EMG Exhibition Type Soundbox

[Watanabehi]

I got this EMG exhibition Type Soundbox several years ago. I am wondering when it was made and what type of EMG model was using this soundbox.

[Steve]

1927 - Wilson Horn model.

[Watanabehi]

1927 - Wilson Horn model.

Thanks. Steve.

I have tried it with my EMG Xa and EMGinn Senior. It sounds quite alright even with the mica diaphragm.

[leels1]

That’s interesting. I have the exact same one but it has an aluminium diaphragm of the correct EMG type.

When I serviced it the EMG lettering was on the backplate.

Could it have been returned to them for a replacement for the mica diaphragm?

[Steve]

That’s interesting. I have the exact same one but it has an aluminium diaphragm of the correct EMG type.

When I serviced it the EMG lettering was on the backplate.

Could it have been returned to them for a replacement for the mica diaphragm?

It's far more likely that they used the extant stock of EMG etched back-plates to make the improved version of the same soundbox with aluminium diaphragm. EMG was a very small but resourceful company at this time with limited funds. It would have used stock up in favour of scrapping anything and starting over. These things were developed more organically and were not mass produced or heavily designed. I have also seen and owned the exact same sound-box with aluminium diaphragm.

[leels1]

That’s interesting. I have the exact same one but it has an aluminium diaphragm of the correct EMG type.

When I serviced it the EMG lettering was on the backplate.

Could it have been returned to them for a replacement for the mica diaphragm?

It's far more likely that they used the extant stock of EMG etched back-plates to make the improved version of the same soundbox with aluminium diaphragm. EMG was a very small but resourceful company at this time with limited funds. It would have used stock up in favour of scrapping anything and starting over. These things were developed more organically and were not mass produced or heavily designed. I have also seen and owned the exact same sound-box with aluminium diaphragm.

I did notice the edges of the diaphragm are quite rough and look like it’s been hand cut rather than by a machine. Not that it’s a problem, but maybe highlights the size of the company and the methods they had to employ.

[BassetHoundTrio]

It is possible that the customer may have had this soundbox tuned specifically for acoustic discs.

[Steve]

It is possible that the customer may have had this soundbox tuned specifically for acoustic discs.

What makes you ask that? This soundbox pre-dates the use of aluminium diaphragms becoming more mainstream so it's simply a soundbox of the period when mica was still predominantly used.

[BassetHoundTrio]

EMG also used aluminum diaphragms in 1927.