EMG ?

[Gramtastic]

This strange machine was auctioned today on the Isle of Wight. Anyone know anything about it ? It appears to have a Columbia motor ? and soundbox.....

[emgcr]

Looks like it was originally a Mk VI but the most important parts are missing---namely the soundbox and tonearm which both seem to be Columbia ? The deckboards seem new and the motor apparently rather weak---possibly original but no name as far as I can see and no turntable. The Wilson horn would appear to be correct but in poor condition. The High Holborn address (combined with Wilson horn) puts it at about 1927/8 and is not a design I have seen before---suggestive of the later "chamfered top" Xa/b etc.

A rare (unique ?) item but the correct parts may well be hard to find ? The soundbox is not so rare and the tonearm could be re-manufactured to the pattern below. The buyer would have paid about £1,000 including costs.

Photos below show two original Mk VI models with goose-neck tonearms complete with Quincke tube.

[Orchorsol]

Fascinating to see one of these turn up, albeit incomplete - many thanks for posting.

[chunnybh]

I bought this EMG. A bit over my initial budget but I do have an arm for it so perhaps worth restoring it. Here are some pictures of what I think may be a Pedestal model which has a similar body shape and what looks like the same Collaro motor.

[emgcr]

Congratulations Chunny on buying and clearly this has gone to the right home where a correct replacement tonearm/bearing exists. I know you will have the appropriate soundbox also.

I am interested in the fact that you say the motor is Collaro---my references do not go back before 1930 and contain nothing similar. Hopefully it will do the job well when you are able to lay your hands on the appropriate turntable.

The superb oak-cased example you show (before Mk numbers were begun ?) must be very rare indeed, especially in such wonderful condition. It is interesting to observe from this specimen how the clever thinking must have gone when producing the first external horn models by the simple act of inverting the tonearm together with its bearings (and reversing the goose-neck, of course).

Click on image to enlarge.

[chunnybh]

The motor in the oak case is a Collaro but it has no number marked on it. Why do I keep thinking it is a M3?. I have this motor in several early machines and they are prone to gear wear. I've had to have some machined as trying to find spares has proved difficult. I've had people send me parts from Collaro A28 motors instead which are not compatible, although the motors are very similar.
The correct soundbox is probably going to be the most difficult thing to find unless another one of these turns up. Here is a picture of the one on the oak case.

[estott]

If you can not find an EMG soundbox a Meltrope would be quite appropriate

[emgcr]

The motor in the oak case is a Collaro but it has no number marked on it. Why do I keep thinking it is a M3 ?

Here is a reference to M2 in March 1925 which looks similar to yours but rather different to M3a. I cannot find anything on M3 at present.

Click to enlarge.

[ALVES]

I am glad Chunny has it and it will be put back to good order . I don't find it very pleasing to look at though.The table model is very pleasing ,I like the lid shape.
I can see similarities the plinth shaping and the oval inlays . Interesting that table model has an early soundbox.

I look forward to seeing the mk6 in better condition.

I haven't had any time to work on any of mine lately .

[emgcr]

This must have represented one of the great bargains of the day in October 1927...............