Sonically Back to Basics: HMV 100

At last, my long awaited graduation/birthday present has finally arrived! After being restored, conditioned, packed and shipped, my HMV Portable Gramophone Model 100 came knocking at my doorstep this afternoon. I was smiling ear to ear, I don't think my brother can remember the last time he saw me as giddy- like it was Christmas morning and a Christina Aguilera album launch mixed all in one day. After a disappointing purchase of a modern remake from a well-known label, I scoured google for some legit dealer who specialises in gramophones. Ebay was out of the question of course. 

When I finally found Howard Hope's website, there was a sense of credibility that came with the link. He has been featured in newspapers and he describes his business of buying and selling gramophones and phonographs as one that he stumbled into in the early 70's. For over 40 years he has been buying pieces, restoring and selling them with a passion- how can I say no to that? In any case, I immediately contacted him and spoke about his online catalogue. An antique one with a horn was too expensive and too large, and simply too precious for a rookie like me so I set my heart on this lovely portable HMV, which turned out to be from the first brood of portable gramophones- you know the ones made so that soldiers can bring music with them as well? Fast forward three weeks later, after days and days of longing, it came. To my surprise, Howard even included a few choice records for me to sample right away. This may be the best belated birthday present I have ever gotten. 

The sound quality is amazingly clear, or at least as clear as it will be as it is an antique. Sonically, I was surprised at how loud it got, then I remember Howard saying that it could certainly fill up a room with its volume. No kidding! As I am writing this post, I am simultaneously switching and winding between Bing Crosby and Louis Armstong- scratches and all.

I played a 78 rpm of 'Who Stole The Lock' by The Chicago Rhythm Kings. Watch out for my vocal debut- it ain't as pretty as the record!

I think I'll go put my wingtips and spats and dance the night away.