Ghetto acoustic playback of a Diamond Disc

Devoted to discussion of all-acoustic record-playing machines, such as Edison cylinder players, Victrolas, Brunswick Ultonas, and the like. When the Big Blackout happens, this will be the only audio evidence of our civilization (as it is).

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Angus McCarthy
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Ghetto acoustic playback of a Diamond Disc

Post: # 18826Unread post Angus McCarthy
Wed Mar 28, 2012 8:49 am

Thought I'd share this one. I bought my first Edison format disc a couple months ago, but without a machine to play it on I had to do some serious improvising. I took a large plastic drink cup with a nice flat bottom to use as a reproducer and horn, taped a sharpened toothpick-cum-fibre needle to the bottom and spun the disc up to speed on my Geib portable handcranker. The results were surprisingly not unlistenable.

http://soundcloud.com/electrospinner/earl-fullers-famous-jazz-band

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Steve E.
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Post: # 18872Unread post Steve E.
Fri Mar 30, 2012 2:02 am

that's pretty damn great for a dixie cup. I've never heard one on an Edison machine, but on a Brunswick Ultona they are LOUD.

Good job!

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Angus McCarthy
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Post: # 18874Unread post Angus McCarthy
Fri Mar 30, 2012 4:17 am

It's a sight bigger than a Dixie cup, actually. The Large Dunkin' Donuts cups are about egiht inches tall! :lol:

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Angus McCarthy
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Post: # 21815Unread post Angus McCarthy
Sun Nov 11, 2012 12:04 am

Yet another experiment in the "I don't have a machine to listen to this record" category - this time with a Pathe-type disc, turning 100 this year. Built a new reproducer from a cut-up drink cup - stretched a piece of rubber glove over the bottom for a membrane and rolled a short cone out of newspaper. It ended up looking eerily like an early Berliner.

Phono-Cut Record Co. #5143 c.1912

Side A: Golden and Hughes - Turkey Hollow (comic sketch)
http://soundcloud.com/electrospinner/phono-cut-record-co-5143-a

Side B: Arthur Collins - That Swanee River Bend
http://soundcloud.com/electrospinner/arthur-collins-that-swanee

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jornibudich
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Post: # 21816Unread post jornibudich
Sun Nov 11, 2012 1:11 am

Awesome! Acoustic sounds rules!!!!!!
JORNI (Vancouver BC)

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Techie
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Post: # 21822Unread post Techie
Sun Nov 11, 2012 5:24 pm

http://youtu.be/PloMY3i8sXE

Here is one of several videos online of an Edison playback on an Edison machine. I think it's amazing to hear what they were capable of, especially being acoustic.
You can re-wire a stereo cartridge to playback only the vertical signal but I never had great results

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Angus McCarthy
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Post: # 21828Unread post Angus McCarthy
Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:15 pm

Superb sound on that clip, Techie. I've tracked down an Edison machine at the local pawn shop for $400, but I can't convince myself to part with the cash to play just one disc!

I had another go on the flipside of the Edison disc with the new reproducer.

http://soundcloud.com/electrospinner/friviolity-one-step-1919

I've determined the only reason this one particular toothpick has not been shredded to bits is that it, by lucky chance, has a streak of much harder ring-wood in it.

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Techie
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Post: # 21829Unread post Techie
Mon Nov 12, 2012 11:16 pm

You're pretty handy with a toothpick and plastic cup! That's not bad. If you buy the Edison for 400, you will have a new hobby collecting Edison records. Do you know if the Edison players will adapt to play lateral 78s as well? That would be worthwhile.
Did you notice in the video that is uses a linear tracking tone arm?

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Angus McCarthy
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Post: # 22145Unread post Angus McCarthy
Mon Dec 10, 2012 5:26 pm

My first actual Pathe discs arrived today - the loudest verticals I've yet to hear!

https://soundcloud.com/electrospinner/sets/antique-audio

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