The Unplugged World of the Acoustic Gramophone
Added 2020-05-08 16:18:48 +0000 UTCIn this one I’m looking at an acoustic Gramophone, the HMV 102. One of the last and possibly the best of the portable wind-up 78rpm record players.
This video has been monopolising all my time for a couple of weeks, although work on it really started a few months earlier. Spending so long focused on one project seems to send me a little bit crazy nowadays, so finally getting this finished is a big relief. I’m also quite pleased with how it all came together in the end.
I hope you enjoy it - have a great weekend.
UPDATE: Swapped a five-second macro shot of a needle with fluff on it to one without.
As the record was being played, dust and fluff was extracted from the ninety-one year old groove by the needle. A couple of people thought this looked like wear on the disc. So to allay any concerns I’ve swapped the shot.
It really isn’t easy getting a fluff free macro shot - it took a half dozen more plays of the disc before all traces of fluff were gone. The record of course is still fine, it’s the needles that take the brunt of the wear.
Comments
Human-powered gadgetry is just so fascinating to me. A boring comment but true. Unlike my hunt for a modern emergency charger/radio that is sufficiently run on hand crank power, these older devices manage just fine. I tend to think of modern as meaning more energy efficient but perhaps I'm incorrect in that assumption!
Hazel Davis
2020-06-01 04:38:39 +0000 UTCI’m happy I could help. They are very interesting looking objects - a good decorative piece, but of course you want them working to demonstrate it to anyone who is curious. I’ve just had a look at that one and it’s a beauty. Get a tin of needles and a couple of discs and you’re ready to go. I bought a couple of bundles of discs from this chap - they were in very good condition - this looks like a fun bundle https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6-x-FATS-WALLER-78s-HMV-BLUEBIRD-PARLOPHONE-ETC-GREAT-FOR-PARTIES/353084789070
Techmoan
2020-05-28 08:55:04 +0000 UTCThanks for that Matt.. My missus has always dreamt of owning a wind-up gramophone as her parents had one and I've never got round to getting her one. Now, armed with relevant knowledge from watching your very informative video, I was able to make an informed purchase on eBay (auction 153949573402 - got it for a little less than the asking price). I doubt she'll every want to play it, it just has to be shiny..
Gordo
2020-05-28 07:35:24 +0000 UTC
