Replica Machines

[epigramophone]

A fellow enthusiast here in the UK makes replica EMG horns in fibreglass which, unlike the originals, will never droop or absorb moisture.

I have been fortunate enough to see them under construction and to hear them playing some of my own records. I have no hesitation in describing these machines as the ultimate 78rpm listening experience.

True that Does this person make ones that would fit a Mark IX? Any idea how much they cost?

Sean

As far as I am aware, he only makes the Xb Oversize horn. The cost of tooling up for this project has been considerable, and to do the same for other sizes would probably be prohibitive.

As I am not an EMG owner, I have never enquired about the purchase price.

I did once have an Expert Junior "on approval", but it dominated the room and was too loud. Although my wife would not have opposed the idea of buying it, she was mightily relieved when I decided not to.

[Frankia]

A fellow enthusiast here in the UK makes replica EMG horns in fibreglass which, unlike the originals, will never droop or absorb moisture.

He has also constructed a small number of complete machines, based on HMV510/511 cabinets fitted with EMG components and the fibreglass horns. These are not so much replicas as collector's items in their own right, each individually numbered and with detail differences.

I have been fortunate enough to see them under construction and to hear them playing some of my own records. I have no hesitation in describing these machines as the ultimate 78rpm listening experience.


I have visited this place a few days ago myself and want to concur with the above. This is a unique project. In 47 years of being involved with gramophones I've never come across anything quite like it. Having heard an original EMG horn from the 30's very recently, these sound just the same. I saw a number of original EMG bases which are being or have already been refurbished to take a new horn. All aspects of the thing are worked on to the highest possible standards. I saw a number of Lumiere cases in various stages of preparation. The finish on the wood and metal is immaculate. Attention to detail is remarkable and motors, whether electric or mechanical, are brought back up to the highest standard possible if any work is needed. This is the work of an utter perfectionist. What has happened in effect, is that the original attitude of EMG has been allowed to "ride again" one more time. These are not replicas. They're worthy gramophones in their own right in the spirit and understanding of the original EMG. From what I understand, a limited number of horns have been produced in what is a once off effort. They are all XB oversize.
While I read gramophone forums all the time, this is my first, and possibly only, time to contribute. However I had to come out of my shell and share this one.

[GMEMG]

I have to agree with Frank here - I was present the first time the first completed horn was played in the garden of its Creator - a regular cotributor to my own Gramophone board - the Xb oversize horn was a valued "Guest" at the 1st Witney Gramophone Gathering organised by "The NEW Expert Committee" (Or "League of Gramophonic Gentlemen" )of which i am Life Chairman, Premiere Chevallier & Grand Janitor .

there will be another gathering in the next few weeks where i hope to have several EMG/Expert machines for comparison - together with any machine anyone wants to bring along to compare with the other 50- 80 mschines we will have there - i hope to have a Victrola Credenza this time but it's not guaranteed

If you wish to hear it - here it is playing "Pomp & Circumstance March No 1 conducted By Elgar " at that very gathering (The Squire i seen admiring it and it's Creator GR is seen walking away !)

I should stress that this was filmed in Witney Corn Exchange - a Room 60ft square and approx 30ft High - you cannot get more than a vague idea of the Grandeur and clarity of the sound from U - Tube but it helps to illustrate how magnificent these machines are.

the Xb Oversize is seen here next to the "Wilson Horn Conversion"

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELRQTkLxFZ0[/youtube]



i also did a distace test of the Wilson Horn Conversion - see what you think !



[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gU1Fz4BShk[/youtube]

[epigramophone]

I have been in touch with the maker of the replica EMG horns today, having received several enquiries as to availability and price since my original posting.

The situation is that all the horns have been sold, and it is most unlikely that there will be any more. I pass this message on to save members from making abortive enquiries and receiving disappointing replies.

[OrthoSean]

That's a shame, really. I was able to recently get a Mark IX which is a very incredibly nice machine indeed, but the horn has sagged and although I intend to hang it upside down for a length of time when the air is more humid around here I was really hoping to find a "spare". I'll post more about my machine in the near future.

Sean

[epigramophone]

Further to my previous post concerning the availability of replica EMG horns, I now understand that although no horns are available on their own, there remain sufficient to make a limited number of complete and working machines which may be available for sale.

I trust this clarifies the position and apologise for any misunderstanding which I may have inadvertantly caused.

[Steve]

That's a shame, really. I was able to recently get a Mark IX which is a very incredibly nice machine indeed, but the horn has sagged and although I intend to hang it upside down for a length of time when the air is more humid around here I was really hoping to find a "spare". I'll post more about my machine in the near future.

Sean, at the risk of possibly stating the obvious, are you aware that the Mark IX shares the same identical horn 'elbow socket' (plug-in point) as the bigger machines? What I'm actually saying here is that you can get ANY EMG horn, including the Mark X/a/b types to fit your Mark IX base? Hang in there friend (no pun intended) you might just get a replacement horn yet!

[OrthoSean]

Thanks Steve! I've been wondering where you've been!

I didn't know the horns were the same, thanks for that info! It's quite an amazing sounding machine as it is, even a bit louder and fuller since I've done a little tweaking. At any rate, the horn I have isn't horrible by any means, in fact I think it can be straightened by hanging upside down. As I said though, I wouldn't mind having a new "spare" just in case!

Sean

[syncopeter]

Sean, when you've got rid of the sag you could make some kind of brace between base and upper part to keep it that way. Or something like used for the larger horn on Edison machines.

[OrthoSean]

Indeed. Right now, our "climate conditions" are too dry to bother doing anything right now though. I don't think hanging it upside down even in my basement would do any good, so best to wait until the spring when we have a little more humidity. I was thinking about making something from a very soft cotton material I could hang from the ceiling, I got a roll of this stuff that would be perfect for that and wouldn't harm the horn at all, more or less like a horn sling. I'll start a new thread later tonight if I have some time to show the machine, although it was shown here a few weeks ago by the guy who "found it in the wild"

I've cleaned it up considerably more since I got it, so it's looking good and sounding just great.

Sean