Antique Edison Phonograph Successfully Spins A Selection of Old Cylinders
Revisiting a Long-Forgotten Era: The Resurgence of Edison Blue Amberol Records
In the early days of audio recording, records were both antique and odd, shaped like cylinders instead of the current flat discs. The Edison Blue Amberol records, introduced in 1912, were superior to the earlier wax cylinders and could store over four minutes of sound, a remarkable feat for the time. Interested in experiencing this relic of the past? Building Palingenesis' record player grants you that opportunity. See the player in action in the video below.
In essence, the Palingenesis record player is a meticulously crafted piece made mostly from wood, with additional bearings, fasteners, and electronics. The player's stylus requires careful handling due to its unique design, as it moves up and down, following the groove's vertical-cut instead of the conventional lateral-cut. A notable distinction is the speed adjustment, which is achieved with a potentiometer and a small display, offering a more interactive experience compared to modern record players.
To get started with playing these ancient records, consider the following steps for construction details, electronics, and stylus care:
- Verify the player's compatibility with the Edison Blue Amberol records, as specific stylus types are required for their playback.
- Ensure the turntable speed of 160 rpm is supported, as modern record players likely do not cater to this speed, possibly necessitating an adapter or a specialized turntable.
- Handle the stylus carefully, preferably by the edges, to avoid damage to its sensitive tip.
- Use an external RIAA phono preamp if the player lacks built-in amplification, and adjust it accordingly for early records' low output.
- Clean the record gently with a soft brush to remove dust, and always store the stylus securely when not in use.
taking this path, time travel didn't require a DeLorean; all you needed was an old record and Palingenesis' record player to enter a bygone age. For more information about playing early record types, take a look at some players that would have been current around the same time as the blue record highlighted in the video. While it might seem possible to modify these players to support stereo playback, we encourage confirmation before attempting to modify them.
The Palingenesis record player, with its wood construction, bearings, fasteners, and electronics, allows for an immersive experience with Edison Blue Amberol records, a distinguishing aspect among gadgets of the technology era. To ensure optimal playback, one must verify the player's compatibility with the blue records, handle the unique stylus carefully, and possibly incorporate an adapter or specialized turntable for the specific 160 rpm speed.
