HMV No. 5B ‘rattle’

[Sir_Lunchalot]

G’day everyone,

I have a 1953 (B/17) Australian-made HMV 102 in almost perfect condition, and for many months now I have been enjoying its wonderful sound quality. The soundbox looks to be in perfect condition, and works well.

I did not have any worries about the soundbox until two days ago. I was demonstrating it to someone, and while changing the needle (the soundbox had no needle in it at the time) he asked if he could have a look at the tonearm. It didn’t bother me, as I know he is a rather careful person. Anyway, I explained about lowering the tonearm onto a record, which he practiced. Unfortunately, when the needle bar was about one inch above the surface of the record (no needle in it, mind), he lost his grip and the soundbox fell onto the lead-out groove of the spinning record. The record was undamaged, and the soundbox suffered no visible damage either.

I play tested it a bit later (on some rather modulated 1950s 78s though), and I don’t think that the quality of the reproduction has changed, but I was a little surprised when I turned the soundbox upside down and heard something rattle inside it. Upon a little bit of testing, it seems that the rattle doesn’t happen when moving the soundbox sideways, but only when tipping it up.

I didn’t find this immediately alarming, because I think I read that there are two small bearings somewhere in the needle bar assembly which are meant to be free(?). Is this true, and do you think that any damage has been done?

I’d be glad to hear any input on this, as I really hope that my soundbox hasn’t been damaged. I like to think that they’re pretty durable though, and that dropping from an inch high isn’t likely to do it any harm (well, not if it only happens once anyway).

Thanks,
William

[CarlosV]

Check this video, it is very well done and deals with the same issue you relate:

(Double-click the video above or click this link to go to the video on YouTube.)

[Lah Ca]

Check this video ....

Thank you. I have no need of this at the moment, but it is definitely something for the bookmarks library. Very well done, indeed!

[Sir_Lunchalot]

Check this video, it is very well done and deals with the same issue you relate:

(Double-click the video above or click this link to go to the video on YouTube.)

Thanks for the link, I watched the video and it does seem like my problem.

The rattle in mine was quite a bit quieter, so maybe there’s always been something loose in there and it was just dislodged. Funnily enough, the rattling has stopped for now. Maybe I should have a look, but I think for now I’ll leave well alone. Especially now, since I have play tested a record and it sounds just as good as it always has.

Thanks anyway, the video was quite helpful!

[CarlosV]

Thanks anyway, the video was quite helpful!

You're welcome, Sir Lunch-A-Lot! Regards to your companions at the Round Table!

[Sir_Lunchalot]

Thanks anyway, the video was quite helpful!

You're welcome, Sir Lunch-A-Lot! Regards to your companions at the Round Table!

Haha, thanks!