1927 Utah Model 16 Drum Speaker Repair / Restoration

This 1927 Utah Model 16 speaker was inoperative and presumed to have missing parts. The parts were there, but the Litz wire cord was broken. We will walk through the process of soldering a Litz wire connection, disassemble the speaker, reassemble and test it out.

[@Brother_Sonny]

Will!!! Fancy seeing you here!

[@stevepiper9034]

Greetings William! This is a great video on that Utah antique speaker. I was surprised how pristine that paper cone was given the age. Usually by this time, most have dry rotted or have bug holes. I suspect this has, through the years, been stored indoors in a controlled enviro. rather than in an attic or barn 🙂. I really enjoy your content and looking forward towards more

[@wimalasenawijethunga1668]

Thank you

[@johng5511]

Great video! I just picked one of these up. Do I have to use Litz wire, as my wiring is mostly rotted? Also, do you know what the value of the internal capacitor is supposed to be? Thank you!

[@antiqueradioarcheology-wil8878]

I'm not sure of the capacitor value, as I didn't check it once I realized everything was OK. I probably should have while I had it apart. As far as speaker cable, no you really don't need Litz wire as it's really not that beneficial at audio frequencies. I think they used it because it isn't as stiff as standard stranded wire. If they are in bad shape I replace them, I just use cloth covered 2 conductor power cord that you can find at Antique Electronic Supply.

[@colincampbell7027]

Do what gauge of magnet wire did you use? #40?

[@antiqueradioarcheology-wil8878]

I used a thicker 30 gauge magnet wire. I think 40 gauge would be tough to use because it would probably break while trying to scrape the enamel off.