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Anyone can identify this soundbox? Could it be a No.4 variant or is it a non-original soundbox. The machine is labelled "HMV 109".
Thanks!

Cheers,
António

that is just a un-named, off brand swiss made soundbox, very common but not very good generaly

What about this HMV 145? This cannot be a 5A soundbox, right? Or are there 5As like this?

That is a plastic soundbox from a 1950's children's phonograph.

The HMV #4 Sound Box generally looked about the same throughout its production run -->



While the casing was eventually changed from brass to pot metal, all #4 sound boxes were equipped with mica diaphragms. There were no variations produced by the Gramophone Co, though the overall design was copied by other manufacturers.


As for the HMV 5a or 5b, the main difference involved the edge of the diaphragm, as you can see in these photos:

HMV 5A -->



HMV 5B -->

David Spanovich wrote: As for the HMV 5a or 5b, the main difference involved the edge of the diaphragm, as you can see in these photos:

mmm... I cannot grasp the difference. Could you please re-post the pictures including red arrows pointing to the spots where the differences are to be observed? Thanks!

Regards,
António

amrcg wrote:

David Spanovich wrote: As for the HMV 5a or 5b, the main difference involved the edge of the diaphragm, as you can see in these photos:

mmm... I cannot grasp the difference. Could you please re-post the pictures including red arrows pointing to the spots where the differences are to be observed? Thanks!

Regards,
António

Hi António:

If you look at the very edge of the diaphragms, you'll note that the way they are indented or "creased" is different. Here's what I mean:

Based on what I've been told, and have listened to, personally, there was no advantage opting for the V-shaped indentation, versus the earlier one.

I have one exactly like the one in the first picture and it is a Songster.