Electronic Phonograph Cylinder Player
Some years ago Nick Dellow, an audio remastering and restoration engineer, and an expert in the field of early recordings, asked me to make some improvements to an electronic cylinder player that had been built for him by an electronics engineer who has since passed away.
Although the machine works well, Nick and I felt that the build quality could be improved upon. As a result of our discussions, Nick asked me if I would consider designing and building him a new electronic cylinder player that would serve him into the future, using new, high quality components. Nick also thought there might be a market for such a machine for other early music collectors and people interested in transferring the sound of cylinders electronically.
With this in mind, I agreed to design and build Nick a new machine, with Nick providing advice and feedback in regard to functionality and features. As a result, I have produced the prototype machine pictured here, named the Vintagetech Electronic Cylinder Player or VECP for short.
The headshell and cartridge assembly uses a standard SME tone-arm twist collar design, permitting quick change of cartridge/headshell. The start position of the tone-arm can be adjusted over a wide range.
In addition, the VECP features a built-in preamplifier with variable equalisation, the output of which can be connected to the line level input (such as CD or tape input) of any integrated amplifier, or a computer sound card. A phono level output that bypasses this pre-amp stage is also provided for those who prefer to use their own preamplifier.
If you want to see and hear the machine in operation please follow this link to Nick's YouTube channel
The VECP plays both two and four minute cylinders and is based on a linear tracking servo system, similar to that used in linear tracking turntables. It is built on a rigid metal base to provide stability for the mandrel drive and tracking system, the mandrel drive shaft runs in precision bearings with a ‘support’ bearing assembly on the left-hand side of the mandrel providing smooth and quiet rotation; belt drive and a large flywheel provide stable speed and low vibration. The rotation speed is servo-controlled and is adjustable from 110 to 175 rpm; a digital speedometer is provided.
The mandrel is considerably longer than traditional cylinder players to allow for variations in cylinder diameters. The machine plays all standard two and four minute cylinders.
This is a prototype machine, and is not for sale, however we would be very interested in hearing from you should you have any questions or would have an interest in owning a similar player. If we have sufficient interest we will consider manufacturing a limited number of units with refinements and improvements incorporated as the result of further development.
If you would like to know more please contact Nick Dellow at nick.dellow@gmail.com
You may also contact me at Vintagetech via the contact page on this site.
