Expert Senior - new purchase

[Orchorsol]

I've been extremely fortunate to buy several gramophones and a huge amount of records which have all been in storage for a number of years. One of them is this Expert Senior. My first instrument of the EMG family was an Expert Junior which I still have and love, but I've always hankered after a Senior! It couldn't have come at a more inconvenient time financially, having moved house (upsizing and seriously up-mortaging!) earlier this year, but I just had to pull out all the stops for this lot.

This Senior is a venerable old gent, not without some issues, but all fairly minor - some historic woodworm, repairs to a slightly damaged tonearm, evidence of slight sag in the horn having been corrected and stabilised, motorboard or armboard looks to have been replaced, probably not the original motor (it was electric from new and currently has a good Collaro) - but it's wonderful and very presentable, and I will have the choice whether to restore or just conserve it, or somewhere in between.

The horn is a fraction larger than standard at 28 ¾" to 29" diameter. It sounds fabulous with the 4-spring Expert soundbox it came with, and even better with the one I already had which was rebuilt and tuned a few years ago by soundbox guru Ian Maxted.

Here's a video (before I dusted it and moved it into its new position!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxSLmzE8kx0 The bass from around 2.15 is just phenomenal! I'm fortunate to be well used to the amazing performance of EMGs and Experts, but I continue to be astonished on a daily basis... Deep joy!

[phonosandradios]

Now that really is one hell of a dream machine! I find it astounding the clarity and fidelity obtainable from an acoustic machine. However truly stunning as it is, if I was ever lucky enough to have the opportunity to own one, I just don't think I would ever get the wife to allow such a large horned machine in the house!

[nostalgia]

I am speechless, what a lovely gramophone, and what a horn !!! This is also the first time I hear an EMG, thanks a lot for making and sharing this video. A wonderful buy, and along with Roger finding his brown HMV 102, this really was the day for exposing truly magnificent finds:))
Congratulations, and thank you again for sharing:))))

[emgcr]

Superb addition to the fold Andy and it is wonderful to see your collection grow. Lots of happiness ahead and many congratulations on having had the courage to grasp this very rare opportunity even though conventional wisdom might have suggested otherwise ! Carpe diem indeed !

[kirtley2012]

Very Nice Andy, I love my junior too but the larger horn hankering is also taking grasp, I look forward to eventually some day seeing this wonderful Senior in person

[chunnybh]

Congratulations Andy.
The video sounds just fantastic. I'm going to have to start tweaking the soundbox on mine.
Happy listening!

[CarlosV]

Congratulations, Andy! it surely sounds nice!

[AZ*]

Congratulations, Andy! it surely sounds nice!

ditto!

[Orchorsol]

Many thanks all! The more I "live with" this grand old chap the more I love it. The sound seems curiously even better than I'd expect - if that's possible!

I'm now busy transporting thousands of records that I was obliged to take as part of the deal, backbreaking work and most of them are dusty and dirty, with a lot of mildewy sleeves. Not much fun, but I'm finding some gems!

Next week I'll collect the other machines which were also part of the deal, and amongst them is another EMG - a rare one - watch this space!

[Jerry B.]

It is beyond impressive! Outstanding! Jerry B.