Hello all!

I found out what the odd box in my garage is. It came with the car. There is also a multi colour wire loose in the luggage compartment.

It's a StudioSonic Sound System reverb for the rear speaker on my -64!

I searched the Internet and it seems that it's quite rare accessory. Or is it? Does anybody here have this gadget in his car? How does it sound? Just an echo?

Does it have a switch for turning it on/off. I found out that in some applications there was a foot switch similiar to dimmer switch for headlights. I have just this headlight switch but I also have new carpet. The reverb switch hole can be under it.

Does anybody know more about this accessory??

I have one of those units. It has a switch that combines the "on/off" and fader function. It mounts on the lower edge of the dash. The sound is just a delay that creates an echo effect. It is a novelty but not much else. BTW, if the unit is shaken or jarred it makes an annoying racket.

Under the dash? I assume that You have a '66 Bird. Do you know if it is a factory or aftermaket reverb box? Where is the switch located? I mean the factory installed box was located in the trunk, or was it? At least in my '64 I have a loose wire in the trunk that fits the box.

Here's pic's

http://kuvablogi.com/blog/9482/18/

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Tulilanka,

I could be mistaken but, I think it was strictly an aftermarket accessory. The "switch" consisted of a rheostat that mounted in the lower edge of the dash board with the knob pointing straight down. The knob was a "push/pull" for the on-off function and rotated for the fader function. The box mounts in the trunk as you describe. I had this system in a 1957 Ford Custom 300 which I had way back in the 60's-70's. I still have the reverb but sold the car- I wish that was reversed!

quote:

Originally posted by kandiapple66:
I could be mistaken but, I think it was strictly an aftermarket accessory.

Well, I'm also not sure but I think that this was also a factory accessory. Or at least dealer accessory. I have a owners manual for '64 T-Bird and it shows accessories like AM/FM radio, StudioSonic Sound System, Two-way radio, Automatic speed control, seat belts, etc. etc. I suppose they would not advertise aftermarket accessories in the owners manual.

This is an interesting item. Very little of information, on Internet and literature. I have this same discussion on VTCI forum.

I found it. The "Studio-Sonic System", C3AZ-18875-A, was a carry over from 1963. It was revised in the '65 model but dropped as an option in '66. My '66 has a rear speaker but no reverb. As an aside, my best friend had the same reverb unit I had installed in a '57 Chevy Belair. One of my cousins had one in a '67 Mustang as well. Those units were purchased over the counter in the a local speed shop.

Thanks! I also found more information. It's called a spring reverb. Usually used in guitar amplifiers. Here's what Wikipedia tells:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R...Spring_reverberators

That explains all the springs inside.

Still trying to find info about the original wiring, installing... etc. The four lead multi colour wire in the trunk? Is it line level or speaker level? The two leads leaving the box?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Tulilanka,

A bit more..

Found this on Fordmuscle.com.

"The Studio-Sonic Sound System was a rear seat speaker reverberator that created an echo effect. It was available primarily as a dealer-installed accessory in the 1960s."

"A floor switch was also available.

From the 1965 Mercury salesman's product data book: "The Studio-Sonic speaker with momentary time delay...produces concert hall tone quality...is available for all sedans and hardtops. The reverberator unit mounted in the trunk is connected to both the front and rear seat speakers. It is controlled by an independent on-off switch. When 'off;' the speaker or speakers function in the normal manner. Control of sound apportionment between the front and rear speakers including the reverberator is by the conventional fader control on the radio. Dealer installed."


The following is on an Imperial web site but he talks about T-Bird

"The reverb unit is in the trunk on the right (passenger) side. It is silver (metal) finish and about 4 inches wide and about 10 inches long. It is behind the rear trunk trim panel and the wires run along the passenger side of the car under the threshold trim plate to the radio. It is not hard to miss once you have the trim removed from the rear trunk compartment. I have also seen some of these units installed under the rear package tray in the trunk. I think that this was when they were dealer installed. It all wires in the same way and includes the rear and front speakers. My '65 Tbird Special Landau uses the same unit and Ford called it Studio Sonic."