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Hi everybody! I've just bought a Fletcher-Wickes hexagonal soundbox, and I'm waiting to receive it. I'd like to get some opinions on this reproducer, whose sound quality should be quit good, even if it's probably not so good as that of an EMG or similar. I found in an interesting link (http://www.freepatentsonline.com/1446006.html) its patent, and the detailed description of the reproducer lets me hope in something really nice and good... Your opinion and if possible some more details on this company are very important for me!
Thank you!

Carlo, you link doesn't go to the patent, but to info for some personal injury lawyer.

Clay

Although, the Fletcher reproducer body is hexagonal. The mica diaphragm is still just an ordinary round shape. Therefore, the sound is as good as any other reproducer of that period.

Here is one marked for the McLagan Funtinture Co. Canada who used these on their models. Ironically, McLagan made a model with a similar case design.

I have one- it sounds good, but not at all exceptional.

Thank you for the prompt answers and for the attachments! I'll compare this reproducer with other ones and I'll tell you my (very personal indeed) opinion.
Best greetings
Carlo

FloridaClay wrote:Carlo, you link doesn't go to the patent, but to info for some personal injury lawyer.

Clay

Clay, you have to click the "Download PDF" button, and then you get: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/1446006.pdf

Henry wrote:

FloridaClay wrote:Carlo, you link doesn't go to the patent, but to info for some personal injury lawyer.

Clay

Clay, you have to click the "Download PDF" button, and then you get: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/1446006.pdf

OK, thanks!

Clay

I like the way the needle bar is held in place by just two spring wires, but otherwise it's a gimmick soundbox- the sound passes through the little holes at the edge and then through another perforated plate in the throat- supposedly it gets filtered. With that path to follow I'm surprised it has any volume at all.

estott wrote:I like the way the needle bar is held in place by just two spring wires, but otherwise it's a gimmick soundbox- the sound passes through the little holes at the edge and then through another perforated plate in the throat- supposedly it gets filtered. With that path to follow I'm surprised it has any volume at all.

estott, it's like filtered cigarettes being better for your lungs... .

I have an adapter to play 78s on an Edison and it employs the Fletcher reproducer. Some of the Pathé recordings that I have posted on this website were played using that reproducer. Once the hardened rubber (tube) gaskets have been replaced, they sound every bit as good as any other mica-diaphragmed reproducer that I have ever heard. The strange baffles seem to make no effect, good or bad. Removing and carefully replacing the stiff wire springs that hold the needle bar in place was more difficult compared to rebuilding other reproducers. There must have been a specialized tool to assist installing them at the factory.