Poorly HMV 102 - can it play a record? 

Thanks 😀 👍. Yes I think the spring may be weak, but as long as it can play a whole side, will do for now. I'll have to get back to doing a full service on the motor at a later date

Thanks 😀 👍. Yes, works better than I expected it to and certainly good enough for me

@@mrrgstuff in that case, it sounds like you got a bargain 👍👍

Certainly looks that way! Thanks 😀 👍

Sounds good. They are nice machines and well worth having. Thanks 😀 👍

Thanks 😀 👍

Yes, indeed. I really need to give it a decent service. Thanks 😀 👍

Yes, I noticed that too, the speed control needs calibration. I'm sure it is possible to do so, just need to take a look at the mechanism. Thanks 😀 👍

To calibrate the speed control you loosen the two screws that hold down the plate on the motor board that the speed control lever pivots on, then you can slide it to the left or right, left for slower, right for faster.

Thanks 😀 👍. I'll take a look and try 👍

Thanks 😀 👍. Yes, considering the dealer thought it would need a new motor, I think a good motor service is all it really needs. Cosmetically the machine is poor on the outside, however the soundbox is nice and clean and seems to work well

I think the sound is from camcorder mic so won't be brilliant, however it is a good idea for me to check for leaks. Thanks 😀👍

@@mrrgstuff anytime :-) there could also be something in the tonearm, Its easy to check by blowing into the horn, if you hear the air going through theres a leak somewhere, No air going through= OK

Thanks 😀 👍. Yes, I was a bit surprised it worked as well as it did

Yes, a blunt needle can do that. The needle should really be changed after each play. A dirty record or a worn record can also cause this to happen. It can also happen if the spring has weakened with age. Hope that helps 😀👍

Thanks 😀 👍. Yes completely the opposite in terms of quality to the fake. Not sure it is any more 'fun' though 🤔😉😅

Yes, seems to work just fine. Used it a few more times now as the HMV 162 in the house is bust! Thanks 😀 👍

That one I made myself, however here is a recent video I made comparing that to a couple of other options: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hLoFjPrpM1A.htmlsi=_gOxnuSzdqp8btPt Thanks 😀 👍

The soundboxes on these were often, maybe always made of pot metal, and this can swell, causing the fit to be tight. I don't have any direct experience with this problem, but if you can get the soundbox off, you may be able to see corrosion. You may have to take the rubber insulator off also. Be careful, though, as the metal may crack if you apply too much force. Good luck

If I'm unscrew the two little screws, located up and down of the reproducer, can that help? Or they are independent of tone arm attachment?

@shosha1878 If its a No.5a or 5b like in the video, the top screw should unscrew (though I have never tried it) and the end of this screw is the pin which locates the soundbox on the tonearm. With this screw out you should be able to rotate it to any angle and also just pull it straight off. If the pot metal has expanded though, getting that screw out might be very tricky

I just sent you a link with the issue. Thanks again!

Did you email me? I'm not seeing an email. My address is mrrgstuff at Gmail dot com. Thanks 😀 👍

That's a very good question, and to be honest I'm not entirely sure. 🤔 Some of my earliest ones are featured in this video though: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8Jl5AK4PvxQ.html I hope at some point to do a video covering more of my early ones, including the phonograph cylinders. Thanks 😀 👍

If they are US 78s then best not to as the gramophone will wear them quite quickly. UK and I believe European 78s are made of harder materials and should be ok. If you can though, use a more modern record player

😅 Well, it has a motor, just struggles a bit!