Project timeline

The Gillett Project was started in June 2021. The first step was to carefully review Gillett's original working drawings from his 1892 book. Next, copies of The English Mechanic and World of Science from 1892-1894 were obtained. In articles and letters in response to his book, Gillett proposed several improvements to his original design. Most notable among these was the addition of an Edison-inspired governor to adjust the speed as his original design controlled the speed by varying the electrical current going to the motor, which was not entirely satisfactory.

The debut of the work in progress

Throughout the summer of 2021, materials were sourced and actual construction of the first machine was started in late August. The "work in progress" was unveiled at the Musica Mechanica fair in Rüdesheim, Germany in November 2021.

Unveiling of the first complete machine

The first completed machine will be demonstrated at the Rudesheim Musica Mechanica fair on April 1, 2023. The next batch of four to six units are expected to be ready for delivery by the end of 2023.

Moving forward

Each Gillett phonograph can be customized in several ways. For this reason machines are first assembled after the future owner has specified which modifications and options they would like and made a down payment to cover the cost of materials.