The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

My experience has been limited to older machines (with combination-attachments for the fine-groove cylinders), but for what it is worth I should say this is an excellent result, with a good clear tone, a steady pitch and no problems with the feed-screw. It is a pity that there are so few Amberolas east of the Atlantic.

Oliver Mundy.

This old pre-digital photo of my Amberola 30 does at least show the golden oak colour, and what I believe to have been the original grille cloth.
I sold it when I upgraded to an Amberola 50 in Mahogany. Better quality case, much better motor and slightly better sound, but for reasons of space (or rather the lack of it) I sold it when I bought a very early (mid 1901) Triumph Model A. I now know all about slipping drive belts, sticking feedscrews and temperamental combination gear change mechanisms.

Splendid and imposing as the Triumph is, for reliable everyday playing I would have the Amberola 50 back tomorrow.

The Amberola 30, 50 and 75 are not uncommon in the UK, but the earlier Amberola I and III are rarely found.