The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello,
These portables are almost too new for my tastes but I find the blue leatherette cover rather attractive. Are these built very well. Do they play and sound o.k.?? Are the reproducers made from pot metal? I can buy this one locally for $65.00 is this about the going rate?
thanks
Pete

This looks like a nice clean machine. I've seen lots of these with broken back brackets and wrecked cases. I had one that was rough but usable that I eventually gave away when I got my HMV 102. They sound very nice and for $65, I'd say it's worth getting.

Sean

The reproducers are pot metal, but of a very good stable quality. These machines have excellent sound.

All metal construction. With the exception of the back bracket (as mentioned above) they are built like a tank and sound good. I have owned about 3 of these. Your example looks like a good deal.

Matt

They are the BEST built portable disc machine, in my experience.


If the padded covering is intact ( not popped at seams and spewing stuffing ), nothing's rusty, and it seems like it just needs cleaning and lube, then $65 is very reasonable.


The reproducer is basically a "#5 Orthophonic Sound Box" with the additional cover and felt muffler disc added over-top the regular OSB.


I say "grab it ! "

De Soto Frank wrote:They are the BEST built portable disc machine, in my experience.


If the padded covering is intact ( not popped at seams and spewing stuffing ), nothing's rusty, and it seems like it just needs cleaning and lube, then $65 is very reasonable.


The reproducer is basically a "#5 Orthophonic Sound Box" with the additional cover and felt muffler disc added over-top the regular OSB.


I say "grab it ! "

I agree! For $65.00 you would probably be lucky to just find the tone arm or reproducer. I owned one of these machines for a while, they have in my opinion, the best sound of any portable machine.

These machines have great motors and should be cleaned and re-lubricated.
The back brackets are the only real problem, they are made of pot metal, I usually did this. Remove the back bracket, take some JB Weld and mix it up, and then with a brush, paint the outside of the back bracket in the JB Weld or gorilla glue (don't have to use a lot). Sand it till smooth, and re-paint with Gold crinkle paint or Black Gloss Paint, depends on your machine. It will prevent the back bracket from breaking.

Grab it! As mentioned, it's built like a tank and has great sound! Also easy to work on. I prefer the sound of the 2-65 by a hair, which is also lighter, but both machines are wonderful!

I have a 2-65 and I cherish it. It sounds wonderful and is a good solid machine.

Word of caution - not sure I'd trust that 80 year-old handle.

The one on my otherwise-nice 2-55 is broken. I need to get a replacement handle from the suit-case handle guy.