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For what it is worth, I have a DX and a newly acquired Amberola V and they both have the "tufts of grass" decoration. The DX is not as loud or clear as the V, using the same reproducer.
Matt

George,

I wasnt talking about the motor noise. I was saying that the volume was much louder on VIII.

Both of my machines have the tufts of grass. The VIII is the solid bedplate version.

Scott

phonogfp wrote:My V also has the old "tufts of grass" decoration, and I've never seen a V that didn't. But it looks odd on a Fireside!

George P.

I would have never though a DX would have the tuft decoration. Although my early Fireside does, one would think that that the later decoration was standard on the Fireside by the time they started dropping the motors into the D-X.

MTPhono wrote:George,

I wasnt talking about the motor noise. I was saying that the volume was much louder on VIII.

Both of my machines have the tufts of grass. The VIII is the solid bedplate version.

Scott

Sorry Scott - - I should have realized you were talking about playback volume when you mentioned "with the same reproducer."

If you've ensured that there's nothing blocking the horn or the telescoping tube that connects it to the reproducer, all I can surmise is that the difference in the horn size/shape is affecting the volume.

I've seen few of the full-bedplate style VIII, so I agree they must have been manufactured in smaller numbers. It's interesting that your full-bedplate VIII reverted to the "tufts of grass" decoration as well.

Another D-X was listed on eBay this morning, and it too carries the old-style pinstripes and "tufts of grass" as well as the old trade mark. I'm learning a lot about various decorations in the early Amberola line. Thanks for all the responses so far.

George P.