HMV 103: problems?

[Uncle Vanya]

The HMV 109 would be my preferred. However, at the moment, the Selecta seems to be the best solution from a cost perspective, in comparison with the available HMV 109 offers. And, as gramophoneshane said, maybe I am able to fit an HMV no 4 on it. By the way, how can I verify if that is possible? Do I have to remove the soundbox, or am I able to verify just by seeing how it fits to the tonearm?

Well, being a Yank, I've not had a half-dozen Selecta machines pass through my hands. The later consoles can be quite good, with suprisingly well-designed horns. You may find that the Thorens sound box to be an improvement over the No. 4, if it is one of the later ones. I've even noted one machine with a "Selecta" badged Meltrope III reproducer.

does the machine have a goose-neck tone-arm, like this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IVRpo9-i2M

Or a swan-neck tone arm, like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0weEyIl9SM

If the latter, you have a machine designed to play electric records, one which will give excellent results
if intelligently managed.

When these machines retain their original tone arms any "Exhibition Style" reproducer may be used. The Exhibition, the Victrola No. 2, Victrola No. 4, Meltrope, Alba, some No. 23 reproducers, and a host of cheap, easily available American units, Even the Orthophonic No. 5, 5A, or 5B may be used if the ferrulr is changed to permit it.

Is the Selecta machine that you are considering a large cabinet model?

[amrcg]

does the machine have a goose-neck tone-arm, like this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IVRpo9-i2M

It is this one, precisely. I don't mean the same model. I mean IT IS THIS ONE. This was the video posted by the seller. The soundbox is original (badged "Selecta Deluxe - made in Switzerland"), and I'm pretty sure the tonearm is the original too.

Regards,
António

[Uncle Vanya]

Well, if you service the sound box, seal the tone arm joints with light grease, and service the motor, you should have a respectable sounding machine, one which should give reasonably good service. The Garrard motor is fine quality, and it was used in a sufficient number of different models of machine that spares should be easily available if needed. It does sound as if the motor is not regulating perfectly, but that may be a simple matter of congealed grease. The sound box sounds very nice, FOR AN UNRESTORED UNIT. A bit of effort should iron out the buzzes and rattles. A Meltrope III or its Decca equivileant, both of which appear to be readily available, might be a nice eventual addition to your set-up, as would one or two mica diaphragm units, perhaps an Exhibition or a No.2 for playing some pre-1925 records. The Paliard mica diaphragm sound boxes which were used here in America on Sonora machines play early discs very effectively on these early machines, too. This machine was designed before the advent of electric recording, and so has a short horn, and will never satisfactorily play the later records. The other machine in the videos, a console, might be something to look for in the future, as it has a more satisfactory acoustic system.

Here in the 'states, these British machines get even less respect than they do on their home turf, as we have so very, very many alternatives here. They seldom fetch more than $150.00. I do understand that the market in Europe is vastly different, with a considerable shortage of nice machines.

I have myself three slightly tatty Orthophjonic Granada consoles, good machines all, which I value at only the price of their reproducers and motors, for there is little market for these machines here in the 'states, these days. I really wish that there was a cheap method of getting these things across the pond, but alas it is not to be.

[amrcg]

Well, if you service the sound box, seal the tone arm joints with light grease, and service the motor, you should have a respectable sounding machine, one which should give reasonably good service. The Garrard motor is fine quality, and it was used in a sufficient number of different models of machine that spares should be easily available if needed. It does sound as if the motor is not regulating perfectly, but that may be a simple matter of congealed grease.

Thanks for the tips. I have several questions:

1) Your statement worries me a bit. While the soundbox was most probably not serviced, the seller told me that the motor was cleaned and re-greased (whatever that means, since I'm not 100% sure if he meant that he took the springs out). Are you sure that the motor is not working properly? I'm still very inexperienced so I haven't noticed it.

2) What do you mean by "servicing the soundbox"? What can we do to improve it?

3) Is it theoretically possible to replace the tonearm with a more recent Thorens tonearm + soundbox so that I can play later records with better results?

Cheers,
António

[Uncle Vanya]

I noticed a little variation in speed, which could be caused by a worn record or needle.

The sound box will probably need rubber gaskets, a new soft rubber isolator, and adjustment of the pivots.

It is relatively simple work, and you should have no trouble assaying it yourself.

[amrcg]

I noticed a little variation in speed, which could be caused by a worn record or needle.

The sound box will probably need rubber gaskets, a new soft rubber isolator, and adjustment of the pivots.

It is relatively simple work, and you should have no trouble assaying it yourself.

You were right. "Nice, FOR AN UNRESTORED UNIT". I've contacted the seller and he says that he just cleaned and lubricated a few external motor parts, but that he found the springs working fine and so he did nothing to them. He also did not service the soundbox.

Well, I'm going to have it tomorrow.

Thanks for the tips!

[amrcg]

It was yesterday! The first time that I placed a 78 rpm playing! It was Eddie Lang's Orchestra "Freeze An' Melt" in side B (I was too afraid of damaging Armstrong's "West End Blues" in side A). During all the process I had Ian Calderbank's online FAQ in front of me - so afraid I was of operating the machine incorrectly. Then I repeated and checked that side B was still OK, and it should, since I've used a soft-tone needle. I got more confident and went for side A. Replaced the needle, repeated the process. Again a magic experience!

The Selecta worked as expected. I've noticed that at some point when I let it rotate for a while past the end of one side, that there is a dry "crack" sound. Probably old grease that solidified.

I've already ordered the rubber gaskets! This is exciting! Well, maybe for you this is not so exciting anymore, as you are veterans. But for me, it was like entering a time-travelling machine!!

Thanks again for all the advice.

Cheers,
Ant??nio

[amrcg]

Just to let you know the end of the story.

I bought the Selecta table-top.
It was the first time that I touched such an old talking machine and I was very afraid of damaging it. Before attempting to operate it, I opened Ian Calderbank's online FAQ to follow the operating instructions step-by-step.

The record I selected was a Parlophone recording of Eddie Lang's Orchestra playing "Freeze An' Melt". This was side B, since I was afraid of spoiling "West End Blues" by Armstrong's Hot Five on side A. The Selecta behaved well. Despite the fact that I was using a soft-tone needle, the sound filled my living room when I opened the small doors. It was a magic moment, as if there were ghosts coming out of the machine (why don't I feel this with a CD or DVD?)! Then I replaced the needle and repeated the process. The recording was still unspoiled. Then I got confident and changed the side of the disk.
Probably, for veterans like you, there is no magic anymore when you operate your machine. But my first time was just thrilling!

I noticed that if I let the turntable moving past the end of one side, after some time I listen to a small "crack" sound. This is probably old grease that got solid.

I've already ordered the rubber gaskets. This is really exciting.

Thank you for all your tips!

Regards,
António

[alang]

Congratulations to your first talking machine. Seems like you already experienced the magic that brought us all here at some point. Good luck with your repair and maintenance.
Andreas

[doublemike]

What are the functions of those species of clamps next the turntable?