I've got a need for a Talkbox...

[ClassicRocker]

... and happen to have a horn driver handy. I'd rather build a quality one. Any one here have some photos or advice on this? What I find with google is not very good.

[jaysg]

You're right...no one ever quite explains how you attach the tubing you get at the hardware store, to the driver.

[stubbyfex]

Hello!
I've built a few. If I recall, I used a nice University Sound driver. It had the standard thread that would thread on to the horn, and I used clear PVC tubing that slipped over the threads. If you can't find the correct size tubing, then get some slightly larger and use a hose clamp to secure it. I also used a crossover cap, 4.7uf/100v NON Polarized in series with the hot lead to the driver. Most of the drivers you see will not handle any bass notes, so I used the cap. You just hook the driver up to an amp, and your guitar plugs into the amp. You place the tube in your mouth, and "talk" the guitar coming up the tube into your PA mic. I think having roughly 50 watts bouncing around in your mouth can't be good on your teeth!
One thing you might do is first have a large dummy load resistor, maybe 8 ohms, 100 watts hooked up to the amp, and then run your crossover cap off the "hot" side of the resistor. I guess in theory the cap/coil of the driver is really a load for the amp. The load resistor might help prolong the life of the driver, because most drivers are rated at 10 or so watts also.

[solderstain]

As a long-time TB user, a couple of items:

Don't buy the tubing at a hardware store unless it is CLEARLY labeled as "Non-Toxic". Not all tubing is. Don't put it in your mouth if it doesn't clearly say "Non-Toxic". You might want to shop for tubing at a medical supply store.

I know we're all builders here, but... if you'll permit me: Buy a Rocktron Banshee. Complete, self-contained, compact, and needs no feed from an amp. Find one used and you'll spend about the same as you might spend to concoct your own. I've tried building a couple of home-brews, but once I saw a guy in another band using a Banshee, I gave up trying to home-make a serviceable TB.

Sometimes it's fun inventing (or re-inventing) the wheel, but one of the lessons I'm learning as I get further past my AARP card renewal date is that if someone else already 'got it right', then turn my attention elsewhere.

Again, just one man's experience.

[Sonny ReVerb]

See what you think of these:

http://www.blamepro.com/talkboxG.htm

http://www.mocheez.fr/I%20Play%20The%20 ... ustom.html

There's a bunch of DIY 'ghetto' talkbox videos on youtube.

[Structo]

Here is the Pyle PDS772

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdet ... r=292-2520

[Sonny ReVerb]

Here's another interesting page:

http://www.gfworks.jp/talkbox/custom.html

Seems the best route for attaching the tubing is to buy a custom adapter or be creative with the plumbing supplies and/or weatherstripping of some sort.