The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Since another EMG Mk VIII has just turned up, it seems timely to share mine on here, and I hope others will chime in with details of theirs. I have a lot of photos to post, and hope that's OK with everyone!

This is an early Mk VIII from 1928. The horn is in really good condition - the base is slightly shabby and the metalwork heavily patinated, but (for the foreseeable future at least) I prefer to keep it that way, wearing its age and history with pride. I think these things "tell us" what they want done to them (i.e. restoration or not) and this one has needed no other interventions except for lubrication and soundbox overhaul.

Nameplate, soundbox (prior to rebuild) and horn details:

Arm base, conduit, horn base and horn spigot (the latter is so short on these early machines that it almost seems to defy the laws of physics in supporting the weight of the horn - later Mk VIIIs had the longer screw-in spigot that remained standard on all the subsequent EMGs):

Collaro motor:

I do like your luminous gasket material! Is this so you can watch the soundbox navigate the record in the dark?

Steve wrote:I do like your luminous gasket material! Is this so you can watch the soundbox navigate the record in the dark?

That was someone else's (as received), I've no idea what material it was! It's since been replaced with vintage-type bicycle valve rubber.

Here are photos of my equivalent, also made when the firm was at High Holborn, and thus an early instrument. Interestingly, I checked the conduit material which turns out to be cast iron and not bronze like the later models. It is instructive to note that the firm knew about mass at this point in the transmission, unlike HMV who used thin wall steel. The latter results in unwanted frequencies.

My example was originally spring motor driven but has been converted to Garrard AC 7 electric at some stage. The goose-neck is cut for bayonet fixing but original soundboxes to match are extremely rare. Better results are obtained in any case with later items with rubber compression rings which fit quite happily---as in the photo. The horn to case outlet mount is not well designed and, as Andy has said, hardly allows the weight to be supported.

These photos show the two horn designs. Presumably because the earlier type had already been found wanting, the heavier and longer bronze spigot with shoulder was introduced also incorporating a different angle giving an upwards lift to the horn. All subsequent EMGs of every type had the same bronze spigot and are thus interchangeable.

I have a complete example of the later type of Mk VIII (Grape Street), photos of which I will upload at a later date when time permits.

Excellent to see those photos Graham! Maybe that worn/rounded early spigot could be "encouraged" back into shape carefully, to better support the horn?

Yes indeed---it would not be difficult to expand the bottom section but it all works well at present---just ! Ensures that I continue to play uplifting music......