HMV 202 replica re-entrant horn

[Jaso]

Is my imagination, or is the reproduced horn wider than the original, sitting next to it?

The new horn is exactly same size as the original. Many panels were fabricated several times until perfect fit was achieved.

[Jaso]

I'm more curious whether when completed, there is any detectable difference in sound quality between the zinc original and the tin reproduction.

Me too. Will post playing videos side by side of the two machines or even try the two horns fitted to same machine later on for comparison.

I know that there is a demand for these horns. In order to make more than just one-off, one needs expensive machinery and tools to make them like originals in a factory. Still the cost would be too high for anyone sane to purchase a replica horn costing thousands. This was totally hand made and I just wanted to proof myself that no project is impossible if you have enough resourses.

[CarlosV]

This was totally hand made and I just wanted to proof myself that no project is impossible if you have enough resourses.

This is quite impressive! Indeed the only economically viable way to make such reproduction is manually, like you mentioned. 3D printers can reproduce small pieces of complex shapes, but not such large units. I am not sure however that the market for such horns is that big: even though there are empty cabinets hanging around converted into drink cabinets, most were also stripped of key parts like the tone arm and all metallic fixtures, which are even harder to reproduce than the horn. You are lucky to have one that is only missing the horn, so now you have two complete machines!

[JerryVan]

I'm more curious whether when completed, there is any detectable difference in sound quality between the zinc original and the tin reproduction.

Me too. Will post playing videos side by side of the two machines or even try the two horns fitted to same machine later on for comparison.

I know that there is a demand for these horns. In order to make more than just one-off, one needs expensive machinery and tools to make them like originals in a factory. Still the cost would be too high for anyone sane to purchase a replica horn costing thousands. This was totally hand made and I just wanted to proof myself that no project is impossible if you have enough resourses.

I don't know how this happens, but that's NOT my quote, above...

[JerryVan]

Is my imagination, or is the reproduced horn wider than the original, sitting next to it?

The new horn is exactly same size as the original. Many panels were fabricated several times until perfect fit was achieved.

I'm sure it's just the perspective of the photo. Again... just awesome!

[Jaso]

This was totally hand made and I just wanted to proof myself that no project is impossible if you have enough resourses.

3D printers can reproduce small pieces of complex shapes, but not such large units.

Indeed, 3D printing parts from metal has made it possible to fabricate missing/broken parts that would otherwise be very hard to replicate. Made a missing needle assembly for one of my WE 4A reproducers. Left is original, right replica.

[Calle]

Great job ! ! ! !

To be honest: a difficult job, but for a HMV 202 it's worth !

Your friend is a really skilled craftsman

[Garret]

The most important question : How is the sound?

[Marco Gilardetti]

I am not sure however that the market for such horns is that big: even though there are empty cabinets hanging around converted into drink cabinets, most were also stripped of key parts like the tone arm and all metallic fixtures, which are even harder to reproduce than the horn.

On the other hand, though, there would be non-collectors like myself that would be glad to buy the horn alone and build from scratch a cabinet (not necessarily matching the original, I mean) just for the sake of getting the sound of 202. Since we've all understood that no other such horns wlill be made, just for the sake of curiosity: is the tonearm of a 202 different by that of a 163, or are they the same?

@OP: please carry my most fervent compliments to this friend of yours, this is an unbelievable achievement. I wish I also knew him as since many years I have in mind to build a small horn on specifications, much much much simpler than this, but as I lack ideas and skills on how to bend and solder the tin I have almost shelved the project.

[Steve]

I am not sure however that the market for such horns is that big: even though there are empty cabinets hanging around converted into drink cabinets, most were also stripped of key parts like the tone arm and all metallic fixtures, which are even harder to reproduce than the horn.

On the other hand, though, there would be non-collectors like myself that would be glad to buy the horn alone and build from scratch a cabinet (not necessarily matching the original, I mean) just for the sake of getting the sound of 202. Since we've all understood that no other such horns wlill be made, just for the sake of curiosity: is the tonearm of a 202 different by that of a 163, or are they the same?

@OP: please carry my most fervent compliments to this friend of yours, this is an unbelievable achievement. I wish I also knew him as since many years I have in mind to build a small horn on specifications, much much much simpler than this, but as I lack ideas and skills on how to bend and solder the tin I have almost shelved the project.

The tonearms are different, not only between the 202 and 163 but even between the 202 and 203.