The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi everyone,

I just got my hands on this beauty for $75 CAD - I might have paid a bit too much, but am unsure as of yet (need to try it with proper needles).

Short of waiting for the needles to arrive and doing a couple of tests then, what can I do to clean it/perform a little 'maintenance' on it?

How many 'winds' does the motor need for playback? Is there a way to see about the condition of the motor itself without playing a record?

I saw the instructions pointing out the areas that need to be oiled and greased - what kind of oil do I have to use?

Judging from the pictures posted, what parts need to be cleaned off of grease?

I'd like to give the entire thing a thorough cleaning - what products do you use to clean the wood, tone-arm and outer case?

The reproducer's needle extension looks like it has a piece missing where it connects with the diaphragm (is that a right description?). Would that affect the playback?
Also, I've read on this forum several posts about the pot-metal vs. brass No.4 reproducers. Which one do I have?

If it's the brass one, can I change the dried and cracked gaskets myself? (my abilities run the gamut of "take it apart and put it back")

Thanks in advance for the help! I'm really excited to begin work on this 101 and hopefully start expanding my knowledge and inventory

forgot to add the motor pictures...

Regarding the soundbox, it looks like it is a brass one. So it should be possible to rebuild it!

/Rasmus

You may want to look in our Tech & Tips section of this forum. Your many questions are discussed there in many threads. Hope that helps.

Egg-on-my-face, I tried the 101 with a different record after an almost-full wind, and it worked like a charm.

How much of a difference does the year of production and wear of the record make on its 'playability' with the HMV 101?

I understand the switch between acoustic and electric (?) 78's, but does that really affect their functionality on the 101? Would the 102 be able to play both types of records without a hitch (bearing they're in good condition)?

Lastly, if you look closely at the diaphragm where the needle is glued to, it seems as if the mica piece is cracked right across. Would it need to be changed?

Yes, any crack calls for replacement of the mica diaphragm. And while you're at it, those front gaskets are shot, judging by the photo, and should be replaced, along with the rear gasket. If I were you, and had no experience with rebuilding a sound box, I'd send it out to a pro. Victrola Repair Service (http://www.victrolarepairservice.com/index.html) did a good job on my Exhibition, and there are any number of other good technicians who can do this work. Members, please recommend your favorites.

Looking at your photos, two things are immediately apparent. Firstly, the gasket is definately in need of replacement.
Secondly, the chip where the needle bar meets the diaphragm is not really a problem, as it is only a blob of wax, put there to seal the joint. As there is another similar seal on the other side of the diaphragm, a small piece missing is neither here nor there. I can't see that the diaphragm is cracked right across, only a few small ones radiating from the centre, which is pretty standard. I have ten 101s, and the No.4 soundboxes on some are a lot worse than yours, but still sound fine! However, if you are removing the diaphragm to renew the gasket, you may as well replace the diaphragm at the same time, and save any future hassle. Incidentally, it may be a personal thing, I don't use the commercially available replacement gaskets made for the No. 4, I find them too hard. The white rubber tubing gives much better results. Unless you're a real purist, and can't bear the thought of a No.4 fitted with white gaskets........

Barry

The white rubber (or whatever the material is) gaskets were used on my Exhibition, and they are super! Accept no substitutes.