The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

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!


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.

They sound great... do you plan on selling them?

They do sound very good indeed.

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

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