Featured Phonograph № 41

[Sidewinder]

Make: ?
Model: ?
Serial # ?
Year(s) Made: 30's
Original Cost: ?
Case/Cabinet Size: no case!
Turntable/Mandrel: 3 spoke
Reproducer/Sound-Box:
Motor: 1 person power
Horn Dimensions: ?
Reproduction Parts: ?
Current Value: ?
Interesting Facts: reduced to the max

Captains log: Stardate 1-9-3-x

Victor day has come and gone!

We have spotted a strange ship on our starboard bow.



Spock, what is it?

I don't know, Captain, it's phonographic, but not as we know it? It looks very foreign!

Warning, it's parsing, certainly a display of unprovoked aggression....man all battle stations.



No, Captain, looks like its trying to communicate! Yes communication intercepted & translated.

What's it saying?

"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas"



......
Ok, enough nonsense. This was a type of ultralight machine that was fashionable for a time in Japan. The turntable spokes have weights at the end of each spoke as a type of flywheel to try and help maintain a constant speed while being hand wound. Amazing how long 3 minutes is when you have to wind by hand with such a small crank.

The horn and reproducer fit onto one of the support legs.

[SonnyPhono]

Thanks for sharing! This is an odd one. If you don't mind sharing, where did you find it? I would love to hear the story behind this one. Thanks again!

[MordEth]

Quite an interesting find! How’s it compare in terms of sound to other machines?

— MordEth

[Neophone]

Fascinating


Regards,
John

[Sidewinder]

Quite an interesting find! How’s it compare in terms of sound to other machines?

— MordEth

The soundbox gives an OK sound, however, the manual cranking means that it sounds better for others. If you use it on a surface that is too smooth you realise why helicopters have a rotor on the back as well.

Essentially one needs a designated turner.

[bdada]

I believe the name of the model (or manufacturer) is Ashi. I know I have a picture of it in one of my books, but can't remember which one. It pictured machine has a reproducer with a small short resonator/horn similar to some cameraphone types. Beautiful in its simplicity