New Lumiere Diaphragm Gramophone

[kirtley2012]

This has been my little side project for the past few weeks.
The Lumiere diaphragm was an orphan from a HMV 460 that someone previously converted to 461 specs, after I got the diaphragm I decided to build a gramophone around it, I wanted it to look a bit striking so I used some heavily figured double bookmatched burl black walnut veneer on the front and top and bookmatched dark walnut on the sides and back, the deck board is a combination of the two.

I made a new diaphragm for it as the original was torn to shreds, it's singing again now, and for a motor I used a HMV disc induction electric motor, will be nice not to have to wind a motor up having about worn out my elbow while french polishing.

The finish isn't quite done, but I couldn't resist putting it all together and getting the wiring done, I'll get it shined up soon.

Overall I think it turned out well

Here is a video I did when I first got the diaphragm fitted and the gramophone was still in it's rough stages:

(Double-click the video above or click this link to go to the video on YouTube.)

[Inigo]

No words! It looks and sounds impressive! Wow!
How I envy you for your incredible skills!

[Inigo]

It seems that the bottom board goes straight on the floor... Wouldn't you add some feet to the machine? The original, AFAIR, had kind of straight plane feet, as if you add four plane board corners underneath, triangular in shape.

[old country chemist]

Hi Alex-what a lovely gramophone and cabinet. I will listen to the video later, but the whole effect of the machine is quite, nay VERY impressive. As you are a young chap, how do you find the time for work? I imagine your gramophone hobby must fill up your time pretty well!
"Artistry in Wood" I think was one of the adverts for the lovely gramophone cabinets made by the chap whose name I will not embarrass myself here by spelling incorrectly!-and you Alex are approaching that milestone. I know the old saying "well done" but that is exactly the term to use.
As an aside, Alex, have you made any more aluminium diaphragms yet? I really need one of 46mm for an unusual soundbox that I am fiddling with at the moment.

[Steve]

The "Kirtlophone"?

Nice work, Alex. I love those veneers and the diaphragm sounds great, even through my phone!

[Orchorsol]

"Kirtlière" even!

Fantastic work Alex, congratulations! Such a gorgeous finish.

[kirtley2012]

Thanks all

It has feet, I’ve just not fitted them yet, I’ll do that when I shine the cabinet up

Alastair, I’d not planned on it but I do have a blank diaphragm already cut out, I’ll see what I can do

[epigramophone]

Your veneer work would not look out of place in a vintage Rolls-Royce. Young people with your skills are the future of our hobby.

Roger.

[nostalgia]

Amazing work, thanks a lot for sharing:)

[gramophone-georg]

Your veneer work would not look out of place in a vintage Rolls-Royce. Young people with your skills are the future of our hobby.

Roger.

Or a vintage Mercedes! I am a sucker for burled walnut, too. The machine sounds fantastic. Nice work!