 |
 |
This is an entirely different story. Edison Diamond Discs could not be more different from regular Victor-type records which are made of shellac which dissolves in alcohol. (The machines are also much more complicated.) There are several different types of manufacture of the Diamond Discs which require a little different care. The ones with embossed labels generally have wood-flour cores and must not be immersed in water. The earlier ones have celluloid surfaces which can crack, curl, and separate from the base. Once they switched to Condensite surfaces they would usually not separate, but also should not be wet cleaned without immediate drying. The paper label discs had a clay core and would not absorb water as much but still should be kept as dry as possible. Ironically, Edison DID suggest the use of alcohol for cleaning diamond discs, but modern types tend to leave a film. The Disc Doctor's Record Cleaner works well on Edisons as well as shellac discs. http://www.discdoc.com/p1.html It is a little more expensive than other simple methods (like using Ivory disc washing soap and a painter's pad for a brush) but it is cheaper than a machine and the supplies for the machine. I'm at the other end of the state from you, in Morehead, Kentucky, but I can check with a collector in Lexington if he knows someone who could check out a pair of Diamond Disc machines in Lvl. You need to identify the machines by the model number, which should be on the metal patent plate usually on the inside of the lid of earlier machines or the left side inside later machines. Mike Biel [log in to unmask] -------- Original Message -------- From: Patrick Sumner <[log in to unmask]> > To Whom it may concern: So sorry for my question regarding Victor recordsbut we have 2 Edison Disc Phonograph players (@1920s) with storage underneath for the ¼ inch recordswe know of no one to contact regarding conservation of the players or the records they contain & would like to be able to leave these to family members in a useable conditionwe are in Louisville, Ky & would like to contact someone about their care & maintenance thanks again, patrick