The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

So I've been thinking about this for a little bit. I have a 3D printer, and I will soon have a fireside B (with 2/4 minute gearing) that I'll need an adapter for to use the model C reproducer. Would PLA printer plastic (or ABS for that matter) work for this if I could design or scan one that would fit? Would there be any audible difference between aluminum? and, finally, would any hollow cavities inside the adapter be bad, or good?

That sounds like a great project. It would be worth it to make one and see if you notice any audible differences. Since this hasn't been done before, it would be difficult to determine what the sound characteristics would be. Please post pictures when you get one made. There may be a market to sell some.

Acoustically it should be fine, the problem might be with the threaded hole for the screw that grips the C reproducer in the ring and the interacting of the thumb screw that holds the ring in the carrier arm.
If the reproducer moves in the adapter then it may cause record damage so these clamping screws do need to work.

getting the threading right would be a problem, but if I could print it I could also make a cast and make an aluminum one if the plastic didnt work out.

That sounds good I expect the one you make for the casting will need to be a small percentage bigger to compensate for shrinkage but I guess you know that.
You could make a silicone mould of the 3d print and cast the part in metal filled epoxy for example.

Why not just buy an original adapter?

Rich Gordon

how much do they usually go for? I only see one for 75 dollars on ebay and that's a lot

gunnarthefeisty,

Outstanding!! I'd say go for it!! there are no acoustic properties to the adaptor ring. Only mechanical. As long as it secures the reproducer in the correct position, you are good!!

If you do decide to make a casting, don't forget the shrinkage. You'll need to print the part with an "up size" based on the shrinkage of the metal you use to cast from the part.

I love to see creative people use new technology to enable these old machines to have a continued life!!!

Keep up the great work!!

Shawn

Interesting project from an engineering point of view but isn't a B Fireside a four-minute only machine or is it a model A converted to play with the large diameter reproducers?

Regards

Tim W-W

iirc it's a fireside B that has 2-4 gearing for some reason.