NEW BOOK – DETAILS OF EVERY MODEL OF HMV UK GRAMOPHONE

[Steve]

Is there a blue 162 in it? Thanks.

[recordo]

There's a blue 102, but I don't recall ever seeing any wooden gramophone (such as a 162) in blue...

[Retrograde]

Sounds like a disappointing effort if it's missing models. The whole point of having a reference book is to have ALL the models. I guess I'll wait 'till it shows up on amazon.com so I can get it at a discount and free shipping.

[Steve]

There's a blue 102, but I don't recall ever seeing any wooden gramophone (such as a 162) in blue...

Not only is it apparently missing models but it might appear as though it is actually missing models that were actually catalogued and photograped for this specific book from private collections. A curious omission if that is the case.

I am aware of several obscure models in various collections in the UK. It should be as interesting to spot the 'deliberate' omissions as it is to otherwise ponder the blandness and monotony of the 'standard' range!

[Steve]

Has anyone got this book yet?

Reading the blurb on the 163 above makes me wonder how good it is. At least there I can't see any mention of internal finishes, motor specification, the correct soundbox supplied with the machine originally, overall dimensions, a critique of the machine or anything resembling a human approach to the subject? Is it just a list of machines and sale figures?

[Phonofreak]

I just got my book a few days ago. I think it is great. I collect the HMV horned machines. The book is very extensive showing those machines. Fortunately for me, they aren't as much demand as American Victors. Being on a budget, I can get these machines at a fraction of a Victor, and have the same quality. I think the HMV machines have a higher class that the American Victors. Don't get me wrong, I collect Victors also. I live near Seattle, which is 3 hours south of Canada, so a lot of these machines show up in my area. This book is a real winner and worth the $89.95. I highly recommend it.
Harvey Kravitz

[Valecnik]

I've ordered my copy, even though I don't own a single HMV machine. I think it will be very helpful in comparing with the Victor line up of the same period. I'm not sure why some UK collectors would hesitate, even given there are surely some inaccuracies and/or omission in all such works. I doubt there'd be a better alternative in the forseeable future.

[saxymojo]

Hi

I got my book a few days ago and am happy with it, there is a lot missing, but it is a start. I would now like to see volume two, with the european machines, I hope the authors will give us more.

Maybe we all could start a site showing all the G&T and HMV machines we have, a web book. I have some nice machines that I would be willing to post.

Regards Marcel

[Valecnik]

I just got mine too and have had enough time to leaf through it.

It may be missing things, hard for me to tell, but it's certainly a high quality production with many excellent color, or should I say colour illustrations. I can't imagine why anyone interested in HMV (or Victor) would not buy it.

I agree that it would be great to see another volume of European machines.

[john9ten]

I am planning to get this book soon. I have always felt that HMV machines, as well as some other European machines, were underrated by American collectors I've owned a few HMVs and find them to be very well made. And the slight design differences from Victor machines make them interesting.