The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1906)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. 11 PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS AND COMMENTS. SUBSTITUTE FOR METAL MANDREL. Wm. J. Hunt, Wanatah, Ind., writes as follows on a very timely topic: "Much trouble is experienced with the present tapering mandrel on cylinder phonographs, in that they are the cause of splitting so many records. It is my opinion that something besides metal should be used in the construction of these mandrels, as owing to the metal naturally being always more or less cold, unless warmed in an artificial manner, and the composition of the record being so highly sensitive to change of temperature that when a record is placed on the mandrel it soon contracts to such an extent that if it does not in this manner split the record, very often it is broken in the effort to remove it from the mandrel. This trouble is very little experienced in the summer time, but is a common occurrence in the winter. It is very likely that if everyone would use the proper precaution very few records would ever be broken through this cause; but it is very natural that the average person does not take into consideration the causes of the tightening of the record and place them too tight on the mandrel to begin with, thus not allowing for the slightest contraction. I therefore will suggest that some substance that does not possess such a chilling effect should be used in the construction of these mandrels, or perhaps a self-adjusting mandrel could be constructed. The above mentioned defect is one of the greatest drawbacks to the lasting qualities of the cylinder record, as very seldom are records broken in any other manner, and the manufacturers of this type of machine should give this matter consideration." MESTRAND'S VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION. Arthur C. Mestrand of Bennington, Mass., an expert on sound reproduction, submits the following in conjunction with the statements of Messrs. W. F. Hunt and W. M. Gateshead, published in the November issue of the Talking Machine World, regarding the divers causes of rattling and blasting reproducers. Mr. Mestrand says: "A very popular, but equally erroneous, idea prevails regarding the cause of a reproducer blasting and rattling. Many claim that the fault lies with the record, or in the recorder 'stylus leaving its track, and jumping entirely from the record, thus leaving a disconnected line,' to quote Brother Hunt's statement. This is a mistake, Mr. Hunt, but do not feel aggrieved over the fact, as I can assure you that Thomas A. Edison himself was unable to ascertain the cause of it for several years: that is to say, the true cause. THE CAUSE OF BLASTING. "Blasting is invariably caused by a diaphragm being so thin as to be unable to rapidly follow the undulating sound waves engraved upon the cylinder. The effect is similar to the visible vibrations of an elastic held taut and pulled in the middle. The over-thin diaphragm is not able to re-assume its normal position in order to receive the next shock, and the result is commonly known as blast. "This is more generally the case with records wherein the sound waves are either too close together or too far apart, as with a strident soprano or a deep bass respectively and so deeply cut as to cause a greater shock upon the diaphragm than it can stand. "RATTLING" AN OBSCURE TERM. " 'Rattling' is a rather obscure term, as such a thing could not exist provided the reproducer is correctly 'set up.' 'Rattling,' as I understand the term, is caused by the following: First, the diaphragm touching the side of the reproducer; second, the follow-ring not being tight enough, or third, the fulcrum of the sapphire arm being too short in proportion to the other end. If, with a diaphragm of average size, let us say a No. 614 or 7, properly adjusted, with a sapphire arm working at right proportion, a reproducer still insists on blasting, same defect can usually be remedied by increasing the weight. This has a tendency to sustain the pull on the diaphragm, thus preventing the diaphragm from following its own inclination, resulting in blast. "I have yet to see the record which would persist in blasting after I had had recourse to the above mentioned remedies. For five years I have been persistently experimenting with reproducers and am considered a reigning authority upon that subject. I claim no credit to myself, as the greater part of the knowledge has been obtained through the work of others, but I can sincerely assure you that 1 have found the above statements to be correct in each and every case, and there is no doubt that however much a recorder blasts during its operation any reproducer, if properly treated, will eradicate the nuisance." LONGEVITY OF THE RECORD. A writer in a London paper says: "There is from time to time much discussion as to the longevity of the record. It is contended that the weight of the soundboard or of the reproducer if loo heavy considerably shortens the life of a record. Yet I have not yet seen any suggestion as to the special value of hearing tubes in this direction. The weight of the horn, adding as it does to the pressure on the record, is an important factor in the wear and tear of the record. I make a rule of never using a horn with the records I prize most highly. I find, too, that when they have once heard them, my friends, too, prefer the tubes. Hearing tubes may be used both with disc and cylinder machines. Almost anyone can, with a rubber joint, easily fit the end of the tube over the neck of the sound box. exactly as in the case of the phonograph." INQUIRY ABOUT HARD RECORDS. A correspondent in Saginaw, Mich., writes: "Will you kindly let me know if there is a hard record made that is like the Lambert record? If so kindly let me know." The so-called hard record, such as was made by the Lambert concern, can be manufactured by the Leeds & Catlin Co., 53 Bast 11th street, New York, if the order is of sufficient size. No firm carries it in stock, so far as can be ascertained, as the results by its use are said to have been not wholly satisfactory. THE STAR MODULATOR. Commenting on the Star Modulator, made by the Star Novelty Co., of Grand Rapids, Mich., the Talking Machine News of London says: "States inventors have been remarkably active of late in connection with the talking machine. Two devices for disc machines are the Star Modulator and the improved machine of the Talk-ophone Company. It is claimed for the former that it makes the record more distinct, practically does away with 'scrape,' and further that it leaves the tone under the control of the operator. In fact, it appears that it fulfills the function of a mute without entailing loss of tone with decrease of volume. The means by which this is secured are simple. It takes the shape of a backing to the needle arm, which acts as a damper and prevents vibrations due to ■ the unevenness of the record service. The Star Modulator has been praised by the Columbia Company as well as some of the leading wholesale houses in the States." THE TREATMENT OF DEAFNESS. In our Parisian contemporary, the Phono Gazette, Charles Chancy offers a scholarly treatise on "The Phonograph in the Treatment of Deafness," in the event that there is the minimum of the sense of hearing left. He suggests treating it by acoustical exercises, and under headings of Principles, Application of these Principles, Procedure and Results, outlines that which should prove a blessing to mankind, at least to those afflicted with deafness. Ine first idea presented is that one reason why deafness steadily increases is because the subjects lose the habit of listening, since it involves so much trouble on friends to carry on conversation, which at best enervates the subject himself, thus reacting on his nerves in general and on the nerves of the weak spot in particular. The talking machine, taking neither time nor strength from any human being, can cause no such nervousness, and interest in the machine itself would accentuate the concentration. The suggestion is made as to the intensifying and extreme focussing of the sound waves by means of shells on the order of the telephone receiver. The manner of adjusting such appliances to the phonograph and the routine to be gone through daily is then given and begins with instrumental selections, then vocal, of which the words are to be written for the subject so that he may recognize the sounds and then grow accustomed to them. After these vocal records, those which speak will be called into service and used also with printed translations, which are only to be seen line by line, and after trying to hear them without. TO CLEAR OFF CYLINDER RECORDS Speaking of the best way to take off old wornout records on the wax cylinders, the PhonoTrader says: "There are many preparations on the market, but for cheapness, simpleness and quickness, you will have a difficulty to beat this: Get a large piece of flannel and soak it well with turpentine. Rub lightly and briskly on old record for a few minutes, then polish with another piece of dry flannel, and the effect will be most pleasing. I have tried this and never found it wanting. A few cents' worth of turpentine will clean off 50 records. VALUE OF HEARING TUBES. Hearing tubes should be part of the equipment of every user of talking machines, without in any way minimizing the value and importance of horns. For the purpose of entertaining either large or small parties the horn, of course, stands alone, says a writer in a London contemporary. Yet for obtaining the maximum of enjoyment from a record hearing tubes are absolutely unrivaled. In the first place the use of hearing tubes makes it possible to enjoy records even in the dead of night, without the risk of annoying either your landlady or your neighbor. The sound is hardly so much as given out if the trumpet is removed. On the other hand, so full and perfect is the rendering as heard through the tubes that it seems as though one were actually in the presence of the singer or the band. Needless to say, the metallic sound produced by the horn is entirely absent. Further, flaws and imperfections in the record are at once detected, which makes hearing tubes of Value to both large and small buyers of records. The value of this hint will be understood when one remembers that in many factories records are always tested by this means. Rapke's Specialties Rapke's Upright Horn Supports ( Patented ) For any Cylinder Machine. Will support any size Horn. About Rapke's Labels for Edison Records consult the Edison Phono Monthly, November, 1905, Page 10. ORDER THROUGH YOUR JOBBER VICTOR H. RAPKE Manufacturer and Jobber 1661 2d Avenue, NEW YORK.