Phonoland

Greetings !

I just aquired an Edison "London Upright" LU-37. I am a new collector and I am thrilled to have this beautiful peice. It is in working condition, meaning it cranks and spins.

1) Could I get some advice on what this unit uses in terms of "needles" and its proper maintenance?

2) This is a Diamond Disc machine? Does it only play Diamond Disc records? Diamond Disc records are 80 rpms? Can I play 78's on it?

3) When the machine is not being used, is it best to release all the energy from the crank? (ie: let it spin itself out?)

4) From what I found this unit is from the early 1920's? Is that correct? (altho the patent inside says a date as early as 1908)

Thanks for your time, I would really appreciate some advice.

Edison Diamond Disc phonographs were specifically designed to play Edison Diamond Disc records--ONLY. Those who wanted to play standard needle-cut "78s" on their machines had to purchase a special tone arm adapter and sound box (reproducer), normally sold by outside firms. The Edison diamond stylus used in the Edison D.D. reproducer was designed to play thousands of records. Many collectors have reported that they have never needed to replace their original styli. In cases where the stylus is damaged or worn, a replacement can be supplied by a number of companies that specialize in this.

Unfortunately, while the stylus may hold up, the diaphragm, made out of laminated rice paper and cork, is seldom in optimum condition. This, too, can be replaced by a qualified repairman.


To get you started, there's quite a bit on the web about Edison Diamond Disc phonographs & records. Here are just a few sites. You can find more by doing a search on Google, etc., for Edison Diamond Disc Phonograph.

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Photos/Brief descriptions -- http://www.misterphonograph.com/EdisonDD.htm

Operator's Manual (Click on thumbnail images to make them full size for viewing/printing) -- http://www.nipperhead.com/ddisc.htm


Diamond Disc Brochure -- http://www.nipperhead.com/edcolor.htm

Edison Reproducer Primer -- http://www.edisonshop.com/en-us/pg_15.html


History of Diamond Disc records -- http://www.mainspringpress.com/edisonDD.html
History of the Diamond Disc Phonograph -- http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/edhtml/eddschst.html
Also see -- http://www.intertique.com/EdisonPhonographTutorial.html

A list of antique phonograph repair companies can be found in the "Accessories/Restoration" portion of this site, near the bottom of the page --

http://www.proaxis.com/~settlet/record/links.html

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As you note, your machine dates from the 1920s. Patent dates apply to specific components used in the manufacturing process, but may not necessarily indicate when an item was manufactured. If the (US) patent number appears next to the 1908 date, you can do a specific search for it on this page -- http://www.google.com/advanced_patent_search

As for the mainspring, you are correct. Always let the motor run down when not in use. Keeping the motor wound could cause gear damage, as well as displace the grease used to pack the mainsprings.

Thanks for the info!

You mentioned the diaphragm as something that might need replacing.

Would I know if this was needed? Are there any signs?

Phonophan79 wrote:Thanks for the info!

You mentioned the diaphragm as something that might need replacing.

Would I know if this was needed? Are there any signs?

For one thing, you would likely hear considerable distortion, such as buzzing, blasting or rattling noises, when playing a good or excellent condition D.D. record. This would be especially apparent on loud passages.

In top operating condition, Edison Diamond Disc phonographs are capable of producing a room filling sound, depending on the quality of the recording--not all were up to snuff.

In some cases, especially when listening to solo vocalists or instruments, collectors have noted hearing a life-like presence to the sound quality. Keep in mind, Edison had perfected the acoustic recording/playback method to the point where it would not be surpassed until about 1925, when electrically recorded records and improved playback equipment--notably, the Orthophonic Victrola--were introduced.

You've all been so helpful. I have a few more questions if anyone has a moment. (all regarding Edison LU-37 Diamond Disc)

1) The lever that raises and lowers the reproducer... is there a standard position? should it always be lowered all the way? can/should you adust it for best sound?

2) Is there a "best" way to stop the turntable from spinning? I suppose the "least damaging to the machine" way?

3) I do need to get the diaphragm for the reproducer, I think. I think the string inside has snapped! I hope to hear "that sound" when I get it fixed. Any advice on how/where to go about it?

Phonophan79 wrote:You've all been so helpful. I have a few more questions if anyone has a moment. (all regarding Edison LU-37 Diamond Disc)

1) The lever that raises and lowers the reproducer... is there a standard position? should it always be lowered all the way? can/should you adust it for best sound?

2) Is there a "best" way to stop the turntable from spinning? I suppose the "least damaging to the machine" way?

3) I do need to get the diaphragm for the reproducer, I think. I think the string inside has snapped! I hope to hear "that sound" when I get it fixed. Any advice on how/where to go about it?

The instructions provided here should answer most of your questions -- http://www.nipperhead.com/ddisc.htm (Note: I accidentally supplied the Diamond Disc Brochure instead of the operators manual when I originally posted above. I have edited the post to correct this.)

The best way to stop the turntable is by using the brake as indicated in the manual. When you are not using the phonograph, be sure to let the spring wind down.

As for diaphragm repair, I cannot recommend a specific shop, since I've never had to have a DD reproducer repaired. (Most of my experience has been with Victor Talking Machines.) Hopefully, one of our diamond disc phonograph fans can send you a private message, or post a suggestion. You may also want to check with some of the repair shops listed in the ACCESSORIES/RESTORATION section near the bottom of this page -- http://www.proaxis.com/~settlet/record/links.html


--added 3/13/07----------------------------------------------

In case you need it, here's a site illustrating all of the basic components of a Diamond Disc Reproducer:

http://www.angelfire.com/nc3/talkingmac ... ducer.html


Also see -- http://www.engineeringexpert.net/problems1.htm

You might want to check this guy out as well
http://www.edisondiamonddisc.com/
I've heard nothing but good reports about the work he does. I had a broken silk thread in one of my reproducers, but managed to replace it myself, using similar silk thread from a chinese tassel I found in a el cheapo import shop. Some guys also use dental floss, but its a pretty fiddly job to replace them.

phonophan,

Just noticed this thread. How have you made out with you LU-37? It was introduced in Aug. 1922. It was, I believe the last old style upright Edison sold, as late as 1927 there were still over 2000 in stock according to Geo. L. Frow

Regards,
J.

Thanks for asking... I love my LU-37, has been working well!

As I've collected more DD's, I've found that the sound really varies from disc to disc. Some discs will be loud and crisp and clear while others are muffled with a lot of "static".

Phonophan,

Very glad to hear it. Yes, there is a lot of variance in Diamond Disc quality. I am sometimes greatly disappointed by a new acquisition. You are on safer ground, so to speak, with the paper label DD's.

Did you get the level of the reproducer question you had straightened out?

Regards,
J.

Thanks again for the follow-up... well, it's like you (Neophone) said in another thread:

When you lower the reproducer all the way the limit pin should be in the center of the limit loop. It should never touch the top. It should float free, if not you must raise the horn.

...I just adjust the reproducer to the best point where it floats freely and that generally produces the best sound. It seems never to be "all the way down".

Phonophan,

You mean you never put the lever all the way down? If so it sounds like you have to raise the horn. It's very easy.

Regards,
J.

Neophone wrote:Phonophan,

You mean you never put the lever all the way down? If so it sounds like you have to raise the horn. It's very easy.

Regards,
J.

Yes, I never put the lever all the way down. Please elaborate on raising the horn.

Thanks much!

Phonophan,

I'm not sure, but I would think there's a possibility the lever could slip if not fully down.

As I'm sure you know the entire horn, tone arm, reproducer assembly on nearly all Diamond Disc phonographs are a single movable unit

During normal play the limit pin should look like this:


If the pin is hitting the top or bottom of the loop you can raise or lower the horn/tone-arm assembly with a small wrench and a nail.




Not much of a twist is needed. Just loosen the square nut (1) and then place a nail in the hole (2). I did it with a DD on the turn-table and the reproducer lowered. (Not playing obviously ) Don't forget to tighten the locking nut back up. And make sure you use a flat DD.

Pardon the dust, I used an un-restored S-19 I've got stored away for the photos. Gents, have I forgotten anything? Screwed anything up?

Regards,
J.