HMV 130 Tabletop... Sorry, 104... I think!

[CarlosV]

Nice job, it looks very good and it has a good sound. If you haven't done it yet, I recommend to replace the reproducer rubber that connects to the arm: the original ones tend to become very hard, and a new supple one will noticeably improve the low frequency response of the machine - and reduce the wear on the disc. Just be careful when doing it, the back side is pot metal - all the HMV 5, 5A and 5B were made of pot metal.

[gramophone-georg]

Nice job, it looks very good and it has a good sound. If you haven't done it yet, I recommend to replace the reproducer rubber that connects to the arm: the original ones tend to become very hard, and a new supple one will noticeably improve the low frequency response of the machine - and reduce the wear on the disc. Just be careful when doing it, the back side is pot metal - all the HMV 5, 5A and 5B were made of pot metal.

I have a 5B for it as well, it seems made of brass. Not so?

Yes, the flange was one of the first things I did. Nothing like supple rubber and a fresh seal!

[CarlosV]

I have a 5B for it as well, it seems made of brass. Not so?

Pot metal, there is no brass 5B unfortunately... it is a better amalgam than that used by Victor on their 4A and the first orthophonics, so there are plenty of surviving 5A/5B examples in good shape today, like yours. A common flaw however is a chipped-off back around the screws that hold the rubber back, inflicted when trying to unscrew it. It is good that you succeeded to replace the old back rubber, congratulations!

[bart1927]

I have a 5B for it as well, it seems made of brass. Not so?

Pot metal, there is no brass 5B unfortunately... it is a better amalgam than that used by Victor on their 4A and the first orthophonics, so there are plenty of surviving 5A/5B examples in good shape today, like yours. A common flaw however is a chipped-off back around the screws that hold the rubber back, inflicted when trying to unscrew it. It is good that you succeeded to replace the old back rubber, congratulations!

I thought that with the 5A and B only the back plate was made of pot metal. The front is brass, either nickel or chromium plated.

[CarlosV]

I thought that with the 5A and B only the back plate was made of pot metal. The front is brass, either nickel or chromium plated.

You're correct, only the back is pot metal. I am not sure it is brass, though. The number 5 however is ALL pot metal, front and back.

[emgcr]

Here are the photos from the eBay posting you were asking for showing your fine machine pre-restoration. These should survive indefinitely and be permanently useful to our members whereas the eBay listing will disappear in due course.

Congratulations on a fine job and a great sound.

[gramophone-georg]

@emgcr

THANK YOU! I was trying to figure out how to do that myself but couldn't get there. I have figured out that the reason I don't understand this online/ digital crap is because I can't wind it up!