Paillard GGR 255

[emgcr]

Here are some other examples of the Mk VIII in different wooden cases---all had goose-neck tonearms with Quincke tube.

The earlier, more horizontal, horns owe their lineage to the Mk VI which was mounted with a bend completely at right-angles to the ground. Examples I have seen had a short integral brass spigot plugging into the case which wore quickly and which was not very satisfactory mechanically. The later items were not only angled up but had the later, and longer, standard screw-in bronze spigot which will fit any EMG. They were also heavier generally. The final photo shows the difference in angle clearly.

The first and fifth photos show how the lid sometimes did not cover the whole of the deck-board---the horn was allowed to swing to the left and the turntable/record was partially exposed. Motors varied but the Paillard GGR 255 was one of the best.

[Steve]

Very good pictures. Thank you, Graham.

In all the above photos though where the Mk8 has a lid it actually looks an integral part of the whole cabinet design. The "current" example purchased at auction by Damfino59 does differ from these. To my eyes, the lid looks not dissimilar to the HMV Hornless models that infrequently turn up with home-made lids attached to them. Could it not have been made by someone else after EMG supplied it? To confuse things, a previous owner has re-finished the whole thing so in terms of colour and quality of finish they do actually match.

[emgcr]

I quite agree Steve, I too am inclined think it was originally a "standard" model which has been subsequently modified but cannot be absolutely sure from the photos.

[Steve]

Those hinges just shout out to me!

[emgcr]

Yes indeed, but the superstructure is probably removable which is likely to make the whole business of actually playing records rather easier ! It is a fine instrument with a particularly attractive/good condition horn and should sound first class with the correct soundbox. I waited many years before finding such a good horn---very rare. The internal conduit is likely to be (expensively) made from bronze.

Incidentally, in the unlikely event of anyone being misled, the soundbox is placed on the wrong side of the record in photos 2, 3, and 4 !

[Orchorsol]

Congratulations on a wonderful machine Glenn. As Graham and Steve have said, I feel sure the lid is not original, and I think I'd be of a mind to remove it for originality - and convenience!

I have a real soft spot for the Mk VIII. They have a directness and purity of tone and delivery, and a lovely simplicity of design ethic. I play mine less than my Mk Xb and Expert Junior (which do have lids - the advantage being less needle talk - although that can be miminised by careful positioning in a room) but the Mk VIII is excellent for acoustic and early electric records. I hope you can find the right soundbox for it in due course but as others have said, a Meltrope is a good alternative in the shorter term. We had a scientist friend visiting us recently who ran some tests which confirmed my subjective finding that on this machine, using the larger/later soundboxes has no particular advantage over the original type, due to the horn impedance and cutoff. I think the soundbox you have there is a Limit, and although those seem to have some desirability and sell for slightly more than the run-of-the mill, it won't do the machine justice.

Mine incidentally is the more horizontal one in Graham's photo showing two together. If time permits in the next couple of days I'll post some more photos of it.

[Damfino59]

http://s109.photobucket.com/user/Cracke ... ramophones

Hopefully this link will work for everybody.

Glenn

[Damfino59]

I want to thank all of you for the positive comments. Waiting through the auction for this to come up was a "high anxiety" experience!

I have wanted one of these since I first received the Christopher Proudfoot book on collecting Gramophones & Phonographs. Out of that book I was able know that a HMV 194 was a find at a local import antique vendor. This was back in the 80's. Later on it was a HMV 109. Then a 101 and then another 101 early type with the forward crank with the needle bins in the lid. The HMV 32 and the EMG now sort of complete this wish list.

I do have the Frank James book. I actually brought to the auction!

Yes the lid is a feature added to it from a former owner. It appears to be the standard model.

My first line of attack is to have the motor redone. I've messed with spring before but George Voluma does a better and faster job than me!

I do have several sound boxes to hold me over until the Meltrope & Emg are found. I'm thinking a EMG two spring is what this needs.

Regards,
Glenn

[Damfino59]

Graham,

I have no problem with the auction photos you posted.

Thanks for the comments on the VIII.

Glenn

[emgcr]

Well done for buying the rare HMV 32 as well---quite a day ! The EMG horn will fit this too, of course. Lots of fun and good listening ahead........

Good to have the Grape Street address confirmed which is what one would expect from the general design.