Fairchild metal master disk dilema

I had a client hand me five Fairchild metal master disks yesterday to see if I could extract the audio from them and put it on a CD. They are from the early 1930's. They are made from aluminum.

From what little research I can find, they require a wooden or fibre stylus to play. I can get some sound out of them with a diamond needle..but apparently the grooves are too small for the stylus.

Anybody have any experience or any advice with this media? I can't find much of anything helpful searching on the internet.

These are of the client's uncle singing opera. His dad is 90 and he thought it would be cool to have a CD for his dad.

I think it's a lost cause, but maybe someone here can help..

Thanks..

I'd try looking for museums and universities that maintain historical audio archives and seeing if they have any suggestions. The Belfer Audio Lab & Archive at Syracuse University is one example.

-Dan.

This is a link to a shop that does this sort of recovery.

This is a link to a list that is invaluable for this kind of work.

Good luck!

Thanks guys.. I really appreciate the info.

i've done transfer/restoration projects on discs just like it. a variety of stylus is a big help as is a good turntable with variable speed (sometimes its not quite what its suppose to be). There are all sorts of weird things to do with them to try and get what you can off of it.

was it broadcast on the radio? if so consider having your friend contact the Paley Center for Media, formerly known as the Museum of Television and Radio. If he donates the program to them (if he even can) they'd restore it best they could, give you back the original discs along with a copy or 2 on CD.

That's a cool idea. I have no idea if the recordings were ever broadcast but my client may know for sure.

The speed at 78 RPM seems just fine, but the needle on my player is obviously too thick and will only track for a bit before jumping out of the groove.

I'll let him know about the Paley Center for Media..

Thanks..!

as a last resort, if it wasnt broadcast and after you try different sizes of stylus (if you do), try putting a coin on top of the needle. its not good for the needle or the disc but it will usually keep it from jumping. a penny should work. I've had to do it before and its the only way i've got certain sections of discs to play at all. but it is a last resort.