Antique Talking Machines - Playing Edison Long Play records

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May 18, 2013, 8:40pm

Antique Talking Machines :: Phonographs, Victrolas & Gramophones :: Machine Talk :: Playing Edison Long Play records

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Poll Question: Will you admit to having played an LP on an Edison Long Play machine?

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Yes, of course.

No, what idiot would do that.

It was Jerry... I didn't do it.

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Total Votes: 10
Total Voters: 10

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Topic: Playing Edison Long Play records (Read 475 times)

old-phonographs
Three Spring Motor

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Playing Edison Long Play records
« Thread Started on May 24, 2009, 9:29pm »

I was looking at my meager set of Edison Long Play records today and had such a strong urge to play them. I've always heard that people shudder at the thought, but I wonder if it is really all that bad if you have the right machine with a good stylus. So, I thought I would post a poll to see how everyone actually feels.

I have no wish to start a record holy war about playing records on original equipment. We likely all have our preferences. I'm just curious if there are those out there that have given in and played their rare Edison Long Play records on the original machine built for them.

Dan

« Last Edit: May 24, 2009, 9:47pm by old-phonographs »

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Re: Playing Edison Long Play records
« Reply #1 on May 24, 2009, 10:05pm »

While I've never had the pleasure of owning a long play machine, I thought I'd post my thoughts on the matter, even if I get shot down in flames

I've also heard that most people would never play their LP DD's on an Edison because the records are easily damaged, but if I ever got one, I'd definately use it occasionally.
However, before I did, there's a few things I'd do first.
I'd use a small spirit level on the turntable & make sure the machine/TT was as lever as I could possibly get it.
Then I'd make sure the weight on the reproducer was as free to move as possible.
When lowing the reproducer, I'd use my finger on the limit pin & lower the stylus with that, getting is as close to centred in the limit loop as possible.
I'd start off playing a couple less desirable discs to check it was all working properly before playing the best discs, and keep my fingers crossed.

I'm the kind of person who couldn't stand having such a machine & discs, and not use them once in a while. Especially if some of the discs were enjoyable to me. I'm not one to worry about the monetry value of things either, so I'd just use them & if one happened to get scratched while playing, I'd just think it was meant to be.

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Moooperator
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Re: Playing Edison Long Play records
« Reply #2 on May 25, 2009, 5:06pm »

Video of Carsten's Long play and Long Play record

« Last Edit: May 25, 2009, 5:06pm by Moooperator »

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"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." Thomas A. Edison

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old-phonographs
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Re: Playing Edison Long Play records
« Reply #3 on May 25, 2009, 6:50pm »

Thanks for posting the video Jeff. I knew people had to be at least occasionally playing their long plays. They are fascinating and an amazing technical feat of engineering. They aren't very loud and I suppose coming out right at the same time as the Orthophonics made them a bit of a hard sell. I'm sure glad I have both the machine and a couple of the records.

Dan

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Re: Playing Edison Long Play records
« Reply #4 on May 25, 2009, 7:54pm »

I'm always wary of giving advice, especially on the internet as it can evoke some nasty responses. When I'm going to play one of my long play records I always lightly wax it using a good paste wax. Doing that seems to give a bit of lubrication to that tiny groove.
Before the flames start, let me quote from page 212 of Frow's The Edison Diamond Disc Phonographs and the Diamond Discs which describes the manufacture of the long play records.
"The face of the record is treated with a solution which cleans it and leaves a light wax deposit which increases the number of times the record can be played."
It was evident from the "get-go" the life of these long play records was limited. The market share Edison had at the time of the introduction of the LP's was so small, I think it is pretty amazing that any of these records have survived in playable condition.
Sadly, the bulk of the music dubbed to the LP's was so bland I don't think they got much repeat play....

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Re: Playing Edison Long Play records
« Reply #5 on May 26, 2009, 11:25am »

I just wish I had the opportunity to make this decision....no LP records and no LP machine. In fact, this is the first time I ever heard a Long Play Edison DD.

Anyone know if any collector has all 7 LP DD records?

After watching the video, I had to go back and change my vote. I would definitely play the record (at least once).

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Re: Playing Edison Long Play records
« Reply #6 on May 26, 2009, 11:38am »

Not owning a LP machine, I can't say...I probably WOULD, at least once, after archiving the recording with a modern turntable. At least for me, while Edison LPs would be nice, I wouldn't strive to go after them for the same reason I don't go after Concert/Grand machines/cylinders. I enjoy playing my recordings, but would rather PRESERVE something that's relatively rare than play it and risk damage. At least the LPs would be easier to play on modern equipment than something specialized for a large cylinder, IMHO.

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old-phonographs
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Re: Playing Edison Long Play records
« Reply #7 on May 26, 2009, 1:01pm »

May 26, 2009, 11:25am, MTPhono wrote:

I seem to remember that there were 16, not just 7. But, I could be wrong. Last year Robin and Joan Rolfs had a full set for sale. I don't know if they are still available or not. They go for more than $100 each, so it will cost a bit to get them all. Robin and Joan have a mint full set of their own and are selling a second set. Can you imagine???

Dan

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phonophan79
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Re: Playing Edison Long Play records
« Reply #8 on May 26, 2009, 1:42pm »

May 26, 2009, 1:01pm, old-phonographs wrote:

I seem to remember that there were 16, not just 7.

Somone was selling a full set at the Wayne MME last year as well and yes between the 24 and 40 minute discs there are more than 7.

Here is my LP DD played on LP console.

« Last Edit: May 26, 2009, 1:44pm by phonophan79 »

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Re: Playing Edison Long Play records
« Reply #9 on May 26, 2009, 3:09pm »

Page 72 of Frow's Edison Disc Phonograph states that only eight 10 inch (24 min) and six 12" (40 min) long play diamond discs were offered to the public. Just 14 records but 5 machines made to play them plus a conversion kit.

None were ever made that recorded continuous music. They are were dubbed from 3-4 minute songs.

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"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." Thomas A. Edison

"Bark, bark, bark, bark. Growl. Sniff. Sniff. bark, roof, roof, howl. lick." Nipper

MTPhono
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Re: Playing Edison Long Play records
« Reply #10 on May 26, 2009, 5:35pm »

I stand corrected! I thought I had read somewhere there were only 7 of the LP records. But even 14 total offerings is amazingly low.

And thanks to PhonoPhan for letting me hear a second DD LP record. Great demonstration.

« Last Edit: May 26, 2009, 5:38pm by MTPhono »

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old-phonographs
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Re: Playing Edison Long Play records
« Reply #11 on May 26, 2009, 6:43pm »

Scott,

If you do make it to Portland this Summer I will play one of mine for you on my Long Play machine. It could be fun!

Dan

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