The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Does anyone know what this reproducer is from. Back says His Masters Voice No 5B. Made in England. Fits my 4-3 perfectly. Missing the thumbscrew and probably none left on Earth. Cheers

Bill K

It is what it says, a British HMV 5b, the equivalent to the Victor ortophonic reproducer. You should easily get a thumb screw from UK ebay or from any of the UK phono dealers.

Andreas

The HMV 5b was the successor to the 5a, the only difference being in the pattern round the edge of the diaphragm. They were fitted to nearly all HMV machines from around 1928 until the last 102 portable in 1958. There were two or three other soundboxes fitted to their portables, but this is generally considered by many to be one of the finest soundboxes ever made. I believe the design was based on the Victor Orthophonic.

They are very plentiful in the UK, but now commanding extremely high prices. Thumbscrews for these are readily available. If you have any trouble sourcing one, let me have your details and I'll send you one.

Barry

I have 2 or 3 of these reproducers and they sound great. On par with the orthophonic, but MUCH easier to rebuild. I have rebuilt 3 now. Ebay sellers sell the thumb screw, and I got one from John Nagy at www.phonographs.org. Phonofreak suggested that I put a No.2 isolator gasket in one to use on my Viv V when playing electrically recorded records-it works wonderfully-FYI. I do not have a thumb screw for one, but I do have an extra face plate to fit one should you ever need it.

Matt

Thanks for the responses. I'll track one down tomorrow. Cheers

Bill K