The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I'd agree with estott if it wasn't for the fact that the 102's are commanding silly money of late. And the tops of the lid are made of cardboard too! It's a difficult one. On the one hand, a portable can be shipped easily and relatively safely (cheaply maybe?) and it sounds good BUT on the other a nicely polished solid bit of furniture has got to feel more worthy than something partly made from cardboard.

Steve wrote:I'd agree with estott if it wasn't for the fact that the 102's are commanding silly money of late. And the tops of the lid are made of cardboard too! It's a difficult one. On the one hand, a portable can be shipped easily and relatively safely (cheaply maybe?) and it sounds good BUT on the other a nicely polished solid bit of furniture has got to feel more worthy than something partly made from cardboard.

A good compromise would be another 30's European portable like a Parlophon. While not quite up to HMV standards of tone they are very well built and quite attractive to look at- if my example is typical.

Do you know if this site is trustworthy? I think they ship worldwide.

http://www.gramophones.uk.com/informati ... _sold.html

amrcg wrote:Do you know if this site is trustworthy? I think they ship worldwide.

http://www.gramophones.uk.com/informati ... _sold.html

You will get some differences of opinion regarding Mr. Hope. I will say no more.

Parlophons are excellent machines. I have an early horn model and it has the single most powerful motor I've ever encountered, being a Lindstrom product. I have been very impressed with Parlophon quality in general.

Estott, it would be good to see a few pictures of your portable. They are really well made machines.

Do you know if this site is trustworthy?

As in, you'll get a machine delivered if you pay for it? The answer would be a definite yes. It's not always advisable to buy 'blind' over the internet though unless you can be 100% certain of what it is you're getting. Ask for lots of pictures and ask lots of questions beforehand. Genuine vendors will always respond and will generally want to help. Avoid those who don't.

Steve wrote:Parlophons are excellent machines. I have an early horn model and it has the single most powerful motor I've ever encountered, being a Lindstrom product. I have been very impressed with Parlophon quality in general.

Estott, it would be good to see a few pictures of your portable. They are really well made machines.

Here's my machine from my flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/10758068@N ... /lightbox/ I think you can get access to a few more shots from it. It's well built with a very long tin horn. Mine is missing the original soundbox but has a period installed electric pickup.

Steve wrote:

Do you know if this site is trustworthy?

As in, you'll get a machine delivered if you pay for it? The answer would be a definite yes. It's not always advisable to buy 'blind' over the internet though unless you can be 100% certain of what it is you're getting. Ask for lots of pictures and ask lots of questions beforehand. Genuine vendors will always respond and will generally want to help. Avoid those who don't.

Steve, I too have to agree about the pitfalls of buying "blind". That's why Rene & I provided a major contact in Spain for this gentlemen. Always best (if not a collector) to buy whats in front of you and by a person that has knowledge....in my opinion. With respect to a dealers reputation......that is tricky as everyone can have a different experience with that dealer.
As recommended by "Steve". Guido is also a well established dealer in Holland with more years of experience then he may care to admit to... . He also sells worldwide.

gramophone78 wrote: Steve, I too have to agree about the pitfalls of buying "blind". That's why Rene & I provided a major contact in Spain for this gentlemen. Always best (if not a collector) to buy whats in front of you and by a person that has knowledge....in my opinion. With respect to a dealers reputation......that is tricky as everyone can have a different experience with that dealer.
As recommended by "Steve". Guido is also a well established dealer in Holland with more years of experience then he may care to admit to... . He also sells worldwide.

I've already contacted the guy in Spain. No response so far.
I've also contacted Guido. Still waiting for the response.

Here's my machine from my flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/10758068@N ... /lightbox/ I think you can get access to a few more shots from it. It's well built with a very long tin horn. Mine is missing the original soundbox but has a period installed electric pickup.

Thanks for the link! It is a nicely put together machine. I particularly like the '£' sign stamped into the needle holder. Is it a double-spring motor, do you know?