The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

After a short period of posting as a Guest, I can now introduce myself.

I was given a portable gramophone at the age of ten. This was in the 1950's when my parents and other relations were making the change from 78 to LP, so I have been involved in our hobby for well over 50 years.

I currently own 15 gramophones, one cylinder phonograph and one disc Pathéphone. One of my portables has been owned by the family from new in 1934.

My record collecting interests include opera, ballads, jazz, 1920's dance bands, military bands and anything unusual. I am blessed with a supportive wife who collects French cafe style singers, folk music and children's records.

My other interests include musical boxes and classic cars. A portable gramophone and a few dance band records are the ideal accompaniment to a classic car meet.

Through my membership of the City of London Phonograph and Gramophone Society I have met many fellow enthusiasts from all over the UK, and have formed several lasting friendships.

The social side of our hobby is very important to me.

Welcome! I also collect musical boxes as well as phonographs. They seem to comfortably go together.

Hope you enjoy the Forum.

Clay

Welcome Epigramophone!

I think you will find many of his here with interests similar to yours.

Hi Epigramophone and congrats on joining the forum. I'm new here myself so you're not at all alone. Of course, now that you're no longer a guest, it's your night to do the dishes.

Welcome Epigramophone! 50 plus years, wow! I started at the age of 14 in the 1970's and thought that was a milestone..... If you need help, just post here. Someone will know what's going on!

Andersun

WELCOME Dear Chap, We have so much in common - I own 2 classic cars but as i don't own the chequebook to maintain them they are in a Museum !

I have been collecting for 30 years (OR more i can't remember)

You'll no doubt have much to contribute here dear chap !

Welcome,

I saw my first one when I was around 8, became truly fascinated when I was about 12, but couldn't buy one until I was 18. People simply don't believe how good a later acoustic gramophone can sound. When I transferred 78s to digital for restoration I often used my portable with a mike in the horn for worn records, because the results were far better than when played on a modern high quality set up. These thingies looked simple. but were very well designed. The length of the horn doesn't increase the volume. It only extends the bass imo.
My HMV 130 was louder than the 163, even after switching soundboxes.

Welcome!

It's a pleasure to have you finally out of the "Guest" closet! As has been said, you'll find many like-minded individuals here, anxious to help with any talking machine conundrum.

Have fun - -

George P.

Thankyou one and all for your welcome. I look forward to making a useful contribution to this forum.

Remember, it's not the age, it's the mileage which matters!