Fourth Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver - Doctor Who
By RB Replicas, with modification by The Propsmith
There are a lot of Sonic Screwdriver completists out there, who must have each iteration of a Sonic that has ever appeared on-screen. Others, even more dedicated, who must have every replica ever released. Not me. I love the sonic screwdriver, but I'm only concerned with having one of each in-story Sonic Screwdriver. That is to say: Each sonic that the Doctor has owned. This sonic is really where the line is drawn.
Many fans draw a distinction between the Sonic Screwdrivers of the Third, Fourth and Fifth Doctors. But these are actually all the same Sonic. In-story, the Doctor never gets a new Sonic. Yes, the Third Doctor's Sonic had the black pinstripes and yellow upper shaft, etc., and the Fifth Doctor had a white activator ring, but these were just changes to the same device.
In fact, as crazy at it would seem to any modern-day propmaster, there was only ever one single Sonic Screwdriver prop through the runs of all three of these Doctors. So when choosing a classic Sonic Screwdriver to represent that era of Doctor Who, I of course choose the Fourth Doctor, who still holds the record for being the longest-lasting Doctor.
Many fans draw a distinction between the Sonic Screwdrivers of the Third, Fourth and Fifth Doctors. But these are actually all the same Sonic. In-story, the Doctor never gets a new Sonic. Yes, the Third Doctor's Sonic had the black pinstripes and yellow upper shaft, etc., and the Fifth Doctor had a white activator ring, but these were just changes to the same device.
In fact, as crazy at it would seem to any modern-day propmaster, there was only ever one single Sonic Screwdriver prop through the runs of all three of these Doctors. So when choosing a classic Sonic Screwdriver to represent that era of Doctor Who, I of course choose the Fourth Doctor, who still holds the record for being the longest-lasting Doctor.
Now, on to the replica: This is a decent replica. I couldn't possibly describe it as anything more than "decent." There aren't any better being made currently, but that doesn't earn this a higher rating. There are several clear dimensional inaccuracies, the "Bullet" in the halo section is the wrong shape (something doesn't get referred to as a bullet for being a perfect hemisphere) and the overall build quality is not great. The emitter assembly came out of the halo on mine after a minor jolt, and had to be glued back in place as it would no longer hold in with friction. Opposite the bullet is the section referred to as the "magnet." The reason it's called the magnet is because, on the original prop, it was a magnet. The replica has a small cylinder with a wide slot in it that is not at all accurate. This is easily unscrewed and replaced with a 12.5mm Alnico Magnet. A huge improvement, and inexpensive.
This particular edition came with sound. A peculiar decision was made to drill tiny sound holes inside the grooves of the upper rod, rather than utilize the huge slot in the handle right underneath the speaker... thus, the sound is wholly unimpressive in volume. I will note, however, that the volume was exquisite compared to when it stopped working altogether. So the Sonic I paid extra for in order to get sound is now silent. And I'll not be sending it for repair because the last time I needed a repair on it, I was told to send it over as it was a quick fix that would only take a minute. Once it was shipped out, I was charged $60 for the repair, and was without my Sonic for a couple months.
Overall, if you're looking for a metal classic Sonic, this one is the best you're likely to find at the moment. But it's still not nearly good enough. Right now, it's a placeholder for me. A better one will come, even if I have to make it myself.
Where can you get it? Rumor is, RB Replicas has received a C&D from the BBC. Whether this is true or not, I am not posting a link to his site due to the poor customer service of charging for a repair after it has been completed, without ever mentioning that there would be a charge at all. Bad form. Google it if you really want to.
This particular edition came with sound. A peculiar decision was made to drill tiny sound holes inside the grooves of the upper rod, rather than utilize the huge slot in the handle right underneath the speaker... thus, the sound is wholly unimpressive in volume. I will note, however, that the volume was exquisite compared to when it stopped working altogether. So the Sonic I paid extra for in order to get sound is now silent. And I'll not be sending it for repair because the last time I needed a repair on it, I was told to send it over as it was a quick fix that would only take a minute. Once it was shipped out, I was charged $60 for the repair, and was without my Sonic for a couple months.
Overall, if you're looking for a metal classic Sonic, this one is the best you're likely to find at the moment. But it's still not nearly good enough. Right now, it's a placeholder for me. A better one will come, even if I have to make it myself.
Where can you get it? Rumor is, RB Replicas has received a C&D from the BBC. Whether this is true or not, I am not posting a link to his site due to the poor customer service of charging for a repair after it has been completed, without ever mentioning that there would be a charge at all. Bad form. Google it if you really want to.