The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I just purchased a HMV 102 that was advertised "Not running motor stuck" so I purchased it for $40. I have another HMV 102 that the spring is broken so I was hoping to make one good one. When I took it apart all it had was a governor spring screw had come off and the spring was stuck on the break. So it's all fixed now but my question is what reproducer would be better? It came with a No.16 reproducer but I have a 5a and 5b that are in great shape I could replace it with. The No. 16 looks pretty cheaply made but plays really good too. It has a couple of missing pieces on the corner where the wood is showing. What can I use to replace the missing pieces. Last question is what is the best needles to use? I see it has a place to store Tungs-tone needles on the lid. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Does it have a metal motorboard? If so, its an early version and the No. 16 is probably correct for it. What is the model / serial no.?

A photo would help!

Yes it has a metal motorboard so the No.16 is correct.

BigC wrote: Tue Apr 28, 2026 12:28 pm Yes it has a metal motorboard so the No.16 is correct.

This one has the automatic shutoff only or the one with a tab brake?

Fact: The auto shutoff takes a few seconds when dealing with a non eccentric groove record but it will shut off.

Here are some pictures that I should have posted. I believe that even though it works its probably missing some parts. The brake and maybe some parts of the auto break since there are two small screws with nothing underneath them and the two chrome pegs are also missing.

Here is where I need to replace the missing cloth that has fallen off.

That's the earliest, and apparently, most problematic brake you've got there. The No. 16 soundbox would definitely have been fitted to it originally.

It's a really nice playing machine and I would love to get it back.to as close to original as possible.

The "Universal Autobrake" fitted to the earliest 102's proved to be unreliable in service. It was quickly replaced by a simpler design which included a manual brake. Many early 102's have had manual brakes added, and the two redundant holes in your first picture are probably evidence of this.

Ok that's understandable but now I have to find a manual brake too. I really would like to know if anyone has fixed the missing cloth issue. It would display much better with that fixed. Any suggestions?