Interesting machine, and tonearm tracking is a real bonus. I think the soundbox is a Thorens one, and fair chance all the other metalwork is too. Motor seems small for a machine of that size, but then maybe another cost saving thing🤔. Thanks 😀 👍
The tonearm is quite nice. The soundbox has the anchor mark so it'll be Thorens, the motor is marked Paillard. The Swiss motors I've encountered are always rather small, but they are usually double springed. Those springs seem to hold quite a bit of energy too, at least the ones I've worked on did. Smaller size means they can fit into most cabinet designs, and cheaper materials and shipping costs presumably. You're welcome!
Thanks, the room's rather eclectic, furnished in a variety of mostly antiques and vintage stuff. It doesn't stay the same for long, I often find more to add! I looked up that mod, I think it's probably not for me.
It’s probably better to look for an HMV gramophone, that way you know it’s good quality. The makers of the one shown cheaped out a bit. These off brand gramophones were common in late 1910s USA. What tone of needle did you use for that demo by the way?
Yes, off brand gramophones are rather hit or miss. I know I should stick to the reputable brands, but the odd designs of some off brands draws me in. There were a lot of off brand gramophones produced in Australia usually using Swiss or British components in the late 1910s and 1920s. Some have very unusual designs, like the Voxaphone which had a tone arm made from metal, wood and bone. I used a medium tone needle, I need to buy some soft tone needles because sometimes I find them a little loud. The soundbox's gaskets feel stiff so it definitely needs a rebuild.
@@toomanyinterests There were some unusual ones indeed. I’m going to film a portable gramophone by Antoria in January. It’ll be one of my first videos of the new year!
Considering you didn't pay much, I'd say there's no cause repine, you still have a piece of 'gramophonic history! Would guess there'd be at least passable results from a rebuilt/good alternative soundbox. Wonder if it was a kit, bought in instalments & the owner ran out of money? An early 'flatpack' in which the horn parts failed to arrive? If only talking machines could REALLY talk!!!! My solution would be to add a few pieces of plywood or hardboard, angled to form a sort of crude horn. That's what some of the earliest portable/hornless models did, with surprising results. Here's an example: ruclips.net/video/cmQ5Kx3G-dY/видео.htmlsi=AlpqkfuQHSBGn1ei
Could've been, it'd be quite an elaborate kit. It has has a transfer listing an address for the "Harmonie Piano Co." so it probably wasn't a kit. I think it's because many off brand gramophone producers here were just cabinet makers and not all paid much attention to the acoustic design of their products. The kit idea could've explained the mis-drilled hole for the crank though. It'd be great to know the stories of these machines. Once I rebuild the soundbox I will experiment with a few boards, be interesting to see how the sound is affected. Thanks for the link, a very interesting gramophone design, simple but effective. Gives you a horn, door, and volume control all in one!
I suppose I've been a little harsh on this machine, although consoles really are the least convenient shape. The lack of a horn is disappointing, but who knows, maybe it'll wow me with its performance once the soundbox is rebuilt. Wouldn't be the first underwhelming looking gramophone to surprise me. Worst case, it'll look quite nice with another machine on top!
I love California blues by Abe Lyman.Good find
Yes, I too enjoy that recording and listen to it regularly. Thanks!
Interesting machine, and tonearm tracking is a real bonus. I think the soundbox is a Thorens one, and fair chance all the other metalwork is too. Motor seems small for a machine of that size, but then maybe another cost saving thing🤔. Thanks 😀 👍
The tonearm is quite nice. The soundbox has the anchor mark so it'll be Thorens, the motor is marked Paillard. The Swiss motors I've encountered are always rather small, but they are usually double springed. Those springs seem to hold quite a bit of energy too, at least the ones I've worked on did. Smaller size means they can fit into most cabinet designs, and cheaper materials and shipping costs presumably. You're welcome!
very fashionly good video, i like the asthetic of the atmosphere. anyway i hope u found that futanari mod
Thanks, the room's rather eclectic, furnished in a variety of mostly antiques and vintage stuff. It doesn't stay the same for long, I often find more to add! I looked up that mod, I think it's probably not for me.
It’s probably better to look for an HMV gramophone, that way you know it’s good quality. The makers of the one shown cheaped out a bit. These off brand gramophones were common in late 1910s USA.
What tone of needle did you use for that demo by the way?
Yes, off brand gramophones are rather hit or miss. I know I should stick to the reputable brands, but the odd designs of some off brands draws me in. There were a lot of off brand gramophones produced in Australia usually using Swiss or British components in the late 1910s and 1920s. Some have very unusual designs, like the Voxaphone which had a tone arm made from metal, wood and bone.
I used a medium tone needle, I need to buy some soft tone needles because sometimes I find them a little loud. The soundbox's gaskets feel stiff so it definitely needs a rebuild.
@@toomanyinterests There were some unusual ones indeed. I’m going to film a portable gramophone by Antoria in January. It’ll be one of my first videos of the new year!
@@stereogramfan Looking forward to that, there are some interesting portable gramophones out there.
@@stereogramfan I'd be interested in seeing your Antoria gramophone too
Considering you didn't pay much, I'd say there's no cause repine, you still have a piece of 'gramophonic history! Would guess there'd be at least passable results from a rebuilt/good alternative soundbox. Wonder if it was a kit, bought in instalments & the owner ran out of money? An early 'flatpack' in which the horn parts failed to arrive? If only talking machines could REALLY talk!!!! My solution would be to add a few pieces of plywood or hardboard, angled to form a sort of crude horn. That's what some of the earliest portable/hornless models did, with surprising results. Here's an example: ruclips.net/video/cmQ5Kx3G-dY/видео.htmlsi=AlpqkfuQHSBGn1ei
Could've been, it'd be quite an elaborate kit. It has has a transfer listing an address for the "Harmonie Piano Co." so it probably wasn't a kit. I think it's because many off brand gramophone producers here were just cabinet makers and not all paid much attention to the acoustic design of their products. The kit idea could've explained the mis-drilled hole for the crank though. It'd be great to know the stories of these machines.
Once I rebuild the soundbox I will experiment with a few boards, be interesting to see how the sound is affected. Thanks for the link, a very interesting gramophone design, simple but effective. Gives you a horn, door, and volume control all in one!
😢
I suppose I've been a little harsh on this machine, although consoles really are the least convenient shape. The lack of a horn is disappointing, but who knows, maybe it'll wow me with its performance once the soundbox is rebuilt. Wouldn't be the first underwhelming looking gramophone to surprise me. Worst case, it'll look quite nice with another machine on top!