure his efforts
would not register at all.

 

Would anyone have suggestions for tweeking the Edison two-minute Recorder to
obtain optimum results?Would anyone have an excellent recorder for sale?
Would anyone have old Dictaphone cylinders for sale which could be cut off &
shaved down to record on?

 

In the Edison "American Experience" documentary shown here on PBS yesterday
evening, an 1890s film clip was shown of a violinist playing into a
recording horn from at least a foot from its mouth.   Lionel Mapleson
recorded fragments of actual Metropolitan Opera performances between 1901 &
1903 on an Edison cylinder phonograph.

If the recorder Mapleson used was a weak as mine, he would have gotten
absolutely nothing even with his gigantic recording horn situated many yards
from the performers yet we know he caught an amazing lot.   Therefore, the
problem must be with my Recorder.

 

The Edison Birthday Celebration will begin at 6:00 P.M. on the 11th of
February 2015 & will take place at my home located at 1404 West 30th Street,
Austin, Texas 78703-1402.My 'phone number is (512) 478-9954.   Please
let me know if you plan to attend.   It should be fun, especially if the
jazz musicians attend & I get the Recorder functioning properly!

 

Jim Cartwright

Immortal Performances, Inc.

1404 West 30th Street

Austin, Texas 78703-1402

(512) 478-9954

 

 

Jim Cartwright

IMMORTAL PERFORMANCES, INC

"Austin's Eclectic Used Record Store Since 1971"

1404 West 30th StreetAustin, Texas 78703-1402 USA

(512) 478-9954E-mail: jim...@earthlink.net

 

 

Image removed by sender.




[Phono-L] Recorder Question & Edison Birthday Celebration Invitation

2015-01-28 Thread Antique Phonograph List
As part of what has become Immortal Performance's annual Thomas A. Edison
Birthday Celebration on the 11th of February to which Central Texas antique
phonograph collectors are invited I am planning to record wax cylinders of a
few of Austin's very best jazz musicians.   However, results obtained with
an Edison Triumph Model B phonograph with end gate & unencumbered by
four-minute gearing, an 1890s 3 ft. conical horn & an Edison Recorder have
been disappointing.   The baby grand Steinway with conical horn pointing
right into lid was weak & a 'cellist playing quite loudly with end of horn
less than a foot from the instruments "f" holes was also very weak.   Only
with my head right at the mouth of the horn & singing loud in a quasi
"operatic" voice was I able to make a recording of suitable audibility.
The local antique phonograph repairman was able to acoustically dub a 78
played on a Victor VI using smaller horn pointing into the recording horn
with fair results.

 

The jazz musicians would probably include clarinet/saxophone/bass saxophone
(hopefully "channeling" Adrian Rollini, my favorite jazz artist), trumpet,
trombone, tuba & percussion with piano used if it can be recorded.   Would
like to have used a fine string bass player but am pretty sure his efforts
would not register at all.

 

Would anyone have suggestions for tweeking the Edison two-minute Recorder to
obtain optimum results?Would anyone have an excellent recorder for sale?
Would anyone have old Dictaphone cylinders for sale which could be cut off &
shaved down to record on?

 

In the Edison "American Experience" documentary shown here on PBS yesterday
evening, an 1890s film clip was shown of a violinist playing into a
recording horn from at least a foot from its mouth.   Lionel Mapleson
recorded fragments of actual Metropolitan Opera performances between 1901 &
1903 on an Edison cylinder phonograph.

If the recorder Mapleson used was a weak as mine, he would have gotten
absolutely nothing even with his gigantic recording horn situated many yards
from the performers yet we know he caught an amazing lot.   Therefore, the
problem must be with my Recorder.

 

The Edison Birthday Celebration will begin at 6:00 P.M. on the 11th of
February 2015 & will take place at my home located at 1404 West 30th Street,
Austin, Texas 78703-1402.My 'phone number is (512) 478-9954.   Please
let me know if you plan to attend.   It should be fun, especially if the
jazz musicians attend & I get the Recorder functioning properly!

 

Jim Cartwright

Immortal Performances, Inc.

1404 West 30th Street

Austin, Texas 78703-1402

(512) 478-9954

 

 

Jim Cartwright

IMMORTAL PERFORMANCES, INC

"Austin's Eclectic Used Record Store Since 1971"

1404 West 30th StreetAustin, Texas 78703-1402 USA

(512) 478-9954E-mail: jim...@earthlink.net