You may ask yourself-- what is
this beautiful and intriguing instrument? The answer to that is,
it's something WAY out of the ordiinary, and super rare! At
phonophan we don't offer the same-old-same-old boring junk that floods
the Internet. What you are looking at here is indeed
extraordinary. This Vitaphone talking machine has a lot to say.
The narrative begins with Clinton B. Repp, inventor and entrepreneur.
In 1909, he applied for a US patent which was issued on September 19,
1911 (No.1,003,655) for a wooden sound-conducting arm, stationary
reproducer and amplifying horn. Repp planned to produce talking
machines of this unique design in a factory in Plainfield, NJ, but his
plans were delayed by the Victor Talking Machine Company attempting to
stop him in court.
Victor slowed him down, but couldn't squelch him. Delayed, but
unbroken, Repp began producing Vitaphones in 1912. The fundamental
arrangement of sound transference was indeed distinctive, to quote the
catalogue “...the patented WOODEN ARM which carries all the sound
waves from the delicate needle to the patented stationary sound box
which is not swaying with the wave of the record... One can feel the
every tone vibration throbbing through this wooden arm as it is carried
to the stationary sound box where it is reproduced, and then instead of
being diverted downwards, it is allowed to float UPWARDS as is natural
with sound waves.”
Here is the very arrangement of amazing technology described above.
Note the "violin wood" arm that conducts the sound vibrations
from the record. It seems incredible, but IT REALLY WORKS!
Want to be convinced? PLEASE REQUEST A VIDEO BE SENT TO YOUR
SMART PHONE, YOU WILL BE AMAZED. One important factor in this
highly innovative sysatem is that the whole arm arrangement is kept
under tension, using special twine that has the musical quality of a
harp string. Coupled with the resonant qualities of the wooden
horn, the result is a warm sound with plenty of volume.
A view of the interior of the cabinet shows the motor, based closely on
a Victor motor, however, note to the lower right the coil-spring
tensioner that keeps a constant pressure on the horizontal diaphragm.
We have installed a brand new main spring in the motor to insure
plenty of smooth-running power.
The Vitaphone wooden horn, purpose-made by Sheip and Vandegrift of
Phildelphia, with original decals. In exquisite condition, rich
and resonant and melodious.
The brass ID tag.
Tired of the ordinary? This is a super special instrument, and a
fine example of Anerican innovation. From phonophan you get the
finest and the most unusual. REQUEST A VIDEO and be convinced!
Price:$2250.00 US, plus shipping and handling. (NY State residents
must pay sales tax, if applicable.)
