The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

hey everyone,

I finished painting my second handmade seachlight horn today. The first one was terrible, no need to post pictures of it (its actually the red one in the first picture). But the second one turned out pretty great (I think). I tried to fade the purple into the white in the back of the horn, it came out okay.

I did a poll...

If you answered yes, I can paint it any colors you want. I had a hell of a lot of trouble trying to get nice lines with painters tape, so I just free handed all the lines. It was easier and quicker, and looks almost just as good.

I have also heard that these horns will fit in disc machines? Is that true? I know they work with Edison Machines.

Also do collectors prefer the striped look or flowers?

I love the idea of making papier mache horns and these look really fun. I bet they sound pretty nice, and they shouldn't rattle like some metal ones I've encountered. Being new, you can certainly paint them however you want without any qualms about originality. I think you could put some yellow deep in the horn throat and blend it out to the purple for an interesting effect (more like a flower, I think, anyway).


I've been wanting to try my hand at making some horns for years, but I haven't yet. Sadly, I have too many horns as it is, including quite a few project ones, so I really don't need more.

Nice job for doing it your self. How sturdy is it.?? Tom

Hey David, I didn't vote (as I can't buy too much, and don't have a machine to use that on) but that turned out pretty good.

To make a salable product you will have better luck if you can achieve a smooth, polished finish that's pretty hard. It might take some doings but you'll get there.

How does it sound?

Charles

Hey everyone.

Thanks for the replies. The horn is pretty sturdy... but it’s not nearly as strong as a metal horn.
It sounds pretty good to me anyways. Not quite as clear as the metal horn but it does work pretty good!

I’ll attach a video. My Edison needs a reproducer rebuilt (I think)... but it still sounds decent

I liked the video--

--but your Edison Standard appears to have sprouted a much later crank than it needs. Check your Brunswick 210 and make sure it's not missing any parts!