The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Thanks to both of you for providing the above photo documentation. This does show they are truly "handmade". If that conduit is made of cast bronze that would explain the heft it has! I can't wait for the weekend to take peak at the motor and that conduit. I need to now find a platform to put it on. I do like the record file case in the 1st photo. An EMG accessory?

Glenn

Damfino59 wrote:Thanks to both of you for providing the above photo documentation. This does show they are truly "handmade". If that conduit is made of cast bronze that would explain the heft it has! I can't wait for the weekend to take peak at the motor and that conduit. I need to now find a platform to put it on. I do like the record file case in the 1st photo. An EMG accessory?

Glenn

Not an EMG cabinet, that's a "Barkingside" - they turn up here in the UK occasionally.

Thanks men for all the interesting and instructive photos and commentary. So good to have it all available.

I see, Orchorsol, that you have the original box for the soundbox as well - and in great condition?! Wonderful how some of these things have survived! Congratulations!

I once came across another MK V111 with what seemed like a glass fronted sound box with EMG inscribed on the diaphragm side of it. Could it have had a mica diaphragm?? I can't remember clearly enough to be sure.

Yes, mica diaphragm like the one pictured below. They work quite well but not as well as aluminium which can incorporate more design variations.

Yes - that's the one. Thanks. Another original box too I see!

As promised, here are a few shots of the later Mk VIII---Grape Street 1929. This instrument, like yours Glenn, was originally a "standard" model and has been converted to "de-luxe" to minimise soundbox "chatter" and keep the dust at bay. The superstructure does this well but one has to be very careful to park the soundbox on the stand or a crushing disaster can easily occur !

The final photo I have added for amusement and shows us playing around in the workshop in 2007 with the very first fibre-glass Xb Oversize when it came off the mould.

More photos in different modes. The case has a plug in the horn outlet when the horn is dismounted. The motor is made by Cowey which soon after became part of Garrard. The conduit is made in bronze---originally in two parts---then joined---it would seem.

Here are a couple of (unlisted) You Tube recordings : Margaret Ritchie. Mozart.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-3I5ePDCko

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GwkzqkIG5E

The removable superstructure has been made in such a way that the original deck-boards can be replaced to regain the "standard" specification---no unwanted holes were drilled.

FABULOUS! Great photos, and the sound comes over wonderfully in the videos - YouTube sound is no match for the real thing of course, but it does give a good impression. These Mk VIIIs are somewhat eclipsed by the superior performance of the big EMGs and Experts, but they sound amazing nonetheless, and as I said in the other thread, I have a huge soft spot for them. Thanks so much for posting all that Graham.

Your photos are superb Andy. Do we know what the conduit in your machine is made of ? I was surprised to find mine made of cast iron but even with your excellent photos it is hard to tell the material.