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Inside the Sapphire R-91: First Look
After discovering a 1986 AMI Rowe Sapphire 91 jukebox at Stone Branch Center for the Arts, we explored its robotic mechanics, overflowing coin slot, mysterious modifications, spinning record carousel, and possibilities for restoring it with modern technology & local creative content. Read More
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The Buffer Has Arrived
After testing a high-impedance PM-1 buffer, I confirmed my piezo signal path is no longer loading the pickup. Harmonics remain stable, decay improves, and measurements reflect the instrument — whether steel tongue drum, kazoo, slide whistle, or rubber chicken. Read More
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Rebuilding My Piezo Signal Path for Accurate Acoustic Analysis
After tracing brittle transients and missing bass to piezo impedance mismatch, I researched buffering solutions and mapped my signal path. This field note documents the investigation, measurements, and hardware choices behind pursuing accurate steel tongue drum analysis—before the new preamp even arrives. Read More
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American Song Whistle
A nickel-plated American Song Whistle is tested after my dog destroyed several toy slide whistles. With spectrogram analysis and musical trials, this curious aerophone proves itself a true melodic instrument, hidden within a famously comic sound. Read More