Low volume on an Edison Standard phono.

I recently bought an Edison Standard cylinder phonograph with a model H reproducer. Everything mechanical seems to operate properly but I get very low volume when playing my Amberol or 4 minute cylinder records. Does this indicate that the stylus needs to be replaced or is there anything else to look for?

While Amberol records sound best played on an Edison Amberola, they do sound acceptable on the older models fitted with the upgrade (gear shift) kit and model H reproducer, described here: http://www.edisonshop.com/reproducers/ducer.html

I'm wondering, though, if you're playing Blue (celluloid) Amberol records, or the early black "wax" types. There will be a difference in volume between the two.

If it's playing Blue Amberol records with very low volume, then it might be a case where the stylus needs replacement, and/or the diaphragm has to be re-mounted in fresh gaskets and adjusted.

HTH,
JDS

I am using "Blue Amberol" cylinders not the older black ones. The machine has a lever for 2/4 minute settings. I have never attempted to rebuild an Edison reproducer before. I'll have to do some research to see if a novice can do it or if I should have it done by a pro. Thanks for the info. It was very helpful.

You might shoot these guys an email -- http://www.phonographs.org/store/produc ... ts_id=1124

I've never tried their services, but I've never heard any complaints about them either.

JDS

Thanks Joe. I'll give them a try and report back how it works out.

That sure sounds like a worn out, flattened down
stylus on your model H reproducer. When it gets worn
flat, it can't reach down into the groove and therefore
it can't pick up the vibrations nearly as well as it should.

If you get a 30x loupe, you can see it. It should be shiny
and round.

These styli can be pushed out, turned, and put back.

At the same time, new gaskets can be put in, diaphragm
cleaned, pivots checked, etc. There are many people
out there who do excellent work rebuilding them.

Chuck