Musser M-55 Vibraphone Motor Replacement and Modifications
This older model Musser M-55 Vibraphone needed a motor replacement.
Since the particular model motor that was needed was unavailable, this project
involved rewiring a new controller box with all new electronic parts. A mercury
switch was replaced with a safer, more reliable toggle switch. In the end,
the vibraphone appeared the same as it did before with the addition of a custom
made cord wrapper.
DK Percussion Custom Built Vibraphone Motors and Controllers
 |
Musser M-55 Vibes motor replacement: Control box was rebuilt to handle newer motor. Notice this control box goes to 11... Actually it should read 0 to 10, since setting "1" is off, or no resonator movement. This is an advantage; no switch needs to be activated during a performance. This was a result of a new potentiometer and motor controller being used. Note the new power toggle switch. |
 |
Musser M-55 mercury power switch: Old M-55s used a mercury power switch - both unreliable and unsafe. If your control box has a knob for the power supply, you most likely have a mercury switch and should have it replaced immediately. |
 |
Musser M-55 new control box (backside): A new power cord was added to ground the new motor and controller. The old control box was kept in tact. |
 |
Musser M-55 custom cord wrap: A oak cord wrap was added to the frame for safer storage of the electrical cord. (No more kinks in the cord.) |
 |
Musser M-55 side view: The new motor required very little modification to the frame. |
 |
Musser M-55 top view: The new motor, control box and cord wrap look great! |
DK Percussion Repair Services