An EMG box and motor

[2Bdecided]

A deluxe Model 8, but a strange horn and unidentified soundbox...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EMG-Gramophon ... 1258777368

Surprised it has reached £640 with 8 days left to run. Without the right horn or soundbox I wonder how "EMG" it can sound?

Cheers,
David.

[emgcr]

Yes indeed ! It certainly has started well, probably to some extent as a result of the BBC sound engineer connection ? However, I agree, the strange incorrect horn and soundbox probably may not allow the best audio possibility when compared with what was supplied 85 years ago ? A Deluxe Mk VIII is a rare beast but the correct Wilson horn, in particular, is even more scarce and may take some finding. Mine took 14 years to locate and even then came as part of another confection which had to be reorganised---an expensive business. Any EMG/Expert/Meltrope/Astra soundbox will work well but the correct item is, once again, dear and not seen every day. It would be good to have a photo of the front of the soundbox. The present horn does not look particularly convincing acoustically but it would be interesting to hear it "in the flesh" nevertheless.

[emgcr]

Photos of the soundbox have now been posted which show a bit of a disaster scene ! Exactly how the machine can be described as "working perfectly" does not compute in view of the complete disconnection between HMV stylus and diaphragm---all incorrect in any case. Suggestions were made that a video demonstrating the sound might be a good idea but, so far, this has not happened.

Caveat emptor !

[Marco Gilardetti]

Notwithstanding the soundbox disaster, the bids have doubled the current selling price.

I know nothing about this model. For the sake of curiosity, what could it be worth IF it was indeed complete of its approriate horn and in actually good working conditions?

[2Bdecided]

Goodness, it just gets worse!

What are people seeing in this to bid so high? Are they falling for the "this was commissioned by the head of the BBC sound department" part, which could be as true as the "Working perfectly" part?

Maybe two bidders have, or hope to acquire, the correct sound box and horn. Maybe £100-£200 for the soundbox, plus £300-£600 for the horn? Compared with a good regular Mk VIII the cost isn't yet too bad. The original parts look to be a good condition, and as you say Graham a Deluxe Mk VIII is rare, and audibly superior to the regular 8.

Cheers,
David.

[estott]

A good Meltrope would solve the soundbox woes.

[emgcr]

A good Meltrope would indeed solve the soundbox woes but the exactly correct EMG item might well cost £400 or more. The right Wilson horn may well cost £2,000 IF one can be found and the complete machine in perfect order could be worth maybe £3,500 although I have not seen one publicly for sale in 10 years. On that basis, the current bid is already overstated by £120 !

David, I am not sure of the assertion that the Deluxe version is acoustically better than the "standard" model since both are identical in terms of tonearm/conduit etc and the early or later horns are both very similar in terms of length (nominally 48 inches) and final diameter (plus or minus 24 inches). The only real difference is that the Deluxe has the partial lid to reduce soundbox "chatter" and to protect a little against dust.

It is very hard to put a value on any item in the absence of others to compare against and a really attractive, complete and original example could sell for a higher amount if two or more people wanted it.

[emgcr]

Here are a couple of interesting advertisements, the first showing EMG announcing the new standard Mk VIII in July 1927 and the second in December of the same year going head to head with The Gramophone Exchange who were offering essentially the same acoustic item but with HMV base/spring motor with speed indicator etc nearly 25% cheaper.

It is also fascinating to see EMG themselves offering the Meltrope soundbox for 12/6 whilst simultaneously promoting their own for the dramatically higher price of 30/-. A good example of commercial imperatives triumphing over idealistic niceties !

[2Bdecided]

David, I am not sure of the assertion that the Deluxe version is acoustically better than the "standard" model ... The only real difference is that the Deluxe has the partial lid to reduce soundbox "chatter" ...

That's what I was thinking of. I prefer to listen to my Mark VIII with my head almost in the horn, but it is hardly convenient or comfortable! I find the noise coming directly from the sound box quite distracting and unwanted, and it looks like a Deluxe would help with this considerably. I think the later EMGs and Experts would be a better choice though, finance and availability allowing!

Cheers,
David.

[emgcr]

Ah yes ! I quite agree that the lid greatly enhances the listening experience and EMG obviously realised this pretty quickly at the time. Might we be privileged enough to see a photo of your great instrument ?