3d printed "replica" of an Expert soundbox

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physicist
Victor O
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3d printed "replica" of an Expert soundbox

Post by physicist »

I'm uploading a few recordings made with a 3d printed derivative of an Expert soundbox mounted on an Expert Junior machine.

I have tried to keep the mass of the moving parts as low as possible and as compliant as possible. It's obviously not really a replica, being much lighter and containing no brass.

I think that the very low tracking force (~45-50g) and high compliance are allowing bamboo needles to survive even the loudest recordings that I have.

I have seen a number of comments on the forum about the need for a soundbox to have more mass - I have tried adding extra weight and the only difference I can detect is increased wear on my bamboo needle tips.

If you notice any chirping in the quieter passages, it's not distortion - I have no way to silence the bird life in the garden!

fats_waller_dinah.mp3
fats waller dinah
(2.91 MiB) Downloaded 80 times
fats_waller_shortnin_bread.mp3
fats waller shortnin' bread
(2.55 MiB) Downloaded 52 times
rachmaninov_pc2.mp3
rachmaninov second piano concerto
(2.84 MiB) Downloaded 55 times
mozart_magic_flute.mp3
mozart magic flute
(4.12 MiB) Downloaded 57 times

You might want to refer back to this thread:-

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=44725&p=282635#p282635

for some sample images and other related information.

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Re: 3d printed "replica" of an Expert soundbox

Post by Curt A »

They sound great... do you plan on selling them?
"The phonograph† is not of any commercial value."
Thomas Alva Edison - Comment to his assistant, Samuel Insull.

"No one needs a Victrola XX, a Perfected Graphophone Type G, or whatever you call those noisy things."
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Re: 3d printed "replica" of an Expert soundbox

Post by poodling around »

They do sound very good indeed.

I too wonder if you plan to sell them .............

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Re: 3d printed "replica" of an Expert soundbox

Post by Inigo »

These are greatly interesting experiments. You all play in the Great Ligue! These soundboxes are marvelous, and best of all, made with off the shelf modern materials, ready to last very long!
You'd be interested in watching this video, where someone plays a modern vinyl 78 of those made by Robert Crumb, in an acoustic gramophone fitted with one modern soundbox made by Thomas E. Kimble (?). Pity that the video doesn't show the details. But listen to the sound they get! It's an astonishing fidelity.
https://youtu.be/3MOLfhk5icI
Inigo

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