Phonoland

Hello, I would like to ask about a topic that has honestly gotten me nothing but ridicule thus far. I am interested in green technology and survivalism, specifically what technologies might still be utilized if civilization were to collapse. I would like to know how hard it would be to make a hand crank gramophone that will play modern LPs. The closest thing I have found so far to functionally fit my needs is a Gakken Premium Gramophone kit, but I know the steel needle won't work and the bamboo needle will need constant sharpening, as well as not being designed for the purpose, but it has a governor which interests me. Then there's the stylus. If someone can tell me who I would even go to for something like this or even where to start, I would be thankful. I have caught a lot of flack from some hardcore Gramophone folks, but I still think the idea is sound. I just want something non electric and dependable, that won't damage my disks.

Hi and Welcome,
Very interesting concept--but I fear you are still living in the past--" --modern LP's---" ?
Anyway, I think the best option, that I would explore, if doing this would be "solar power". I doubt that it would ever be practical to re-invent the needle and cartridge assembly so I think that the sun power is needed. As for the speed, I see no reason that it could not be accomplished with a spring drive--one would just have to "in-jun-neer" it-- Ron Rich

The Gakken Premium Gramophone Kit claims to play all sizes, and it does, according to youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztYtucuHG_M They are using a bamboo needle. I have been told that bamboo needles are crap or need to be sharpened after every side is played, so there is definitely work to be done there, but it will turn at the right speed so it's a good starting point. I have also been studying the beautiful Victor Orthophonics, especially the Credenza. The reciprocating horn is intriguing on it's own, and may also be the best way to maximize sound quality. I have a feeling I'm making people cringe at the thought of modifying a Credenza.

Bloodflow wrote:The Gakken Premium Gramophone Kit claims to play all sizes, and it does, according to youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztYtucuHG_M They are using a bamboo needle. I have been told that bamboo needles are crap or need to be sharpened after every side is played, so there is definitely work to be done there, but it will turn at the right speed so it's a good starting point. I have also been studying the beautiful Victor Orthophonics, especially the Credenza. The reciprocating horn is intriguing on it's own, and may also be the best way to maximize sound quality. I have a feeling I'm making people cringe at the thought of modifying a Credenza.

I, vice versa, heard that bamboo needle are ok. Of course they need sharpening, but the quality is better.

The problem are:

1. The modern LP is vinyl, and can't take the strain of an acoustic system without wearing out quickly. RCA tried it back in the 1930s, and the record lasted for 7 plays. An acoustic system is not compliant enough to keep the needle from banging against the groove walls. There is too much mass in the needle/diaphragm combination.

2. Even if you somehow solve number 1, stylus compliance is needed in all directions for stereo records. Otherwise, it will wear out the vertical portion of the stereo record, making it sound awful when you play it on a stereo player.

3. They did make those VW Bus record players that drove on the 45 record. But they quickly wore out records.

Ron Rich wrote:Hi and Welcome,
Very interesting concept--but I fear you are still living in the past--" --modern LP's---" ?
Anyway, I think the best option, that I would explore, if doing this would be "solar panels". I doubt that it would ever be practical to re-invent the needle and cartridge assembly so I think that the sun power is needed. As for the speed, I see no reason that it could not be accomplished with a spring drive--one would just have to "in-jun-neer" it-- Ron Rich

Very exciting stuff indeed.. Yes I do agree with you we need to use sun power as it would be pretty handy.

There were also quite a number of electrically (battery powered) amplified/spring motor driven phonographs/gramophones on the market during the 1930s/1940s. If you call through old Sears, etc., catalogs from this period you'll spot them.

For instance, here's one from the 1947 Sears Christmas catalog:

From -- http://192.185.93.157/~wishbook/1947_Se ... ge0248.jpg
(Main Page -- http://192.185.93.157/~wishbook/ )


All of the spring driven motors had a speed adjustment, so the turntable could be rigged to slow down to play 45s and LPs. Here's a relatively modern version that DOES play vinyl records --

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noRIZAxMjZg

What you'd have to do, to make it "green," is find a viable solar powered replacement for the battery pack, or simply opt for rechargeable batteries.

By the way, there were a few (electric motor) kiddy acoustic phonographs designed to play monaural LPs and 45s produced as recently as the late 1970s, but the sound quality was HORRIBLE, and they chewed up the records, in spite of the fact that they were equipped with jewel tipped styli.

Of course, while vinyl has made a mini-comeback in recent years, the majority of listeners still rely on 21st century technology. Fortunately, there are some green alternatives to rechargeable MP3 players that rely on the electrical grid for recharging such as this FreePlay model --



http://www.freeplayenergy.com/index.php ... Itemid=346

Also -- http://www.multipoweredproducts.com.au/ ... layer.html

Joe