EMGinn Expert Type Soundbox Converted from HMV Exhibition

[Watanabehi]

It arrived here in the US yesterday. Here are the photos comparing with the original Expert soundboxes. It doesn't have any obvious welding or brazing signs on the back.

[poodling around]

It arrived here in the US yesterday. Here are the photos comparing with the original Expert soundboxes. It doesn't have any obvious welding or brazing signs on the back.

Great to see that it arrived safely and to see the sound-box 'line-up' !

It seems to 'fit-in' really well - really looking the part !!!!!

[JerryVan]

Appears they should have shortened the needle arm a bit to bring the diaphragm on center.

[Curt A]

What is this supposed to be - a replica, a forgery or an authentic variation?

[Watanabehi]

What is this supposed to be - a replica, a forgery or an authentic variation?

Here is the description of this soundbox from the seller. I hope you get some ideas of this item.

Antique, Modified Exhibition soundbox dating to the 1910's- 1920's. All Brass construction.
A fine, open sounding soundbox that has been recently re-built to the specification of those made in the 1930's by EXPERT of Rathbone Place, London W1 & which used the fine quality, English made, H.M.V Exhibition soundbox back & Needle bar assembly as the basis for their own design, due to the build quality of this soundbox .The entire front horseshoe form has been hand machined from good quality Brass stock & the fixings have been tapped to the correct B.A threads used at the time. The Exhibition soundbox back has been modified with a newly made "Wright Back " Tone arm fixing, used by EXPERT, EMG & the Meltrope Company. The needle bar springs have also been changed to a pair of newly made "CLAW" springs, that the EXPERT company was famous for,& in the correct gauge spring steel, To allow for precise pressure adjustment to finely adjust the needle bar to find that all important "Sweet spot" for various music genres. A Period Aluminium Diaphragm has been used to replace the Mica type & is in outstanding condition. The B.A rear fixing bolts are over length allowing insertion of rubber packing to adjust the diaphragm pressure that was a common fine tuning method during this Era on soundboxes from Expert & E.M.G ( see Percy Wilson's & G.W. Webb's book "Modern gramophones & Electrical Reproducers -1929") Chapters 3 & 4 .
I have set this up as best as I can but the soundbox would benefit from being set-up by somebody with more experience.
New rubber diaphragm isolators have been fitted as well as a new tone arm fixing rubber sleeve that allows fixing to DECCA at 18mm Diameter & HMV at 19mm Diameter.
A good chance to experience the Tone of an Ultra high end modified soundbox Nearly identical to the Exhibition types re-built by EXPERT ( E.M.Ginn)_ but without the 4 figure price tag.
Quite a heavy soundbox weighing around 200 Grammes & is most suitable to use with either Triangular Bamboo needles or Burmese Colour Needles to preserve a cherished record collection.

[Watanabehi]

Appears they should have shortened the needle arm a bit to bring the diaphragm on center.

I know it is not in the center, but I make my own emg type diaphragm. I might change to mine. But first I enjoy aging it for a while to see how sound would change. It depends.

[Curt A]

Thanks for the explanation. Are these for sale somewhere?

[Watanabehi]

Thanks for the explanation. Are these for sale somewhere?

Not so far. But you need to check UK ebay quite often for that.