Birch Electro/acoustic portable

[celticguitar666]

Hi All I just bought this today I could not find a model number on unit even on the inside It is an acoustic machine with electric motor ( No winding as was discussed on another thread) It has a I guess you would call it a orthophonic reproducer. It all complete the tone arm base was stuck but I was able to get it loose and working the rest was lubrication and cleaning. the needle holder seems to be leaning to one side slightly but doesn't seem to effect play back or do damage to record. everything inside the reproducer seems to be ok and in line not bent the sound is loud and clear no debris on needle. I will post a picture and tell me what you think. I know it's not the most thrilling machine but it's sitting for a while on CG and I picked up today less than $20 for a complete working machine in good shape I thought it was a steal and with weather I drove in to get it I am going to call it "The Blizzard Machine"
Dwight

[estott]

Not bad- a solid machine and while it's plain it appears to be well finished.

[Joe_DS]

One of my favorite portables was the Birch phonograph I bought about 25 years ago. It was identical to this one -- http://www.victrolarepairservice.com/Sa ... table.html -- though I paid $35 for mine.

It had a very full sound once I replaced the hardened diaphragm gaskets and re-adjusted the needle bar pivot posts. It even pumped out a little audible bass on some records. Not as good as an HMV-102 or VV-2-55 or Viva-Tonal model, but still very pleasing.

I eventually used the phonograph as part of a swap deal for a cabinet model I wanted, which, unfortunately, turned out to be a piece of cheaply made junk. It was one of those imported British off brand Orthophonic era models, using Swiss made components housed in a very thin plywood cabinet.

Joe

[celticguitar666]

I made some final adjustments on machine and using soft and medium needles that aluminum diaphragm pumps out the sound next best thing to a true orthophonic in a portable format. Very happy No cranking either!
Dwight