[Phono-L] Waxing DD

[Bruce Mercer]

DD were "waxed" starting in about 1920 with stearin. Stearin is a 
triglyceride and is found in heavy fats, animal and plant, palm oil being 
one. It is insoluable in water and somewhat soluable in alcohol. It's 
basically a hardener. I'm guessing it was mixed with alcohol for the DD. 
Obviously this wouldn't have been done with BA. I have my doubts as to 
anyone 'seeing' it on a cylinder, if indeed it was ever used on a cylinder. 
I've opened unopened boxes of DD from the factory and you can tell nothing 
visually different from a mint copy that's been played and taken care of in 
a machine. (The use of stearin is discussed in Ron Dethlefson's book, Edison 
Diamond Discs Re-Creations  Record & Artists 1910-1929. DIAMON DISC RECORD 
PRODUCTION. PAGE 151.
  The only proper thing to clean DD is denatured alcohol as it has almost no 
water content. As for a light coating after that type of cleaning, I have 
experimented with different brands. It has a small effect on worn records, 
taking a very little of the hiss away and hiding grey grooves for the 
unscrupulous that may want to put lipstick on a pig and put it on ebay. It 
would be interesting to know the exact procedure used in using stearin, as 
it was used for a wear retardant.
My .02
Bruce M.