New HMV 102 owner, with questions

[Jamiephalliday]

Afternoon everyone

I have recently inherited an HMV model 102 (10200606... something). Its in good nick with no tarnish on the chrome, all fittings etc.

Ive booked it in for a service because despite being in the family since new, its never had the original grease cleared out and also the autobrake is playing up.

I had one question tho - does this play 12 inch records? Im assuming it does and I have three box loads, but i only managed to play a couple of ten inch 78's (in the clip) before the autobrake had a moment and id like to be sure.

Thanks!

[Orchorsol]

Hi and welcome to the forum! How wonderful to inherit a gramophone - I'm lucky enough to have my grandparents' HMV111.

Your 102 sounds good, and probably has little if anything wrong with it. Yes, it will play 12" 78s. Don't be afraid to wind it up fully (reasonably gently - just stop when it starts of offer increased resistance. Be fairly definite when moving the tonearm to the right to release the autobrake and start playing. And finally, use good quality needles and discard them after every side.

[jamiegramo]

Hi and also welcome to the forum.

The automatic brake may just need a little oil. Can you turn it off?

[Inigo]

Hello and welcome! What a marvel!
It needs a bit of adjustment, as it is playing at the right speed with the speed lever at the fast position, while it should be at the middle 78rpm position. Nothing that a bit of cleaning and oil cannot improve...

[Jamiephalliday]

Thanks for your replies everyone

The tone arm will not move back and so i think thats an autobrake issue. Thats on the list for the service.

Glad it plays 12" records, theres a lot to work thru!

Any recommendations on needle suppliers in the UK? i have a lot of them but im unsure if they have been used.

Turning the autobrake off makes no difference

good spot on the speed!

Thanks again

[Steve]

Thanks for your replies everyone

The tone arm will not move back and so i think thats an autobrake issue. Thats on the list for the service.

Glad it plays 12" records, theres a lot to work thru!

Any recommendations on needle suppliers in the UK? i have a lot of them but im unsure if they have been used.

Turning the autobrake off makes no difference

good spot on the speed!

Thanks again

To determine if a needle has been used simply hold one between thumb and forefinger with tip pointing upwards and then rotate it slowly under a light. If you spot a sudden flash of light from the tip (indicating a flat edge reflecting the light source), throw the needle; it has been used.

[Inigo]

In the uk there is our colleague soundgen, which sells good steel needles at a fair price, based in Bedford, near London. Same alias on ebay.co.uk.
Of course there are others, and also the BCN thorn needles of colleague Orchorsol who bought the remaining stock and needle making tooling and the whole brand, and sells them.

[Jamiephalliday]

thanks again