The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Saw this on FaceBook, $50.00, any information appreciated.

JAR

It's a British-made off-brand. Check out the nifty Garrard motor with auto stop (as evidenced by the chromed motor deck.) A nice machine, but not of exquisite construction. I have a cabinet I thought was a Gilbert but may be a fancier sort of Academy.

If it's one you like, I'd say go for it. Cool phonograph! Not super collectible nowadays but still neat.

Academy gramophones were made by the Johnson Talking Machine Company (1919) Ltd of Liverpool, which had no connection with Eldridge R.Johnson of Victor. A wide range of machines was produced in the popular mid price category, some with distinctive cabinet styling.

They were taken over by UK Columbia in about 1930, after which Columbia features such as a version of the Plano-Reflex tonearm began to appear.

epigramophone wrote: A wide range of machines was produced in the popular mid price category, some with distinctive cabinet styling.

They very often worked the letter "A" into the grille - a move which is both tacky and endearing.

In the UK, the cabinet would be burnt after the motor had been pilfered for an EMG or something else. That's enough reason alone to buy it if you're Stateside.

Steve wrote:In the UK, the cabinet would be burnt after the motor had been pilfered for an EMG or something else. That's enough reason alone to buy it if you're Stateside.

Offbrand + lowboy = not much collector interest. The motor is of some value as Steve stated.