The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi everybody,
I have got a talking machine HMV model 156, it's my first time to get a gramophone. I have some questions
1- Need to know more about this model and if any member has a copy of its catalogue
2- what is the difference between HMV, Victor and victrola of the same model
3- Is it mahogany or oak
4- what are the best types of grease and oil for the motor
Thank you

Welcome to the forum. There is a wealth of information here to explore.

1. The HMV156 was introduced in late 1926 and and was catalogued until late 1928. UK eBay is your best hunting ground for a catalogue.

2. The design was based on the Victrola Consolette which is rarely seen in the UK. The differences are mainly in the acoustic system.

3. The 156 was available in oak at £20 or mahogany at £23. Yours appears to be mahogany.

4. HMV used graphited grease in their spring cases, which in old age hardens into lumps. If your motor bumps during winding and/or play, the springs need re-greasing. This is not a job for the beginner, but there are specialist repairers who can do it for you. There are many recommendations on the forum as to which lubricants to use. I use SAE140 grade oil on gears and bearings, and sewing machine oil on the governor pad.

Just to add, Victor Talking Machine Co. was the parent company, HMV the UK daughter. Victor machines are open horn american machines, Victrolas are american internal horn machines like yours. Your HMV model 156 was made in the UK and is based on the american Victrola Consolette, later called VV-4-3.

This previous post includes scans of several HMV catalogs, but they only show a model 157 which appears to be similar. viewtopic.php?f=11&t=45074&p=266285

Hope that helps.

Andreas

Congratulations I think the HMV 156 is a great sounding machine. It was one of my first machines and I like the elegant stretcher arrangement on the legs.

HMV (or The Gramophone Company) was affiliated to Victor and therefore could produce machines outside of the control of Eldridge Johnson even if he didn't approve and may have treated them like a subsidiary. This produced some interesting machines such as the Pygmy Grand, early cabinet models like the Bijou Grand which are not the regulation Victrola shape, and the Lumière machines.

Thank you for your wealthy answers

Hi dear,
I noticed that this machine plays one record and need to be full again
Also When I use old or poor quality records it slows rapidly till it stops while the motor spring is full , just elevate the soundbox it runs again
This not happening with good quality records

Is this usually happening??

Mnader wrote:Hi dear,
I noticed that this machine plays one record and need to be full again
Also When I use old or poor quality records it slows rapidly till it stops while the motor spring is full , just elevate the soundbox it runs again
This not happening with good quality records

Is this usually happening??

That's somewhat normal with poor quality records, (and worn out needles). However, with a good quality record, I would think that you should be able to play more than one side before needing to wind again.

Buy some new needles and use one needle for every song you play. You will probably have less of this problem. You do not need to buy antique needles, just modern steel gramophone needles. Soft tone will give good results.

The No.32 double spring motor of the 156 should, when in good condition, comfortably play both sides of a record on a full wind.
Yours may need the springs cleaning and re-greasing, as mentioned in my previous post.

Hey dear, hope everyone is well
I have a question related to the same model
It's about auto - brake , it gives a sound of click as the record is playing till it finishes and the brake is automatically on
The click is due to sliding of the piece attatched to the tone arm on the brake
Is this normally happening or it's over in my machine and how to avoid without having to dislocate tone arm from the brake


Thanks