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Would this be a player worth purchasing?
Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2018 2:38 pm
by michaelphoenix22
https://www.shopgoodwill.com/Item/55499516
Is it a decent player? And whats the highest you would go on it. I'm looking for a cheap player to play my 78s, since the original player that was used for those records is just the cabinet only these days.
This one has the advantage of being only a couple miles from my apartment, so shipping charges wont apply.
Re: Would this be a player worth purchasing?
Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2018 2:56 pm
by EdiBrunsVic
The portable phonographs have their advantages, but also drawbacks. If it were my choice, I would keep looking for a Victrola (floor model or table model). Yes, it would cost a little more, but it would be more worthwhile. If space is an issue, go with a table model Victrola. In what area of the country are you located?
Don
Re: Would this be a player worth purchasing?
Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2018 2:59 pm
by michaelphoenix22
Madison, Wi
Re: Would this be a player worth purchasing?
Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2018 3:00 pm
by CharliePhono
Should be a fine machine to play your period (late 20s-mid 30s) discs on. It has the #15 soundbox, which is a good one (and likely will need some freshening up with new gaskets and isolator and the like). These are similar to the HMV 101 model and are nice-sounding portables. Only thing I notice is the crank escutcheon is missing and the "feet" for the bottom of the cabinet. From the description, it appears the motor is working, but "working" can be relative. A spinning turntable doesn't always mean it's working properly, but these issues, if present, can be addressed. All in all, if you can grab it for around $50-75, you'd definitely, IMHO, have a good deal on your hands as well as a solid, good-sounding portable. Just my two cents - others will have further suggestions, I'm sure.
Re: Would this be a player worth purchasing?
Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2018 6:25 pm
by audiophile102
It's a bit of a drive for you, but the price is negotiable.
https://rockford.craigslist.org/atq/d/v ... 77205.html
Re: Would this be a player worth purchasing?
Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2018 6:30 pm
by 52089
That's a good deal as is. You don't often see the early XI with vertical record storage.
Re: Would this be a player worth purchasing?
Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2018 8:21 pm
by estott
I agree with CharliePhono - if you don't over pay that portable is good. UK and European portables were often built to perform well because many people had no space for a large machine, American portables were usually built for convenience because everyone had a large machine & portables were just for picnics and teenagers.
Re: Would this be a player worth purchasing?
Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2018 4:42 am
by epigramophone
When viewing the machine, take a record with you and ensure that it plays all the way through without rewinding the motor. Cleaning and/or replacing the spring is not a job for the beginner, and can be expensive to get done professionally.
I always use a worn record which will impose increased drag on the motor and expose any weakness in the spring.
Re: Would this be a player worth purchasing?
Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2018 10:16 am
by melvind
picture...
Re: Would this be a player worth purchasing?
Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2018 4:05 pm
by soundgen
CharliePhono wrote:Should be a fine machine to play your period (late 20s-mid 30s) discs on. It has the #15 soundbox, which is a good one (and likely will need some freshening up with new gaskets and isolator and the like). These are very similar to the HMV 102 model and are nice-sounding portables. Only thing I notice is the crank escutcheon is missing and the "feet" for the bottom of the cabinet. From the description, it appears the motor is working, but "working" can be relative. A spinning turntable doesn't always mean it's working properly, but these issues, if present, can be addressed. All in all, if you can grab it for around $50-75, you'd definitely, IMHO, have a good deal on your hands as well as a solid, good-sounding portable. Just my two cents - others will have further suggestions, I'm sure.
Nothing at all like an HMV 102
http://www.windupgram.co.uk/102.htm