The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Any Orchorsol machine is worthy of interest. This small British manufacturer had a reputation for quality but did not survive the depression of the 1930's. Their most distinctive feature was the soundbox with it's elaborate provision for adjustment.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151962747064? ... EBIDX%3AIT

Unfortunately this example looks to have been over-restored. The background to the Orchorsol lid transfer suggests that the machine was originally black and has probably been re-covered in red, albeit very neatly done. The case corners look new, and the posidrive screws locating them show a lack of attention to detail.

I agree, it looks as if it were made yesterday. It's very pretty though.
Shouldn't all of its screws be straight slots.

Very nice until one looks more closely, as you say!

I had an identical machine but sold it a few months ago. They sound very good indeed, but not as good as the ubiquitous HMV portables.

With great respect, I can't see how, apart from the fancy soundbox, this Orchosol varies from the hundreds of "off -brand" models from the 1930s. It uses the same Garrard motor and cabinet fittings used by most of the lower-end manufacturers, i.e. Fullotone, Mayfair, Mastertone. Or am I missing something, apart from the obvious re-covering of the case in an entirely inappropriate colour, and those cross-headed screws?

Phono48 wrote:With great respect, I can't see how, apart from the fancy soundbox, this Orchosol varies from the hundreds of "off -brand" models from the 1930s. It uses the same Garrard motor and cabinet fittings used by most of the lower-end manufacturers, i.e. Fullotone, Mayfair, Mastertone. Or am I missing something, apart from the obvious re-covering of the case in an entirely inappropriate colour, and those cross-headed screws?

It's the fancy soundbox and lifebelt (together with a decent full-length but otherwise unremarkable internal horn) which give them the edge. Otherwise I agree, there's nothing at all to distinguish these machines, apart from the bizarre ugly logos!

Bear in mind too that an Orchorsol tabletop won the gold medal against all-comers in the 1924 Steinway Hall tests.

Thanks for that information, which I didn't know. Presumably, Orchosol made a range of models to suit all pockets, as did all the other manufacturers.

I have to agree about the logo, who on earth thought that one up?