Howard Durbin??

[Doc Mark]

Greetings, Friends,

At our most recent job, I began talking about hobbies with the husband of one of our students. Our conversation drifted quickly to things JBL, and it turns out that he was a real fan of the brand, especially loving their loudspeaker designs from the 1960-1980 period. Furthermore, it turns out that he is a friend of Howard Durbin, who, as many of you probably already know, was an engineer/designer for JBL back in those days. I know that I've heard of Howard, but do not know much about him. The fellow I talked to had not heard from him in years and did not know if Mr. Durbin was even still alive. But, after our conversation, the fellow was highly motivated to try and contact Howard, just to say "Hi", and to rekindle their former relationship. Isn't this a small work, my JBL Friends??!! Just thought you might like to hear about this interesting bit of serendipity! Talk to you later, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc

P.S. If anyone here knows, or knew, Howard Durbin, personally, I'd love to learn more about that Gentleman. Thanks, very much!

[Harvey Gerst]

He wasn't there in the 60's.

[Steve Schell]

Mr. Durbin's name has come up a lot as Don and I have spoken with numerous former JBL employees, but as far as I know we have never made contact with him. He is perhaps best known for the diamond pattern compliance for compression driver diaphragms, which I believe he engineered while working for JBL:

http://www.google.com/patents?id=FLc...drawing&zoom=4

Doc, if you are able to contact Mr. Durbin, please ask him if he might consider being interviewed on his career and time at JBL, or possibly writing an article for Lansing Heritage.

[Harvey Gerst]

Ahh, that would explain why I never heard of him; the diamond pattern stuff happened after I left.

[Doc Mark]

Hey, Steve, Harvey, and All,

Thanks, very much, for your thoughts and comments. I got a note from my friend, and he called Howard soon after arriving home from our current job, where we met. As luck would have it, Howard actually answered the phone, and they have made plans to have lunch next week, and to renew their old acquaintance! Very cool! To think, it all came about through the fact that I mentioned that I loved JBL speakers, just in casual conversation, when we met!! I love serendipity!!

When I send a note to my friend, I'll ask him to see if Howard would be up for an interview, or for penning an article for LH. I think either thing, or both, would be simply outstanding!! As soon as I hear back from him, I'll let you know how this might work out. Thanks, very much, for the suggestion, Steve!! Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc

[louped garouv]

this is really too cool for school...

neat-o