This May Be the Neatest Phonograph I've Ever Seen

[SignatureSeriesOwner]

http://cgi.ebay.com/RARE-SWISS-MIKIPHON ... _603wt_934


Even by today's standards, that's quite a portable unit. I like it Just don't like the price tag. Then again, that is to be expected. Anyone know any information on this?

[estott]

They aren't all that rare but are seldom found complete- the celluloid amplifying device is almost always missing. They are neat machines but if you want a compact portable that performs well and is more reliable get a Thorens Excelda.

[gramophoneshane]

I'd even go as far as to say they are really quite common. I've seen dozens over the years, and nearly every collector with deep enough pockets owns one. I've yet to see one with a missing resonator, but I have seen many with cracks in the celluloid. They are a good quality machine, so I dont personally think they are any less reliable than other compact models, but due to their popularity amoung collectors as being the smallest gramophone produced, I do think they are over priced.
If I were ever going to buy one, it would have to include the needle tin, as these were supplied with the machine originally (and I've seen the tins alone sell for well over $100), and I'd want one with one of the optional carry cases that were offered, as these are far less common than the machines themselves. They must have been sold over quite a long period of time, as the cases can be found in leather, canvas & an early vinyl material.

[frenchmarky]

Hmmm a pocket phonograph for very large, strong pockets : ) I guess even way back then, people had a hankering for making things smaller and smaller.

So what items or parts are missing from this one, if any? Are they finicky or pretty reliable? They probably didn't get very much use, compared to a regular phonograph... more of a novelty device to show off to your friends. That red piece (the celluloid disc?) looks cracked or damaged, how hard would it be to fabricate a new one out of the same or more modern material?

[gramophoneshane]

I think the only thing missing from the Ebay example is the original needle tin, and that red disc is just felt which could easily be glued back on the turntable or replaced if you were picky. That big dent in the case will definately devalue the machine though, as there are so many perfect examples around still.They actually have pretty good sound considering their size, so many probably did get a far bit of use. They sound better than many small kids machines IMO.
As I stated before, these have good quality motors etc, so I cant see how you could say they are unreliable in any way. Putting them together can be akin to playing with meccano as a kid though.
They're only about 4 ½" in diametre, so your pocket doesn't have to be too big or strong either

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFzBmfuVQUc[/youtube]

[frenchmarky]

In the video, something was placed onto the turntable pin after the record was mounted. Does that snap in or engage somehow so that it holds the record down onto the turntable, so they can't wobble on that tiny platter?
Really is a cool machine though - turn the phonograph one way and it nearly becomes invisible!

[estott]

As I stated before, these have good quality motors etc, so I cant see how you could say they are unreliable in any way.

OK, my language might not have been quite what was intended- there's nothing unreliable about the Mikiphone but I think the Excelda is a bit more solid, fewer rods and levers to get out of adjustment. It does lack the eccentricity of the Mikiphone though.

[Edisone]

Although a tiny phono may be a novelty, where are you going to carry the records you want to play? Might as well have a 'regular' portable, with storage for a few discs.

[gramophone78]

A Mikiphone is a fantastic little Swiss machine.They were so well made and play great for what they are.For those who are lucky to have a complete clean one know what I'm talking about.I have seen some that are all complete and mint sell for over 1000.00 on Ebay.I think if a early one were to surface WITH it's leather carry case and needle tin 600.00+ would be a great deal.I have seen (not often) the needle tin sell for a good dollar.I have never seen a case by itself for sale.Here is my complete set.Note...there are two types of needle tins.The round embossed is early and the green & yellow painted tin is later.There are at least three types of carry cases.Mine is the early leather one.Then there is a sightly different leather one and last a canvas type with a zipper.In all the years I have collected and of all 8 Mikiphones I have had.This is the only case I have ever had.