David: I don't do vinyl, so I'll limit my comments to 78s. There are various expensive and/or high-tech, and no doubt several "secret" methods out there for cleaning 78s. There might even be the "RIGHT WAY," espoused with religious zeal by some. I keep coming back to a weak mixture of grease-cutting dish detergent and lukewarm water. Prepare a basin with these two ingredients - the depth no more than 4 or 5 inches - and get your tap water running slowly at the same temperature as the basin water. Place your dirty record edgewise in the basin, being sure that the soapy water does not come up to the level of the paper label (thus the 4-5 inch depth). Slowly rotate the record, while gently brushing back & forth in the direction of the grooves with a soft toothbrush or similar tool. Repeat on opposite side, if appropriate. Don't worry if a little water runs over the label. When the recorded areas have been soaked/brushed, go over entire surface - including label - with a clean sponge or rag soaked in the dishwater and immediately rinse with running water. Put in a dish drainer or wire record holder to drip a few minutes, then gently dry with a clean, soft towel. Allow to air dry for an hour or so, depending on humidity. Just be certain the record is dry before putting it in a sleeve or cabinet. It's not fancy, but it does the job - and I've never had a bad experience with this method. Hope this is helpful, and have fun -
George Paul From Gpaul2000 Mon Apr 26 15:38:47 2004 From: Gpaul2000 (gpaul2...@aol.com) Date: Sun Dec 24 13:10:39 2006 Subject: [Phono-L] Edison A/B-80 Survey Results Message-ID: <145.27f5649d.2dbec...@aol.com> It's been a week or so, and I've heard from exactly TWO people about their Diamond Disc "A-80" and "B-80" machines. They can't be THAT rare! Just in case you missed it, I'm trying to compile some information on these interesting machines to be shared with the list. If you own (or have access to) an Edison Diamond Disc Phonograph "A-80" or "B-80," please send me its model number, serial number, and type of grille (wooden or metal). I'll share results - regardless of how little - in a week or so. Thanks, George Paul From tvenetis Tue Apr 27 13:22:22 2004 From: tvenetis (Tim) Date: Sun Dec 24 13:10:39 2006 Subject: [Phono-L] main spring question Message-ID: <001601c42c84$8892be00$ef9a5...@toshibauser> I was wondering on a gem what is the best way to wind up a main spring so I can put the shaft in the motor thanks From maxbud12 Tue Apr 27 18:09:31 2004 From: maxbud12 (Bruce Mercer) Date: Sun Dec 24 13:10:39 2006 Subject: [Phono-L] Record Cleaning References: <e1bivwg-0005fr...@t2.cwihosting.com> Message-ID: <001401c42cac$bd5cf740$52e2f...@sigecom.net> If you should collect Edison Diamond discs, 'never' use water to clean them. Use only denatured alcohol. They have a laminated core and the water will cause them to swell. The factory specifically stated to use alcohol to clean the discs. Today, most OTC alcohol has some amount of water in it. Denatured alcohol on a piece of plush velvet using paper towels in between for very dirty discs and finish off with a dry piece of plush velvet will make them sparkle. I would also be afraid to get any laminated record too wet. I'm thinking of Columbia here....but there were others. They were laminated on paper from the mid twenties, or possibly earlier.....maybe somebody else knows when they started. I definitely would not submerge them though. Damp cloth and dry immediately. YMMV Bruce