The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

It doesn't sound too bad, though it's kind of hard to tell from a YouTube video. I'd guess that the speed is a bit too fast, based on the munchkin-like sound of the guy's voice. It should be no faster than 78 rpm. An easy way to gauge it is to place a small piece of paper between the record and turntable, and count how many times it strikes your finger--39 times in 30 seconds for 78 RPM.

DS

Not too bad, maybe with a reproducer rebuild and a quieter record it could be nice.

If you want a nice sounding machine plus record storage, there is HMV's model 145, which is essentially a floor standing version of the superb table model 130 with room for records. It was made according to the 'matched impedance' principle, developed by Bell Laboratories, and has a far more open sound. A decent model 145 should be no more than 300-350 euro.

syncopeter wrote:If you want a nice sounding machine plus record storage, there is HMV's model 145, which is essentially a floor standing version of the superb table model 130 with room for records. It was made according to the 'matched impedance' principle, developed by Bell Laboratories, and has a far more open sound. A decent model 145 should be no more than 300-350 euro.

Yes, you are right. But unfortunately it is impossible to get one in Portugal. American and British sellers just don't send them abroad, and I agree with them - it is not easy to package and transport these old and valuable equipments for a long journey.
In Portugal there are a lot of HMV crapophones and frankenphones being sold, and it appears that this Electa and the table-top Selecta (I will probably buy this one if the engine is still the Garrard) are the pearls of the Portuguese market at the moment. The seller is also one of the few Portuguese sellers that seems to know the details about the parts and mechanics.

I feel your plight, I really do. The Uk is not much better, honestly, and you get better weather anyway so you don't have as much time to tinker with these things as we do, presumably!

However I would really have to stress my absolute agreement with the advice that syncopeter and others have already given you. This is WAY over-priced and not a very good gramophone to start with. If you decide to sell it, you'll very likely never be able to.

There are Spanish specialists in Mechanical Music and other continental dealers who will pack and ship items safely to Portugal. I would wait for an HMV to come along. There are several 145's on UK Ebay currently and they go very cheaply because no one here rates or wants them. They are ok though.

I wouldn't get too hung up on record storage because I'll bet that in time your record collection will outgrow any modestly sized internal space provided on any gramophone I'm aware of.

Only 145 in good condition I found...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HMV-145-Gramo ... 27c6418b98

Agh, no, not THAT one! That's also badly restored and wickedly over-priced.

The one I was looking at just sold for £50!!!!

My advice is to befriend Guido Severens - www.phonograph.nl

Steve wrote:Agh, no, not THAT one! That's also badly restored and wickedly over-priced.

The one I was looking at just sold for £50!!!!

My advice is to befriend Guido Severens - http://www.phonograph.nl

Yes, I saw cheaper 145s, but I would have to pick them up personally.

I will try this contact before deciding. Thanks a lot!

Good for you. Nothing you've provided links for yet has been any good, honestly. If you're going to get a machine you might as well get a good one, hey?

Maybe you should look into getting a quality portable, such as an HMV 101 or 102. They can sound excellent, and would cost less to have shipped to you than a cabinet machine.