The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello all,

I purchased this HMV 88 from a friend on a Facebook phonograph group. It’s in beautiful condition and he has recently serviced the machine. I got it for a great deal and is a good substitute for a VV-50 since they’re over my budget. Since this is a later machine, I think it’s from the 40s, am I able to play electrically recorded records on it with no repercussions? Any tips and tricks for this machine is appreciated!

I am unsure of the model number, but I believe this is not an HMV machine- but rather a U.S. model produced by RCA. As is evident on the decal on the interior lid. The needle cup also looks different than an 88, but it may have been replaced. Someone more versed than I could give better insight.

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Obviously a copy of the 88 with what I'd call a better needle cup design.
It would be interesting to know what motor it uses.

It wouldn't surprise me if these were made in England for RCA, and given the RCA decal/transfer and needle cup.

Actually I wonder if the RCA VICTROLA part of the decal in fact covers the usual Hayes Middlesex or Made in England line normally under the Nipper pic?

Everything else appears identical so I presume it sounds the same as the HMV 88, and it should be fine playing records from the 40's and 50.
The soundbox on these are fairly light so it's probably much kinder to records than a 5b on a 102.

I've always preferred my 88 over my 97, partly because I like the different finish on the interior metalware instead of the usual chrome/nickel finish, and because they're quiet light and comfortable to carry.

Your RCA version certainly appears to be beautiful condition, and although the sound quality doesn't come close to that of the 102, it still sounds quite good imo, so I'm sure you'll enjoy it very much.

Can I ask, is there a screw hole at the top right under the lid? If so, the machine maybe originally had the typical needle box cover found on the HMV 88.
If so, the new needle box cover maybe was added later on if the original cover in the lid was broken off. Somehow the area around the black needle box cover looks a bit strange to my eyes?
I have myself both an HMV88 and a Odeon branded HMV 88 both made at Hayes, so who knows..maybe they also made this at Hayes (UK) ?
The motor may reveal more about this, as already suggested.
A nice machine:)

If this machine is from the 1940s, would not HMV been a part of EMI already and RCA Victor a completely separate company? Or did RCA Victor and EMI still work together/have ties after the EMI merger in Europe?

Thanks
Andreas

After closer scrutiny of the uploaded photos, I can see there are no screw hole on the right hand side of the lid on the outside, so the needle box (cover) arrangement on this machine is different than on the HMV 88.

alang wrote: Wed Apr 07, 2021 8:27 am If this machine is from the 1940s, would not HMV been a part of EMI already and RCA Victor a completely separate company? Or did RCA Victor and EMI still work together/have ties after the EMI merger in Europe?

Thanks
Andreas

According to The Guinness Book of Recorded Sound (ISBN 0-85112-274-4) the RCA-HMV link continued until May 1957, after which RCA's UK record pressing and distribution was handled by Decca.

In Spain, more or less... The RCA founded its own pressing plant and record brand here, no more tied to Gramófono-Odeón. It was 1956 or 57 I believe, still pressing 78s.

Thanks for all the input everyone. According to the seller it’s an HMV 88z. I don’t have it in my possession yet but as soon as I get it in I’ll take closer, more detailed photos.