About a week ago, I posted a question concerning the rebuilding of a Concert reproducer. Since that post, I had the reproducer professionally rebuilt. It looks great and, contrary to popular opinion, it sounds great. With a direct comparison to a rebuilt Exhibition, there is only a slight drop off in bass and dynamics.
I think it is important to give praise to those individuals in the hobby that are true craftsmen that provide excellent service and quick turnaround at reasonable prices. For the past couple of years, I have been bringing my problems to Bob Snyder in Sellersville, Pennsylvania. Bob is a machinist by profession but his true love is music and the hobby of collecting and restoring antique phonographs and music boxes. He has been doing repairs professionally since 1970. When I was referred to Bob, I was told he was "the best." In addition to the Concert, he has rebuilt several reproducers for me -- Victor, Edison, Columbia and Sonora. In each case, they outperformed my expectations. Bob is a superior technician. To work on my Concert, he machined his own tools and jigs to do the job properly and not damage the 100 year old soundbox. Perhaps more importantly, Bob has a great "ear" for tuning these devices. After he has worked on them , they are loud, clear, sweet and musical. I can't imagine better service. Bob also does an excellent job repairing and restoring disc and cylinder phonographs as well as music boxes. He will always look to use original parts but has the ability to custom machine parts when needed. He is also a collector and his beautiful collection shows his love of the hobby and attention to detail. Bob has always kept his business small and referrals were by word of mouth. I think Bob would appreciate this recommendation and I know that anyone who uses his services will be more than satisfied. Bob can be contacted at: Bob Snyder [email protected] 215-453-9365
