Another Frank Idea.

dave slagle · Joined: 22 Jan 2005 Posts: 1357 Location: NYC

So Jeffrey, Frank John and myself just left Orey's place and frank was telling us of a new tonearm idea he wanted to have built. Robert was all over the idea, but unfortunately trying to communicate a design in the condensation on the inside of a windshield at 12:30am didn't quite work. John was driving, Frank was shotgun and JJ and me were in the back seat. I will add that it didn't help that John was cold and running the defroster on high so the canvas for Frank to draw on was quickly shrinking.

Fast forward to ETF and aside from every other picture having Frank in it, I see this table with a rather odd looking arm with what appears to be a string attached to the headshell. It wasn't until Thomas pointed me to Holgers pics that I found this shot and the conversation in John's car suddenly started to make sense. Had a chat with Frank tonight and he gave me the basic rundown which we can get into but for now just the pictures.

reVintage · Joined: 07 Sep 2007 Posts: 336 Location: Sweden

Hey Dave,

First I thought this was a knockoff of the commercial European arm(don´t remember the name, with the arm hanging from a magnetic bearing.

Then I noticed the added fishline and swiveling support of the headshell! Hope you can get some more info. Looks interesting!

dave slagle · Joined: 22 Jan 2005 Posts: 1357 Location: NYC

Hey, That arm was made by Frank Schroeder so it is a little tough for him to knock off his own stuff Smile

He is interested in getting the idea out there for people to play with in the diy realm and has no intention to pursue or protect this particular idea commercially. He did mention the bass was astounding.

dave

reVintage · Joined: 07 Sep 2007 Posts: 336 Location: Sweden

No wonder the the arm was so much look-alike Smile

. Still fishlines on outriggers is the inte´resting thing to hear more about.

dave slagle · Joined: 22 Jan 2005 Posts: 1357 Location: NYC

Yeah,

Frank better watch out, One of his German competitors may play the ROHS card and force him to use something other than lead split-shot as an outrigger counterweight. I guess he could counter by mentioning the Line must be personally stress annealed in pure fresh water by a 2-4 pound active load for best sound.

dave