Date:         Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:39:25 -0400
Reply-To:     Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
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Sender:       Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
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From:         Robert Hodge <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:      Re: Playing a "flexi disc"
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It is a Soundscriber Disc and will play back with a microgroove stylus.
I have worked with many of them over the years.

R. Hodge

Robert Hodge,
Senior Engineer
Belfer Audio Archive
Syracuse University
222 Waverly Ave .
Syracuse N.Y. 13244-2010

315-443- 7971
FAX-315-443-4866

>>> [log in to unmask] 7/17/2007 4:19 PM >>>
Richard Warren wrote:
> Dear Barbara Need,
> 
> If the disc is translucent green vinyl, it may be a Soundscriber
disc. 
> These were 33.3 rpm microgroove, so you should try to play it as if
it 
> were an LP. Pray that it hasn't warped; if it has, you may need to
send 
> it to someone with excellent equipment and much experience.
> 
> Sincerely, Richard
> 
> At 02:59 PM 7/17/2007, you wrote:
>> I have been asked to get a digital transfer from what I believe to
be 
>> a "Flexi disc" (thin green plastic /vinyl disc with a square hole).

>> The only complication is that, as far as I can tell, these were LPs

>> and, therefore, no earlier than 1948. The date on the disc, however,

>> is '43. We have an osmium stylus (which we use for 78s)  and a
diamond 
>> stylus (which we use for LPs). What stylus should I use for
playback? 
>> (And if you have recommendations for adding to my stylus supply, I 
>> would welcome that as well, though I may not be able to do anything

>> about it just yet.)
>>
>> Barbara
>>
>> Barbara Need
>> Manager
> 
I've seen very thin flexible orange and yellow discs which were used
for home 
disc recorders in the 40s..don't know why this one would have a square
hole, 
unless the original hole was too tight and someone has enlarged it. If
it's one 
of these home cuts, it would probably play at 78. Does it look like a
factory 
product with a printed "label" or might it be a home cut?

dl