WTB - No 4 Reproduver for HMV Model 109

[CDBPDX]

Anybody got a spare No.4 reproducer? Need one for my HMV model 109 gramophone. Are there differences between the US and UK versions of the No.4?

Cliff

[Phono48]

No, there's no difference between the British and UK versions. But there were four different versions of the No.4. The first had a brass back and front, and the HMV trademark was visible behind the mica diaphragm. The second also had a brass back and front, but the trade mark was impressed into the back. The third had a brass front, but a pot-metal back, which can cause problems if you need to replace the diaphragm or gaskets,which you will at some time. The pot metal swells over time, and the backs become impossible to get off without breaking. The fourth was a real horror, being made entirely of pot-metal, and best avoided at all costs! A visual clue is that on the brass-backed models, the rubber insert in the back socket is flush with the socket, whereas on the pot-metal backed version the rubber has a flange which sticks out from the socket. It is possible to swap the inserts however, so beware! I would recommend you get either of the first two all brass versions. You can then rest assured that you will have no problems with servicing.

[Steve]

The main difference between the Victor No. 4 and HMV No. 4 is...er...the name stamped into the backs!

So as to avoid any undue confusion, I would also like to add that in Phono48's post above he refers to "trademark" but alas, there are no trademarks type decals on the No. 4, simply the words: "His Master's Voice No. 4, The Gramophone Company, Hayes, Middlesex". I assume therefore that he meant the name "His Master's Voice" when making reference to a "trademark"?

HTH

Steve

[Retrograde]

Well, in short, the Victrola No. 4 is not the same thing as a HMV No. 4

See this thread for an example of a Victrola No 4
And this thread for an example of a HMV No. 4

If you want the correct soundbox, you'll need to look on FleaBay or similar website for a HMV No. 4. They come up often.

They are interchangeable because the rubber isolator is the same size for both, so either one would work.

[Phono48]

I assume therefore that he meant the name "His Master's Voice" when making reference to a "trademark"?

I did, Steve. "Trademark" was the wrong word to use, and thanks for correcting it.

[estott]

The Victrola No 4 is pot metal, or at least I've never seen a brass one. They can survive in playable condition but sometimes have hidden stress fractures which show up when you try to take them apart.

You should have luck finding an HMV No 4 as they were used on the 101 portable and produced in quantity. Finding one in undamaged condition might be tricky. If you do get one with a pot metal back use caution in taking it apart because even if the metal hasn't swollen the halves are usually stuck together by the rubber gaskets. Trying to pry it open usually snaps off the flange.

[Retrograde]

The Victrola No 4 is pot metal, or at least I've never seen a brass one.

The Victrola No. 4A is potmetal, the Victrola No. 4 is brass.