The talking machine world (July-Dec 1924)

July 15, 1924 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD 123 REPAIRS TALKING MACHINE TROUBLES AND HOW TO REMEDY THEM Conducted by Andrew H. Dodin Edison Records on Victrolas Millington, N. J., July 13, 1924. The Talking Machine World, New York. Gentlemen: Can you inform me through your columns of a sound box for playing Edison records on my Victrola? I have tried several attachments which are used to turn the Victor sound box at right angles to the record and the so-called Diamond point needle which is sold with them, but the results are far from what I imagine could be obtained with a proper sound box. Is there any attachment made for using the Edison disc sound box on the Victor Victrola? If SO', kindly advise me where I could obtain same. — F. G. Quinn. Answer: There is no attachment made for using the Edison disc reproducer on the Victrola. There are very few reproducers made which will give anywhere near the results to be expected from an Edison record. To understand why you must take into consideration the method of reproduction as employed in the Edison disc machine. In the first place, and perhaps the most important point of all, is the fact that the reproducer is moved across the surface of the record mechanically and does not depend upon the record groove or cut to feed it along. The Edison horn and reproducer as a unit swing on a pivot, and as the motor operates the horn unit is moved to the left the distance of one width of the record cut at each revolution of the record. This is accomplished by means of a feed rack attached to the horn engaging a drive gear operated by the motor. This method of mechanically feeding the reproducer is presumed to' do several things, the most important of which is that it keeps the needle point always in the center of the cut; that it prevents undue wear on the record groove; and it aids in eliminating needle scratch. When using any make of reproducer on a Victor machine to play the Edison record due allowance must be made for the absence of the mechanical feed, and as you must depend upon the record cut to carry, not only, the reproducer, but the tone arm as well, you are liable to get more of the scratchy sound than you will with the Edison machine. However, there are several excellent reproducers on the market, most of them designed one way or another to bring the diaphragm face parallel to the record and to fit the various leading makes of talking machines. Some of these reproducers have been on the market for a number of years and have given general satisfaction, and I am sure that from among those advertised in The Talking Machine World you will find one that will prove satisfactory to you. Re Automatic Stop Youngstown, O., April 4, 1924. A. H. Dodin, care Talking MachineWorld. Dear Sir: I have a Columbia machine which I purchased in Chicago in the year 1920. This machine has a three-spring motor attached to a metal plate, the tone arm operating the automatic stop. I have had considerable trouble with the automatic stop mechanism, and would like to change it for some other stop which would be trouble proof. Could I put the new Columbia automatic stop on the motor, or could I put the new Columbia motor on the old plate, together with the new automatic stop? (Signed) Henry Hardman. Answer: The new Columbia automatic stop cannot be used on any motor other than the new Columbia motor. The bedplate of the new motor and the tone arm attachments are constructed in one unit, and as a consequence cannot be used separately. It is possible that you could fit the entire new unit of motorplate and tone arm into your cabinet, but the difficulty would be in obtaining the unit. I would advise you to consult your nearest Columbia jobber or dealer and no doubt he will be able to give you more definite information. Finds Good Columbia Sales H. L. Ireland, of the wholesale department of the Columbia Phonograph Co., Inc., New York, on his return from a brief trip visiting the dealers in Albany, Schenectady, Kingston and other points in New York State, reported that business is brisk in that section and that machines are selling well. In the few days that Mr. Ireland spent up-State he sold a very satisfactory number of machines. The month of June compared favorably with regard to sales totals with the same month last year and the outlook is bright. A branch store of the Moberly Music Co., Moberly, Mo., was opened here recently in the-Scott Building on Broadway. Harold Oxley and His Orchestra Okeh Artists One of the recent additions to the steadily increasing list of exclusive Okeh record artists is Harold Oxley and His Post Lodge Orchestra, a well-known orchestra of clever musicians who play nightly at Post Lodge on the Boston Post road. This resort is popular among dancing devotees in Greater New York and Westchester County, and the Okeh records by this organization will undoubtedly meet with a cordial welcome. James Barton, one of the best-known comedians on the musical comedy and vaudeville stage, recently signed a contract exclusively for the Okeh library. Mr. Barton has been identified with some of the leading comedy successes of recent years, and he has recorded as his first record two humorous selections, entitled "Fabricatin' Phil" and "I'm Going Where the Climate Fits My Clothes." The additions by the General Phonograph Corp. to its record artists are having a favorable influence on sales. U-Ufa — "Noiseless" spelled backwards A motor which is absolutely noiseless We make no false claims for this wonderful motor. 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