The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Henry wrote:

SteveM wrote:I gig with my 102s (I have 3 of them) but if I could find two VV 2-65s or even 55s in great shape, I'd use them instead. So many guys play out with the 102s ... it would be fun to use some Camden-built machinery for a change.

Steve, when you're ready to part with your 102s, send me a PM and I'll be right down Rt. 100 to see you!

Indeed! And hey! I played in your town last month, the Hamilton Kitchen, swank place!

bart1927 wrote:Unless of course you have a pre-1936 machine

Whoops, never thought of that!

So Steve, are you Black Jack Shellac? 'Fess up, now.

Henry wrote:So Steve, are you Black Jack Shellac? 'Fess up, now.

Haha ... WE MAY NEVER KNOW

My HMV 102 arrived in great shape. The sound is amazing. I played the orthophonic recording of Zonky by McKinneys Cotton Pickers..No blasting, No distortion. Just great sound. All I need now is the record carrier.

Awesome! It's such a neat and tidy little box. I was so used to my collection of crude dime-store portables. The 102 is so much more warm, dynamic, and musical. I only have one MCP record (Baby Won't You Please Come Home/Blues Sure Have Got Me) and it's one of my favorites to play on the 102.

I've always been partial to the 102s they are a great machine. My collection of HMV 102 Portables is pictured here. All 102Cs or earlier. Deluxe gilt 102 on far left, Blue one has the original dust cover, rare taupe and brown models closed and the black one is in the original 102 exceptionally rare cardboard box. No space to display them all open.

Wow! What a collection! I love those dust covers, and so cool to see the box!

I've enclosed a pic from a gig from last friday. And a flyer for the regular gig I have at Sunnybrook (the dance hall pictured in my avatar).