OtherObjects.1932EMGGramophone History

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*[[here for some other pictures of this machine|Other pictures of this gramophone]]

*[[http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=22907&p=136249&e=136249|Ongoing feedback on issues associated with this gramophone from the community of experts who comprise The Talking Machine Forum]]

* [[EMG 1934 catalogue|A catalogue describing in its pages the Mark Xa and the export modification (for an additional cost of 1 pound sterling)]].[^Thanks to Chunny for providing me with the pdf of this.^]

*[[~1930 Davey Rollright|~1930 Davey Rollrightfor sharpening thorn needles acquired for use with this machine]].

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*[[here for some other pictures of this machine|Other pictures of this gramophone]]

*[[http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=22907&p=136249&e=136249|Ongoing feedback on issues associated with this gramophone from the community of experts who comprise The Talking Machine Forum]]


* [[EMG 1934 catalogue|A catalogue describing in its pages the Mark Xa and the export modification (for an additional cost of 1 pound sterling)]].[^Thanks to Chunny for providing me with the pdf of this.^]

*[[~1930 Davey Rollright|~1930 Davey Rollrightfor sharpening thorn needles acquired for use with this machine]].

*[[OtherObjects.EMGList |My current list of known surviving EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones]].
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*[[OtherObjects.OtherEMGXA|Ancilliary equipment, documents and information]]
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*[[OtherObjects.OtherEMGXA|Ancilliary equipment, documents and information]]
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!!Contents

*Introduction and background (see below)

to:
!!Related information
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*[[OtherObjects.EMGList |My current list of known surviving EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones]].
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<<|[[HistoryTrail|]]|>>
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<<|[[HistoryTrail|]]|>>
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*[[OtherObjects.Restoration of the gramophone|Restoration of the gramophone]]
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*[[OtherObjects.Restoration of the gramophone|Conservation of the gramophone]]
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!!!For more on this gramophone, video and recordings, its restoration, and other details see:

*[[OtherObjects.Restoration of the gramophone|Restoration of the gramophone]]
to:
!!!For more on this gramophone, video and recordings, its conservation, and other details see:

*[[OtherObjects.Restoration of the gramophone|Conservation of the gramophone]]
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* [[EMG 1934 catalogue|A catalogue describing in its pages the Mark Xa and the export modification (for an additional cost of 1 pound sterling),  can be read here]].[^Thanks to Chunny for providing me with the pdf of this.^]
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* [[EMG 1934 catalogue|A catalogue describing in its pages the Mark Xa and the export modification (for an additional cost of 1 pound sterling)]].[^Thanks to Chunny for providing me with the pdf of this.^]
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* [[EMG 1934 catalogue|A catalogue describing in its pages the Mark Xa and the export modification (for an additional cost of 1 pound sterling),  can be read [[EMG 1934 catalogue|here]].[^Thanks to Chunny for providing me with the pdf of this.^]
to:
* [[EMG 1934 catalogue|A catalogue describing in its pages the Mark Xa and the export modification (for an additional cost of 1 pound sterling)]].[^Thanks to Chunny for providing me with the pdf of this.^]
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* [[EMG 1934 catalogue|A catalogue describing in its pages the Mark Xa and the export modification (for an additional cost of 1 pound sterling),  can be read [[EMG 1934 catalogue|here]].[^Thanks to Chunny for providing me with the pdf of this.^]
to:
* [[EMG 1934 catalogue|A catalogue describing in its pages the Mark Xa and the export modification (for an additional cost of 1 pound sterling),  can be read here]].[^Thanks to Chunny for providing me with the pdf of this.^]
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*[[OtherObjects.EMGXAEMusic|Other records played on the gramophone with different diagrams and needles]]
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*[[OtherObjects.EMGXAEVideo|Other records played on the gramophone with different diagrams and needles]]
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|| %center% %height=500px% http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/EMGRA02.jpg || %center% %height=500px% http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/EMGRA08.jpg||
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|| %center% %height=500px% http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/EMGRA02.jpg || %center% %height=500px% http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/EMGRA03.jpg||
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|| %center% %height=500px% http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/EMGRA02.jpg || %center% %height=500px% http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/EMGRA08.jpg||
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|| %center% %height=500px% http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/EMGFront.gif || %center% %height=500px% http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/EMGSide.gif||
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|| %center% %height=500px% http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/EMGRA.02 || %center% %height=500px% http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/EMGRA08.jpg||
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*[[OtherObjects.EMGXAEMusic|Other records played on the gramophone with different diagrams and needles]]
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*[[OtherObjects.EMGXAEVideo|Other records played on the gramophone with different diagrams and needles]]
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*Introduction and background (see below)
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!!!For more on this gramophone, video and recordings, its restoration, and other details see:

*[[OtherObjects.Restoration of the gramophone|Restoration of the gramophone]]

*[[OtherObjects.EMGXAEVideo|Video demonstration of the gramophone with John Amadio playing Mozart]]

*[[OtherObjects.EMGXAEMusic|Other records played on the gramophone with different diagrams and needles]]

*[[here for some other pictures of this machine|Other pictures of this gramophone]]

*[[http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=22907&p=136249&e=136249|Ongoing feedback on issues associated with this gramophone from the community of experts who comprise The Talking Machine Forum]]


* [[EMG 1934 catalogue|A catalogue describing in its pages the Mark Xa and the export modification (for an additional cost of 1 pound sterling),  can be read [[EMG 1934 catalogue|here]].[^Thanks to Chunny for providing me with the pdf of this.^]

*[[~1930 Davey Rollright|~1930 Davey Rollrightfor sharpening thorn needles acquired for use with this machine]].

*[[OtherObjects.EMGList |My current list of known surviving EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones]].

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*[[OtherObjects.EMGXAEVideo|Video demonstration of the gramophone playing Amadio Mozart record]]
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*[[OtherObjects.EMGXAEVideo|Video demonstration of the gramophone with John Amadio playing Mozart]]
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*[[OtherObjects.Restoration of the gramophone]]
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*[[OtherObjects.Restoration of the gramophone|Restoration of the gramophone]]
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(:toc:)
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*[[here for some other pictures of this machine|Other pictures of this gramophone]]

*[[http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=22907&p=136249&e=136249|Ongoing feedback on issues associated with this gramophone from the community of experts who comprise The Talking Machine Forum]]

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!!Watch and listen to music played on this gramophone.
- This video and other music is in the course of being placed up on the site at [[this gramophone in action]].

!!Restoring this gramophone.
Page under construction


!!Expert discussion on this gramophone
For this (including some of the above suggestions) see: [[http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=22907&p=136249&e=136249|the  ongoing feedback from the community of experts who comprise The Talking Machine Forum]]

!!Other pictures of this gramophone
Click [[here for some other pictures of this machine]]

!!An EMG 1934 catalogue
This catalogue describes in its pages the Mark Xa and the export modification (for an additional cost of 1 pound sterling),  can be read [[EMG 1934 catalogue|here]].[^Thanks to Chunny for providing me with the pdf of this.^]

!!The Davey Rollright thorn needle sharpener
For details of this click [[~1930 Davey Rollright|~1930 Davey Rollrightfor sharpening thorn needles acquired for use with this machine]].

!!The current list of known surviving EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones
Click [[http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/pmwiki.php?n=OtherObjects.EMG|here for my 'Large Horn' EMG Gramophone website]], including a [[OtherObjects.EMGList |current list of known surviving EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones]].
to:

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!!Key Contents
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!!Contents
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* [[EMG 1934 catalogue|A catalogue describing in its pages the Mark Xa and the export modification (for an additional cost of 1 pound sterling),  can be read [[EMG 1934 catalogue|here]].[^Thanks to Chunny for providing me with the pdf of this.^]

*[[~1930 Davey Rollright|~1930 Davey Rollrightfor sharpening thorn needles acquired for use with this machine]].

*[[OtherObjects.EMGList |My current list of known surviving EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones]].
16 January 2016 by 210.84.4.97 -
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*[[OtherObjects.Restoration of the gramophone]]

*[[OtherObjects.EMGXAEVideo|Video demonstration of the gramophone playing Amadio Mozart record]]

*[[OtherObjects.EMGXAEMusic|Other records played on the gramophone with different diagrams and needles]]

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(:doc:)
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(:toc:)
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(:toc:)
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(:doc:)

!!Key Contents

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!!Restoring this gramophone.
Page under construction

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!!Video of this gramophone with John Amadio playing Mozart Concerto in D Major for Flute and Orchestra in 1928.
- This video is in
the course of being placed up on the site.
to:
!!Watch and listen to music played on this gramophone.
- This video and other music is in the course of being placed up on
the site at [[this gramophone in action]].
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!!Video of this gramophone with John Amadio playing Mozart Concerto in D Major for Flute and Orchestra in 1928.
- This video is in the course of being placed up on the site.

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 Click [[here for some other pictures of this machine]]
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Click [[here for some other pictures of this machine]]
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(:doc:)
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(:toc:)
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(:toc:)
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(:doc:)
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!!!An [[EMG 1934 catalogue]][^Thanks to Chunny for providing me with the pdf of this.^]
This catalogue describes in its pages the Mark Xa and the export modification (for an additional cost of 1 pound sterling),  can be read [[EMG 1934 catalogue|here]]
.

* [[~1930
Davey Rollright|~1930 Davey Rollrightfor sharpening thorn needles acquired for use with this machine]].

*
Click [[http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/pmwiki.php?n=OtherObjects.EMG|here for my 'Large Horn' EMG Gramophone website]], including a [[OtherObjects.EMGList |current list of known surviving EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones]].
to:
!!An EMG 1934 catalogue
This catalogue describes in its pages the Mark Xa and the export modification (for an additional cost of 1 pound sterling),  can be read [[EMG 1934 catalogue|here]].[^Thanks to Chunny for providing me with the pdf of this.^]

!!The
Davey Rollright thorn needle sharpener
For details of this click [[~1930 Davey Rollright|~1930 Davey Rollrightfor sharpening thorn needles acquired for use with this machine]].

!!The current list of known surviving EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones

Click [[http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/pmwiki.php?n=OtherObjects.EMG|here for my 'Large Horn' EMG Gramophone website]], including a [[OtherObjects.EMGList |current list of known surviving EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones]].
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(:toc:)

!!Introduction
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One other suggestion, by another expert who has pitched in, is that the original diaphragm could have been broken (which was apparently not hard to do if allowed to reach the end of a record which did not have effective run-off grooves).  In that case, especially if this machine was by now in Australia, it may have been that a repair was only able to be practically achieved by harvesting the mica diaphragm and needle holder assembly from another soundbox and fitting it.  Of course, this remains speculation.  Close up photos of the soundbox can be viewed [[here for some other pictures of this machine|here]] If you know more, please [[Main.Contact|contact the author]].

* For  some expert discussion on this gramophone (including some of the above suggestions) see: [[http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=22907&p=136249&e=136249|the  ongoing feedback from the community of experts who comprise The Talking Machine Forum]]

* Click [[here for some other pictures of this machine]]

* An [[EMG 1934 catalogue]][^Thanks to Chunny for providing me with the pdf of this.^], describing in its pages the Mark Xa and the export modification (for an additional cost of 1 pound sterling),  can be read [[EMG 1934 catalogue|here]].
to:
One other suggestion, by another expert who has pitched in, is that the original diaphragm could have been broken (which was apparently not hard to do if allowed to reach the end of a record which did not have effective run-off grooves).  In that case, especially if this machine was by now in Australia, it may have been that a repair was only able to be practically achieved by harvesting the mica diaphragm and needle holder assembly from another soundbox and fitting it.  Of course, this remains speculation.  Close up photos of the soundbox can be viewed [[here for some other pictures of this machine|here]] If you know more, please [[Main.Contact|contact the author]].


!!Expert discussion on this gramophone
For this (including some of the above suggestions) see:
[[http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=22907&p=136249&e=136249|the  ongoing feedback from the community of experts who comprise The Talking Machine Forum]]

!!Other pictures of this gramophone
 Click [[here for some other pictures of this
machine]]

!!!An [[EMG 1934 catalogue]][^Thanks to Chunny for providing me with the pdf of this.^]
This catalogue describes in its pages the Mark Xa and the export modification (for an additional cost of 1 pound sterling),  can be read [[EMG 1934 catalogue|here]].
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* [[~1930 Davey Rollright|~1930 Davey Rollrightfor sharpening thorn needles acquired for use with this machine]].
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%center% http://meta-studies.net/EMG/JF/m9130.jpg
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As to provenance before it was given to me, time has eroded the full story. It was purchased from an antique store, long replaced by other buildings, which at that time on High Street, Malvern (just down from Glenferrie Road).  Allegedly it was used before that in a Melbourne convent playing music for the girls to dance to.  And, as it must have been, it was said to have arrived in Australia in a ship.
to:
As to provenance before it was given to me, time has eroded the full story. It was purchased from an antique store, long replaced by other buildings, which at that time on High Street, Malvern (just down from Glenferrie Road) and was probably the store then at 1170 High Street (see below).  Allegedly, according to the then store salesman, the gramophone was used before that in a Melbourne convent playing music for the girls to dance to.  And, as it must have been, it was said to have arrived in Australia in a ship.

http://meta-studies.net/EMG/JF/m9130.jpg
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* Click [[http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/pmwiki.php?n=OtherObjects.EMG|here for my 'Large Horn' EMG Gramophone website]], including a current list of known surviving EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones.
to:
* Click [[http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/pmwiki.php?n=OtherObjects.EMG|here for my 'Large Horn' EMG Gramophone website]], including a [[OtherObjects.EMGList |current list of known surviving EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones]].
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* Click [[http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/pmwiki.php?n=OtherObjects.EMG|here for my 'Large horn' EMG Gramophone website]], including a current list of known surviving EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones.
to:
* Click [[http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/pmwiki.php?n=OtherObjects.EMG|here for my 'Large Horn' EMG Gramophone website]], including a current list of known surviving EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones.
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* Click [[http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/pmwiki.php?n=OtherObjects.EMG|here for my current list of known surviving EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones]]
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* Click [[http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/pmwiki.php?n=OtherObjects.EMG|here for my 'Large horn' EMG Gramophone website]], including a current list of known surviving EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones.
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Where was this gramophone before that? Did it go through other owners before it left for Australia?  The only suggestive account that has so far surfaced is given by Francis James, of a Mark X which, "once the queen of the ballroom" of the Imperial Hotel at Torquay" (presumably in the UK), then travelled to Australia. According to James "it was retained by its [new] owner more for its dramatic appearance than for its voice, which was thin and muffled. After years of dissatisfaction with its performance, an examination was finally made to its tubes, and stuck firmly down the horn, out of sight was found - a teddy bear."[^Ibid., p. 57^]  Careful inspection of the machine in this collection reveals no sign of the teddy bear (or even his paw prints), but with a new needle and good record the sound is both clear and loud to an astonishing degree.

Indeed, with its enormous horn, and mathematically designed components, the Mark Xa and later slightly bigger Mark Xb represented the pinnacle of the development of a mechanical gramophone for those purchasers who were willing to sacrifice all convenience of portability, and all considerations
of use of space, to the most faithful sound quality and powerful rendition that could be obtained from the records and methodologies of the day.
to:
Where was this gramophone before that? Did it go through other owners before it left for Australia?  The only suggestive account that has so far surfaced is given by Francis James, of a Mark X which, "once the queen of the ballroom" of the Imperial Hotel at Torquay" (presumably in the UK), then travelled to Australia. According to James "it was retained by its [new] owner more for its dramatic appearance than for its voice, which was thin and muffled. After years of dissatisfaction with its performance, an examination was finally made to its tubes, and stuck firmly down the horn, out of sight was found - a teddy bear."[^Ibid., p. 57^]  Careful inspection of the machine in this collection reveals no sign of the teddy bear (or even his paw prints), but with a new needle and good record the sound is both clear and loud to an astonishing degree.  And in any case, Francis ("Frank") James now informs us that the machine with that interesting history was an Xb.

Indeed, with its enormous horn, and mathematically designed components, the Mark Xa and later slightly bigger Mark Xb represented the pinnacle
of the development of a mechanical gramophone for those purchasers who were willing to sacrifice all convenience of portability, and all considerations of use of space, to the most faithful sound quality and powerful rendition that could be obtained from the records and methodologies of the day.

As to provenance before it was given to me, time has eroded the full story. It was purchased from an antique store, long replaced by other buildings, which at that time on High Street, Malvern (just down from Glenferrie Road).  Allegedly it was used before that in a Melbourne convent playing music for the girls to dance to.  And, as it must have been, it was said to have arrived in Australia in a ship.
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* [[EMG]]
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* Click [[http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/pmwiki.php?n=OtherObjects.EMGl|here for my current list of known surviving EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones]]
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* Click [[http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/pmwiki.php?n=OtherObjects.EMG|here for my current list of known surviving EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones]]
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* Click [[OtherObjects.EMGl|here for my current list of known surviving EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones]]
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* Click [[http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/pmwiki.php?n=OtherObjects.EMGl|here for my current list of known surviving EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones]]
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* Click [[EMGl|here for my current list of known surviving EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones]]
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* Click [[OtherObjects.EMGl|here for my current list of known surviving EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones]]
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* Click [[http://meta-studies.net/Gramophones/index.html|here for my current list of known surviving EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones]]

* [[EMGtest]]
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* Click [[EMGl|here for my current list of known surviving EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones]]
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* [[EMG]]
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* [[EMGtest]]
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* Click [[http://meta-studies.net/Gramophones/index.html|here for my current list of known EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones]]
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* Click [[http://meta-studies.net/Gramophones/index.html|here for my current list of known surviving EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones]]
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* Click [[here for my current list of known EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones|http://meta-studies.net/Gramophones/index.html]]
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* Click [[http://meta-studies.net/Gramophones/index.html|here for my current list of known EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones]]
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For  some expert discussion on this gramophone (including some of the above suggestions) see: [[http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=22907&p=136249&e=136249|the  ongoing feedback from the community of experts who comprise The Talking Machine Forum]]

Click [[here for some other pictures of this machine]]

An [[EMG 1934 catalogue]][^Thanks to Chunny for providing me with the pdf of this.^], describing in its pages the Mark Xa and the export modification (for an additional cost of 1 pound sterling),  can be read [[EMG 1934 catalogue|here]].
to:
* For  some expert discussion on this gramophone (including some of the above suggestions) see: [[http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=22907&p=136249&e=136249|the  ongoing feedback from the community of experts who comprise The Talking Machine Forum]]

* Click [[here for some other pictures of this machine]]

* An [[EMG 1934 catalogue]][^Thanks to Chunny for providing me with the pdf of this.^], describing in its pages the Mark Xa and the export modification (for an additional cost of 1 pound sterling),  can be read [[EMG 1934 catalogue|here]].

* Click [[here for my current list of known EMG IX, X, Xa and Xb gramophones|http://meta-studies.net/Gramophones/index.html]]
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The EMG Xa was introduced in November 1930.  But it is probably not an early version given that this particular gramophone has a later ball bearing race at the base of its tonearm, lateral strengthening gussets on the lid to arrest any dangers of outward-bending (which I am reliably informed were experienced on earlier cases which had pegs to try to achieve a similar result) and the later single side hinges, as opposed to the single full width piano hinge that was supplied with earlier cabinets.  Underneath the board supporting the gramophone turntable can be seen the conduit tube which leads from the tonearm to the tube opening into the horn.  The one here is the "oversized conduit tube" - larger than that which was first used.[^Thanks to the expert advice that can be found at [[http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=22907&p=136249&e=136249|the  ongoing feedback from the community of experts who comprise The Talking Machine Forum]]^] So, it is likely that this Xa was not one of the earliest Xa's produced.  Further, its serial number of 657 suggests also a date more like 1932 or 1933.
to:
The EMG Xa was introduced in November 1930.  But it is probably not an early version given that this particular gramophone has a later ball bearing race at the base of its tonearm, lateral strengthening gussets on the lid to arrest any dangers of outward-bending (which I am reliably informed were experienced on earlier cases which had pegs to try to achieve a similar result) and the later single side hinges, as opposed to the single full width piano hinge that was supplied with earlier cabinets.  Underneath the board supporting the gramophone turntable can be seen the conduit tube which leads from the tonearm to the tube opening into the horn.  The one here is the "oversized conduit tube" - larger than that which was first used.[^Thanks to the expert advice that can be found at [[http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=22907&p=136249&e=136249|ongoing feedback from the community of experts who comprise The Talking Machine Forum]] and in particular from 'Graham'.^] So, it is likely that this Xa was not one of the earliest Xa's produced.  Further, its serial number of 657 suggests also a date more like 1932 or 1933.
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The EMG Xa was introduced in November 1930.  But it is probably not an early version given that this particular gramophone has a later ball bearing race at the base of its tonearm, lateral strengthening gussets on the lid to arrest any dangers of outward-bending (which I am reliably informed were experienced on earlier cases which had pegs to try to achieve a similar result) and the later single side hinges, as opposed to the single full width piano hinge that was supplied with earlier cabinets.  Underneath the board supporting the gramophone turntable can be seen the conduit tube which leads from the tonearm to the tube opening into the horn.  The one here is the "oversized conduit tube" - larger than that which was first used. So, it is likely that this Xa was not one of the earliest Xa's produced.  Further, its serial number of 657 suggests also a date more like 1932 or 1933.
to:
The EMG Xa was introduced in November 1930.  But it is probably not an early version given that this particular gramophone has a later ball bearing race at the base of its tonearm, lateral strengthening gussets on the lid to arrest any dangers of outward-bending (which I am reliably informed were experienced on earlier cases which had pegs to try to achieve a similar result) and the later single side hinges, as opposed to the single full width piano hinge that was supplied with earlier cabinets.  Underneath the board supporting the gramophone turntable can be seen the conduit tube which leads from the tonearm to the tube opening into the horn.  The one here is the "oversized conduit tube" - larger than that which was first used.[^Thanks to the expert advice that can be found at [[http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=22907&p=136249&e=136249|the  ongoing feedback from the community of experts who comprise The Talking Machine Forum]]^] So, it is likely that this Xa was not one of the earliest Xa's produced.  Further, its serial number of 657 suggests also a date more like 1932 or 1933.
01 September 2015 by 114.198.5.14 -
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The EMG Xa was introduced in November 1930.  Given that this particular gramophone has a later ball bearing race at the base of its tonearm, later metal supports in the side of the cabinet, and a larger than original "conduit tube" under the main board, it is likely that it was not one of the earliest Xa's produced.  Further, its serial number of 657 suggests also a date more like 1932 or 1933.
to:
The EMG Xa was introduced in November 1930.  But it is probably not an early version given that this particular gramophone has a later ball bearing race at the base of its tonearm, lateral strengthening gussets on the lid to arrest any dangers of outward-bending (which I am reliably informed were experienced on earlier cases which had pegs to try to achieve a similar result) and the later single side hinges, as opposed to the single full width piano hinge that was supplied with earlier cabinets.  Underneath the board supporting the gramophone turntable can be seen the conduit tube which leads from the tonearm to the tube opening into the horn.  The one here is the "oversized conduit tube" - larger than that which was first used. So, it is likely that this Xa was not one of the earliest Xa's produced.  Further, its serial number of 657 suggests also a date more like 1932 or 1933.
01 September 2015 by 114.198.5.14 -
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An [[EMG 1934 catalogue]], describing in its pages the Mark Xa and the export modification (for an additional cost of 1 pound sterling),  can be read [[EMG 1934 catalogue|here]].
to:
An [[EMG 1934 catalogue]][^Thanks to Chunny for providing me with the pdf of this.^], describing in its pages the Mark Xa and the export modification (for an additional cost of 1 pound sterling),  can be read [[EMG 1934 catalogue|here]].
01 September 2015 by 114.198.5.14 -
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An EMG 1934 catalogue, describing in its pages the Mark Xa and the export modification (for an additional cost of 1 pound sterling),  can be read [[EMG 1934 catalogue|here]].
to:
An [[EMG 1934 catalogue]], describing in its pages the Mark Xa and the export modification (for an additional cost of 1 pound sterling),  can be read [[EMG 1934 catalogue|here]].
01 September 2015 by 114.198.5.14 -
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The distinguishing feature of the Export Model is the bolted collar between the horn and the supporting horn tube. This innovation allowed this large machine to be dismantled for shipping, reducing the shipping cost by one half. And so it was that this machine was transported by ship to Australia, perhaps in the 1930s eventually ending up, so it is recounted, in a convent to provide dancing music for the girls. After that it reached a second hand store in time for it to become a present in October 1967.
to:
The distinguishing feature of the Export Model is the bolted collar between the horn and the supporting horn tube.[^See [[EMG 1934 catalogue|here]] for an EMG 1934 catalogue, describing in its pages the Mark Xa and the export modification (for an additional cost of 1 pound sterling).^] This innovation allowed this large machine to be dismantled for shipping, reducing the shipping cost by one half. And so it was that this machine was transported by ship to Australia, perhaps in the 1930s eventually ending up, so it is recounted, in a convent to provide dancing music for the girls. After that it reached a second hand store in time for it to become a present in October 1967.
01 September 2015 by 114.198.5.14 -
01 September 2015 by 114.198.5.14 -
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An [[EMG 1934 catalogue]] can be read here.
to:
An EMG 1934 catalogue, describing in its pages the Mark Xa and the export modification (for an additional cost of 1 pound sterling),  can be read [[EMG 1934 catalogue|here]].
01 September 2015 by 114.198.5.14 -
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An [[EMG 1934 catalogue]] can be read here.
01 September 2015 by 114.198.5.14 -
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For  some expert discussion on this gramophone see: [[http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=22907&p=136249&e=136249|the  ongoing feedback from the community of experts who comprise The Talking Machine Forum]]
to:
For  some expert discussion on this gramophone (including some of the above suggestions) see: [[http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=22907&p=136249&e=136249|the  ongoing feedback from the community of experts who comprise The Talking Machine Forum]]
01 September 2015 by 114.198.5.14 -
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The interesting history of "The E.M.G. Story" has been recounted by Francis James elsewhere.[^Francis James, //The E.M.G. Story//, Old Bakehouse Publications, Gwent, 1998, ISBN 1 874538 27 1, ^] On page 71 of his well-informed account can be found a photograph of the E.M.G Mark Xb Export Model in all visual respects identical to the one in this collection (except that the measured maximum horn inner diameter is 28.6 inches which is characteristic of an Xa - typically 28 5/8 inches, rather than an Xb which would be 29.5 inches).  The distinguishing feature of the Export Model is the bolted collar between the horn and the supporting horn tube. This innovation allowed this large machine to be dismantled for shipping, reducing the shipping cost by one half. And so it was that this machine was transported by ship to Australia, perhaps in the 1930s eventually ending up, so it is recounted, in a convent to provide dancing music for the girls. After that it reached a second hand store in time for it to become a present in October 1967.

Where was it
before that? Did it go through other owners before it left for Australia?  The only suggestive account that has so far surfaced is given by Francis James, of a Mark X which, "once the queen of the ballroom" of the Imperial Hotel at Torquay" (presumably in the UK), then travelled to Australia. According to James "it was retained by its [new] owner more for its dramatic appearance than for its voice, which was thin and muffled. After years of dissatisfaction with its performance, an examination was finally made to its tubes, and stuck firmly down the horn, out of sight was found - a teddy bear."[^Ibid., p. 57^]  Careful inspection of the machine in this collection reveals no sign of the teddy bear (or even his paw prints), but with a new needle and good record the sound is both clear and loud to an astonishing degree.
to:
The interesting history of "The E.M.G. Story" has been recounted by Francis James elsewhere.[^Francis James, //The E.M.G. Story//, Old Bakehouse Publications, Gwent, 1998, ISBN 1 874538 27 1, ^] On page 71 of his well-informed account can be found a photograph of the E.M.G Mark Xb Export Model in all visual respects identical to the one in this collection (except that the measured maximum horn diameter is 28.8 inches which is closest to the canonical diameter of an Xa - typically 28 5/8 inches, rather than an Xb which would be 29.5 inches. Note however that as each gramophone was hand-made they could differ in these characteristics by some degree.).

The distinguishing feature of the Export Model is the bolted collar between
the horn and the supporting horn tube. This innovation allowed this large machine to be dismantled for shipping, reducing the shipping cost by one half. And so it was that this machine was transported by ship to Australia, perhaps in the 1930s eventually ending up, so it is recounted, in a convent to provide dancing music for the girls. After that it reached a second hand store in time for it to become a present in October 1967.

Where was this gramophone
before that? Did it go through other owners before it left for Australia?  The only suggestive account that has so far surfaced is given by Francis James, of a Mark X which, "once the queen of the ballroom" of the Imperial Hotel at Torquay" (presumably in the UK), then travelled to Australia. According to James "it was retained by its [new] owner more for its dramatic appearance than for its voice, which was thin and muffled. After years of dissatisfaction with its performance, an examination was finally made to its tubes, and stuck firmly down the horn, out of sight was found - a teddy bear."[^Ibid., p. 57^]  Careful inspection of the machine in this collection reveals no sign of the teddy bear (or even his paw prints), but with a new needle and good record the sound is both clear and loud to an astonishing degree.
Changed lines 33-37 from:
By 1932 the E.M.G. company generally equipped their famous 4 spring soundbox (often considered the peak of achievement in this sort component) with an aluminium diaphragm.  Aluminium was now entering much broader industrial use and could be tuned more precisely than the mica alternative.  Yet this machine has a mica diaphragm, as well as being set up for the use of steel needles (rather than the usually preferred fibre needles). What then is the reason for this?  It is possible, as one helpful expert has suggested,[^see [[http://gramophone.hk|Chunny "the Gramophone Man", creator of The Gramophone Museum]]^] that this may have been a special order for a machine tuned to play the older acoustic (mechanically inscribed records) which since 1925 had begun to be replaced by electromagnetically inscribed counterparts.  Perhaps the newer style of records had not been so quick to make it to Australia and the owner had a large library of the earlier style.  Or perhaps there is some other explanation.  If you know more, please [[Main.Contact|contact the author]].
to:
The EMG Xa was introduced in November 1930.  Given that this particular gramophone has a later ball bearing race at the base of its tonearm, later metal supports in the side of the cabinet, and a larger than original "conduit tube" under the main board, it is likely that it was not one of the earliest Xa's produced.  Further, its serial number of 657 suggests also a date more like 1932 or 1933.

By 1932
the E.M.G. company generally equipped their famous 4 spring soundbox (often considered the peak of achievement in this sort component) with an aluminium diaphragm.  Aluminium was now entering much broader industrial use and could be tuned more precisely than the mica alternative.  Yet this machine has a mica diaphragm, as well as being set up for the use of steel needles (rather than the usually preferred fibre needles). What then is the reason for this?  It is possible, as one helpful expert has suggested,[^see [[http://gramophone.hk|Chunny "the Gramophone Man", creator of The Gramophone Museum]]^] that this may have been a special order for a machine tuned to play the older acoustic (mechanically inscribed records) which since 1925 had begun to be replaced by electromagnetically inscribed counterparts.  Perhaps the newer style of records had not been so quick to make it to Australia and the owner had a large library of the earlier style.  Or perhaps there is some other explanation.

One other suggestion, by another expert who has pitched in, is that the original diaphragm could have been broken (which was apparently not hard to do if allowed to reach the end of a record which did not have effective run-off grooves).  In that case, especially if this machine was by now in Australia, it may have been that a repair was only able to be practically achieved by harvesting the mica diaphragm and needle holder assembly from another soundbox and fitting it.  Of course, this remains speculation.  Close up photos of the soundbox can be viewed [[here for some other pictures of this machine|here]]
If you know more, please [[Main.Contact|contact the author]].
31 August 2015 by 114.198.5.14 -
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The interesting history of "The E.M.G. Story" has been recounted by Francis James elsewhere.[^Francis James, //The E.M.G. Story//, Old Bakehouse Publications, Gwent, 1998, ISBN 1 874538 27 1, ^] On page 71 of his well-informed account can be found a photograph of the E.M.G Mark Xb Export Model in all visual respects identical to the one in this collection (except that the measured maximum horn diameter is 28.8 inches which is characteristic of an Xa - typically 28.6 inches, rather than an Xb which would be 29.5 inches).  The distinguishing feature of the Export Model is the bolted collar between the horn and the supporting horn tube. This innovation allowed this large machine to be dismantled for shipping, reducing the shipping cost by one half. And so it was that this machine was transported by ship to Australia, perhaps in the 1930s eventually ending up, so it is recounted, in a convent to provide dancing music for the girls. After that it reached a second hand store in time for it to become a present in October 1967.
to:
The interesting history of "The E.M.G. Story" has been recounted by Francis James elsewhere.[^Francis James, //The E.M.G. Story//, Old Bakehouse Publications, Gwent, 1998, ISBN 1 874538 27 1, ^] On page 71 of his well-informed account can be found a photograph of the E.M.G Mark Xb Export Model in all visual respects identical to the one in this collection (except that the measured maximum horn inner diameter is 28.6 inches which is characteristic of an Xa - typically 28 5/8 inches, rather than an Xb which would be 29.5 inches).  The distinguishing feature of the Export Model is the bolted collar between the horn and the supporting horn tube. This innovation allowed this large machine to be dismantled for shipping, reducing the shipping cost by one half. And so it was that this machine was transported by ship to Australia, perhaps in the 1930s eventually ending up, so it is recounted, in a convent to provide dancing music for the girls. After that it reached a second hand store in time for it to become a present in October 1967.
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*Horn bell maximum diameter 28.8 inches (by now slightly elliptical, 28.5 inches vertically, and 29.1 inches horizontally, circumference 90.5 inches)
to:
*Horn bell maximum outer diameter 28.8 inches (by now slightly elliptical, 28.5 inches vertically, and 29.1 inches horizontally, circumference 90.5 inches) and allowing for a wall thickness of approximately 1.5 inches, inner diameter of 28.6 inches.
31 August 2015 by 114.198.5.14 -
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The interesting history of "The E.M.G. Story" has been recounted by Francis James elsewhere.[^Francis James, //The E.M.G. Story//, Old Bakehouse Publications, Gwent, 1998, ISBN 1 874538 27 1, ^] On page 71 of his well-informed account can be found a photograph of the E.M.G Mark Xb Export Model in all visual respects identical to the one in this collection.  The distinguishing feature of the Export Model is the bolted collar between the horn and the supporting horn tube. This innovation allowed this large machine to be dismantled for shipping, reducing the shipping cost by one half. And so it was that this machine was transported by ship to Australia, perhaps in the 1930s eventually ending up, so it is recounted, in a convent to provide dancing music for the girls. After that it reached a second hand store in time for it to become a present in October 1967.
to:
The interesting history of "The E.M.G. Story" has been recounted by Francis James elsewhere.[^Francis James, //The E.M.G. Story//, Old Bakehouse Publications, Gwent, 1998, ISBN 1 874538 27 1, ^] On page 71 of his well-informed account can be found a photograph of the E.M.G Mark Xb Export Model in all visual respects identical to the one in this collection (except that the measured maximum horn diameter is 28.8 inches which is characteristic of an Xa - typically 28.6 inches, rather than an Xb which would be 29.5 inches).  The distinguishing feature of the Export Model is the bolted collar between the horn and the supporting horn tube. This innovation allowed this large machine to be dismantled for shipping, reducing the shipping cost by one half. And so it was that this machine was transported by ship to Australia, perhaps in the 1930s eventually ending up, so it is recounted, in a convent to provide dancing music for the girls. After that it reached a second hand store in time for it to become a present in October 1967.
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*Thinner horn tube "knuckle" (typical of the Mark Xa)
31 August 2015 by 114.198.5.14 -
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(:title 1932: E.M.G. Mark Xb ('Export') Gramophone, #657:)
to:
(:title 1932: E.M.G. Mark Xa ('Export') Gramophone, #657:)
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Indeed, with its enormous horn, and mathematically designed components, the Mark Xb represented the pinnacle of the development of a mechanical gramophone for those purchasers who were willing to sacrifice all convenience of portability, and all considerations of use of space, to the most faithful sound quality and powerful rendition that could be obtained from the records and methodologies of the day. 
to:
Indeed, with its enormous horn, and mathematically designed components, the Mark Xa and later slightly bigger Mark Xb represented the pinnacle of the development of a mechanical gramophone for those purchasers who were willing to sacrifice all convenience of portability, and all considerations of use of space, to the most faithful sound quality and powerful rendition that could be obtained from the records and methodologies of the day. 
Added line 16:
*Horn bell maximum diameter 28.8 inches (by now slightly elliptical, 28.5 inches vertically, and 29.1 inches horizontally, circumference 90.5 inches)
31 August 2015 by 114.198.5.14 -
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to:

Click [[here for some other pictures of this machine]]
30 August 2015 by 114.198.5.14 -
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By 1932 the E.M.G. company generally equipped their famous 4 spring soundbox (often considered the peak of achievement in this sort component) with an aluminium diaphragm.  Aluminium was now entering much broader industrial use and could be tuned more precisely than the mica alternative.  Yet this machine has a mica diaphragm, as well as being set up for the use of steel needles (rather than the usually preferred fibre needles). What then is the reason for this?  It is possible, as one helpful expert has suggested,[^see [[http://http://gramophone.hk|Chunny "the Gramophone Man", creator of The Gramophone Museum]]^] that this may have been a special order for a machine tuned to play the older acoustic (mechanically inscribed records) which since 1925 had begun to be replaced by electromagnetically inscribed counterparts.  Perhaps the newer style of records had not been so quick to make it to Australia and the owner had a large library of the earlier style.  Or perhaps there is some other explanation.  If you know more, please [[Main.Contact|contact the author]].
to:
By 1932 the E.M.G. company generally equipped their famous 4 spring soundbox (often considered the peak of achievement in this sort component) with an aluminium diaphragm.  Aluminium was now entering much broader industrial use and could be tuned more precisely than the mica alternative.  Yet this machine has a mica diaphragm, as well as being set up for the use of steel needles (rather than the usually preferred fibre needles). What then is the reason for this?  It is possible, as one helpful expert has suggested,[^see [[http://gramophone.hk|Chunny "the Gramophone Man", creator of The Gramophone Museum]]^] that this may have been a special order for a machine tuned to play the older acoustic (mechanically inscribed records) which since 1925 had begun to be replaced by electromagnetically inscribed counterparts.  Perhaps the newer style of records had not been so quick to make it to Australia and the owner had a large library of the earlier style.  Or perhaps there is some other explanation.  If you know more, please [[Main.Contact|contact the author]].
30 August 2015 by 114.198.5.14 -
Changed line 31 from:
to:
For  some expert discussion on this gramophone see: [[http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=22907&p=136249&e=136249|the  ongoing feedback from the community of experts who comprise The Talking Machine Forum]]
30 August 2015 by 114.198.5.14 -
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with a price at the time of around 32 pounds sterling.[^ibid. p. 112^]]
to:
with a price at the time of around 32 pounds sterling.[^ibid. p. 112^]
30 August 2015 by 114.198.5.14 -
Changed line 9 from:
The interesting history of "The E.M.G. Story" has been recounted by Francis James elsewhere.[^Francis James, //The E.M.G. Story//, Old Bakehouse Publications, Gwent, 1998, ISBN 1 874538 27 1, ^] On page 71 of his well-informed account can be found a photograph of the E.M.G Mark Xb Export Model in all visual respects identical to the one in this collection.  The distinguishing feature of the Export Model is the bolted collar between the horn and the supporting horn tube. This innovation allowed this large machine to be dismantled for shipping, reducing the shipping cost by one half. And so it was that this machine was transported by ship to Australia, presumably in the 1930s eventually ending up, so it is recounted, in a convent to provide dancing music for the girls. After that it reached a second hand store in time for it to become a present in October 1967.
to:
The interesting history of "The E.M.G. Story" has been recounted by Francis James elsewhere.[^Francis James, //The E.M.G. Story//, Old Bakehouse Publications, Gwent, 1998, ISBN 1 874538 27 1, ^] On page 71 of his well-informed account can be found a photograph of the E.M.G Mark Xb Export Model in all visual respects identical to the one in this collection.  The distinguishing feature of the Export Model is the bolted collar between the horn and the supporting horn tube. This innovation allowed this large machine to be dismantled for shipping, reducing the shipping cost by one half. And so it was that this machine was transported by ship to Australia, perhaps in the 1930s eventually ending up, so it is recounted, in a convent to provide dancing music for the girls. After that it reached a second hand store in time for it to become a present in October 1967.
30 August 2015 by 114.198.5.14 -
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Where was it before that? Did it go through other owners before it left for Australia?  The only suggestive account that has so far surfaced is given by Francis James, of a Mark X which, "once the queen of the ballroom" of the Imperial Hotel at Torquay" (presumably in the UK), then travelled to Australia. According to James "it was retained by its [new] owner more for its dramatic appearance than for its voice, which was thin and muffled. After years of dissatisfaction with its performance, an examination was finally made to its tubes, and stuck firmly down the horn, out of sight was found - a teddy bear."[^Ibid., p. 57^].  Careful inspection of the machine in this collection reveals no sign of the teddy bear (or even his paw prints), but with a new needle and good record the sound from it is both clear and loud to an astonishing degree.
to:
Where was it before that? Did it go through other owners before it left for Australia?  The only suggestive account that has so far surfaced is given by Francis James, of a Mark X which, "once the queen of the ballroom" of the Imperial Hotel at Torquay" (presumably in the UK), then travelled to Australia. According to James "it was retained by its [new] owner more for its dramatic appearance than for its voice, which was thin and muffled. After years of dissatisfaction with its performance, an examination was finally made to its tubes, and stuck firmly down the horn, out of sight was found - a teddy bear."[^Ibid., p. 57^]  Careful inspection of the machine in this collection reveals no sign of the teddy bear (or even his paw prints), but with a new needle and good record the sound is both clear and loud to an astonishing degree.
30 August 2015 by 114.198.5.14 -
Changed line 11 from:
Where did it go before that?  The only suggestive account that has so far surfaced is given by Francis James, of a Mark X which, "once the queen of the ballroom" of the Imperial Hotel at Torquay" (presumably in the UK), then travelled to Australia. According to James "it was retained by its [new] owner more for its dramatic appearance than for its voice, which was thin and muffled. After years of dissatisfaction with its performance, an examination was finally made to its tubes, and stuck firmly down the horn, out of sight was found - a teddy bear."[^Ibid., p. 57^].  Careful inspection of the machine in this collection reveals no sign of the teddy bear (or even his paw prints), but with a new needle and good record the sound from it is both clear and loud to an astonishing degree.
to:
Where was it before that? Did it go through other owners before it left for Australia?  The only suggestive account that has so far surfaced is given by Francis James, of a Mark X which, "once the queen of the ballroom" of the Imperial Hotel at Torquay" (presumably in the UK), then travelled to Australia. According to James "it was retained by its [new] owner more for its dramatic appearance than for its voice, which was thin and muffled. After years of dissatisfaction with its performance, an examination was finally made to its tubes, and stuck firmly down the horn, out of sight was found - a teddy bear."[^Ibid., p. 57^].  Careful inspection of the machine in this collection reveals no sign of the teddy bear (or even his paw prints), but with a new needle and good record the sound from it is both clear and loud to an astonishing degree.
30 August 2015 by 114.198.5.14 -
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A serial number "657" is punched into the board under the record platten.
to:
A serial number "657" is punched into the board under the turntable platen.
30 August 2015 by 114.198.5.14 -
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A serial number "657" is punched into the board under the record platten.
30 August 2015 by 114.198.5.14 -
Changed line 11 from:
Where did it go before that?  The only suggestive account that has so far surfaced is given by Francis James, of a Mark X which, "once the queen of the ballroom" of the Imperial Hotel at Torquay" (presumably in the UK), then travelled to Australia. According to James "it was retained by its [new] owner more for its dramatic appearance than for its voice, which was thin and muffled. After years of dissatisfaction with its performance, an examination was finally made to its tubes, and stuck firmly down the horn, out of sight was found - a teddy bear."[^Ibid., p. 57^].  Careful inspection of the machine in this collection reveals no sign of the teddy bear, but with a new needle and good record the sound from it is both clear and loud to an astonishing degree.
to:
Where did it go before that?  The only suggestive account that has so far surfaced is given by Francis James, of a Mark X which, "once the queen of the ballroom" of the Imperial Hotel at Torquay" (presumably in the UK), then travelled to Australia. According to James "it was retained by its [new] owner more for its dramatic appearance than for its voice, which was thin and muffled. After years of dissatisfaction with its performance, an examination was finally made to its tubes, and stuck firmly down the horn, out of sight was found - a teddy bear."[^Ibid., p. 57^].  Careful inspection of the machine in this collection reveals no sign of the teddy bear (or even his paw prints), but with a new needle and good record the sound from it is both clear and loud to an astonishing degree.
30 August 2015 by 114.198.5.14 -
Changed line 9 from:
The interesting history of "The E.M.G. Story" has been recounted by Francis James elsewhere.[^Francis James, //The E.M.G. Story//, Old Bakehouse Publications, Gwent, 1998, ISBN 1 874538 27 1, ^] On page 71 of this interesting account can be found a photograph of the E.M.G Mark Xb Export Model in all visual respects identical to the one in this collection.  The distinguishing feature of the Export Model is the bolted collar between the horn and the supporting horn tube. This innovation allowed this large machine to be dismantled for shipping, reducing the shipping cost by one half. And so it was that this machine was transported by ship to Australia, presumably in the 1930s eventually ending up, so it is recounted, in a convent to provide dancing music for the girls. After that it reached a second hand store in time for it to become a present in October 1967.
to:
The interesting history of "The E.M.G. Story" has been recounted by Francis James elsewhere.[^Francis James, //The E.M.G. Story//, Old Bakehouse Publications, Gwent, 1998, ISBN 1 874538 27 1, ^] On page 71 of his well-informed account can be found a photograph of the E.M.G Mark Xb Export Model in all visual respects identical to the one in this collection.  The distinguishing feature of the Export Model is the bolted collar between the horn and the supporting horn tube. This innovation allowed this large machine to be dismantled for shipping, reducing the shipping cost by one half. And so it was that this machine was transported by ship to Australia, presumably in the 1930s eventually ending up, so it is recounted, in a convent to provide dancing music for the girls. After that it reached a second hand store in time for it to become a present in October 1967.
30 August 2015 by 114.198.5.14 -
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(:title 1932 E.M.G. Mark Xb ('Export') Gramophone, #657:)
to:
(:title 1932: E.M.G. Mark Xb ('Export') Gramophone, #657:)
30 August 2015 by 114.198.5.14 -
30 August 2015 by 114.198.5.14 -
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Where did it go before that?  The only suggestive account that has so far surfaced is given by Francis James, of a Mark X which, "once the queen of the ballroo" of the Imperial Hotel at Torquay" (presumably in the UK) it then travelled to Australia. According to James "it was retained by its [new] owner more for its dramatic appearance than for its voice, which was thin and muffled. After years of dissatisfaction with its performance, an examination was finally made to its tubes, and stuck firmly down the horn, out of sight was found - a teddy bear."[^Ibid., p. 57^].  Careful inspection of the machine in this collection reveals no sign of the teddy bear, but with a new needle and good record the sound from it is both clear and loud to an astonishing degree.
to:
Where did it go before that?  The only suggestive account that has so far surfaced is given by Francis James, of a Mark X which, "once the queen of the ballroom" of the Imperial Hotel at Torquay" (presumably in the UK), then travelled to Australia. According to James "it was retained by its [new] owner more for its dramatic appearance than for its voice, which was thin and muffled. After years of dissatisfaction with its performance, an examination was finally made to its tubes, and stuck firmly down the horn, out of sight was found - a teddy bear."[^Ibid., p. 57^].  Careful inspection of the machine in this collection reveals no sign of the teddy bear, but with a new needle and good record the sound from it is both clear and loud to an astonishing degree.
30 August 2015 by 114.198.5.14 -
Changed line 11 from:
Where did it go before that?  The only suggestive account that has so far surfaced is given by Francis James, of a Mark X which, "once the queen of the ballroo" of the Imperial Hotel at Torquay" (presumably in the UK) it then travelled to Australia. According to James "it was retained by its [new] owner more for its dramatic appearance than for its voice, which was thin and muffled. After years of dissatisfaction with its performance, an examination was finally made to its tubes, and stuck firmly down the horn, out of sight was found - a teddy bear."[^Ibid., p. 57^]].  Careful inspection of the machine in this collection reveals no sign of the teddy bear, but with a new needle and good record the sound from it is both clear and loud to an astonishing degree.
to:
Where did it go before that?  The only suggestive account that has so far surfaced is given by Francis James, of a Mark X which, "once the queen of the ballroo" of the Imperial Hotel at Torquay" (presumably in the UK) it then travelled to Australia. According to James "it was retained by its [new] owner more for its dramatic appearance than for its voice, which was thin and muffled. After years of dissatisfaction with its performance, an examination was finally made to its tubes, and stuck firmly down the horn, out of sight was found - a teddy bear."[^Ibid., p. 57^].  Careful inspection of the machine in this collection reveals no sign of the teddy bear, but with a new needle and good record the sound from it is both clear and loud to an astonishing degree.
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Where did it go before that?  The only suggestive account that has so far surfaced is given by Francis James, of a Mark X which, "once the queen of the ballroo" of the Imperial Hotel at Torquay" (presumably in the UK) it then travelled to Australia. According to James "it was retained by its [new] owner more for its dramatic appearance than for its voice, which was thin and muffled. After years of dissatisfaction with its performance, an examination was finally made to its tubes, and stuck firmly down the horn, out of sight was found - a teddy bear."[^James, //The E.M.G. Story//, p. 57]].  Careful inspection of the machine in this collection reveals no sign of the teddy bear, but with a new needle and good record the sound from it is both clear and loud to an astonishing degree.
to:
Where did it go before that?  The only suggestive account that has so far surfaced is given by Francis James, of a Mark X which, "once the queen of the ballroo" of the Imperial Hotel at Torquay" (presumably in the UK) it then travelled to Australia. According to James "it was retained by its [new] owner more for its dramatic appearance than for its voice, which was thin and muffled. After years of dissatisfaction with its performance, an examination was finally made to its tubes, and stuck firmly down the horn, out of sight was found - a teddy bear."[^Ibid., p. 57^]].  Careful inspection of the machine in this collection reveals no sign of the teddy bear, but with a new needle and good record the sound from it is both clear and loud to an astonishing degree.
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Where did it go before that?  The only suggestive account that has so far surfaced is given by Francis James, of a Mark X which travelled to Australia and became the "queen of the ballroom" of the Imperial Hotel at Torquay (a seaside resort not far from Melbourne where this machine now resides). According to James "it was retained by its owner more for its dramatic appearance than for its voice, which was thin and muffled. After years of dissatisfaction with its performance, an examination was finally made to its tubes, and stuck firmly down the horn, out of sight was found - a teddy bear."[^James, //The E.M.G. Story//, p. 57]].  Careful inspection of the machine in this collection reveals no sign of the teddy bear, but with a new needle and good record the sound from it is both clear and loud to an astonishing degree.
to:
Where did it go before that?  The only suggestive account that has so far surfaced is given by Francis James, of a Mark X which, "once the queen of the ballroo" of the Imperial Hotel at Torquay" (presumably in the UK) it then travelled to Australia. According to James "it was retained by its [new] owner more for its dramatic appearance than for its voice, which was thin and muffled. After years of dissatisfaction with its performance, an examination was finally made to its tubes, and stuck firmly down the horn, out of sight was found - a teddy bear."[^James, //The E.M.G. Story//, p. 57]].  Careful inspection of the machine in this collection reveals no sign of the teddy bear, but with a new needle and good record the sound from it is both clear and loud to an astonishing degree.
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By 1932 the E.M.G. company generally equipped their famous 4 spring soundbox (often considered the peak of achievement in this sort component) with an aluminium diaphragm.  Aluminium was now entering much broader industrial use and could be tuned more precisely than the mica alternative.  Yet this machine has a mica diaphragm, as well as being set up for the use of steel needles (rather than the usually preferred fibre needles). What then is the reason for this?  It is possible, as one helpful expert has suggested,[^see [[http://http://gramophone.hk|Chunny "the Gramophone Man", creator of The Gramophone Museum]]^] that this may have been a special order for a machine tuned to play the older acoustic (mechanically inscribed records) which since 1925 had begun to be replaced by electromagnetically inscribed counterparts.  Perhaps the newer style of records had not been so quick to make it to Australia and the owner had a large library of the earlier style.  Or perhaps there is some other explanation.  If you know more, please contact [[Main.Contact|the author]].
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By 1932 the E.M.G. company generally equipped their famous 4 spring soundbox (often considered the peak of achievement in this sort component) with an aluminium diaphragm.  Aluminium was now entering much broader industrial use and could be tuned more precisely than the mica alternative.  Yet this machine has a mica diaphragm, as well as being set up for the use of steel needles (rather than the usually preferred fibre needles). What then is the reason for this?  It is possible, as one helpful expert has suggested,[^see [[http://http://gramophone.hk|Chunny "the Gramophone Man", creator of The Gramophone Museum]]^] that this may have been a special order for a machine tuned to play the older acoustic (mechanically inscribed records) which since 1925 had begun to be replaced by electromagnetically inscribed counterparts.  Perhaps the newer style of records had not been so quick to make it to Australia and the owner had a large library of the earlier style.  Or perhaps there is some other explanation.  If you know more, please [[Main.Contact|contact the author]].
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The interesting history of "the E.M.G. Story" has been recounted by Francis James elsewhere.[^Francis James, //The E.M.G. Story//, Old Bakehouse Publications, Gwent, 1998, ISBN 1 874538 27 1, ^] On page 71 of this interesting account can be found a photograph of the E.M.G Mark Xb Export Model in all visual respects identical to the one in this collection.  The distinguishing feature of the Export Model is the bolted collar between the horn and the supporting horn tube. This innovation allowed this large machine to be dismantled for shipping, reducing the shipping cost by one half. And so it was that this machine was transported by ship to Australia, presumably in the 1930s ending up, so it is recounted, in a convent to provide dancing music for the girls. After that it reached a second hand store in time for it to become a present in October 1967.
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The interesting history of "The E.M.G. Story" has been recounted by Francis James elsewhere.[^Francis James, //The E.M.G. Story//, Old Bakehouse Publications, Gwent, 1998, ISBN 1 874538 27 1, ^] On page 71 of this interesting account can be found a photograph of the E.M.G Mark Xb Export Model in all visual respects identical to the one in this collection.  The distinguishing feature of the Export Model is the bolted collar between the horn and the supporting horn tube. This innovation allowed this large machine to be dismantled for shipping, reducing the shipping cost by one half. And so it was that this machine was transported by ship to Australia, presumably in the 1930s eventually ending up, so it is recounted, in a convent to provide dancing music for the girls. After that it reached a second hand store in time for it to become a present in October 1967.

Where did it go before that?  The only suggestive account that has so far surfaced is given by Francis James, of a Mark X which travelled to Australia and became the "queen of the ballroom" of the Imperial Hotel at Torquay (a seaside resort not far from Melbourne where this machine now resides). According to James "it was retained by its owner more for its dramatic appearance than for its voice, which was thin and muffled. After years of dissatisfaction with its performance, an examination was finally made to its tubes, and stuck firmly down the horn, out of sight was found - a teddy bear."[^James, //The E.M.G. Story//, p. 57]].  Careful inspection of the machine in this collection reveals no sign of the teddy bear, but with a new needle and good record the sound from it is both clear and loud to an astonishing degree.

Indeed, with its enormous horn, and mathematically designed components, the Mark Xb represented the pinnacle of the development of a mechanical gramophone for those purchasers who were willing to sacrifice all convenience of portability, and all considerations of use of space, to the most faithful sound quality and powerful rendition that could be obtained from the records and methodologies of the day. 

The technicalities of the machine here contain the normal components:
*Wilson Swan Neck tonearm
*4 Spring Nickel plated brass soundbox
*Davey Isophonic 29" Bell horn
*Collaro D30 clockwork motor (this being the motor used in the earlier production of the machines - suggesting this may be a 1932 product.)
*Veneered mahogany plywood cabinet
with a price at the time of around 32 pounds sterling.[^ibid. p. 112^]]

There is however one oddity. The 4 Spring Nickel Plated Soundbox is equipped with a mica diaphragm (see below).

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By 1932 the E.M.G. company generally equipped their famous 4 spring soundbox (often considered the peak of achievement in this sort component) with an aluminium diaphragm.  Aluminium was now entering much broader industrial use and could be tuned more precisely than the mica alternative.  Yet this machine has a mica diaphragm, as well as being set up for the use of steel needles (rather than the usually preferred fibre needles). What then is the reason for this?  It is possible, as one helpful expert has suggested,[^see [[http://http://gramophone.hk|Chunny "the Gramophone Man", creator of The Gramophone Museum]]^] that this may have been a special order for a machine tuned to play the older acoustic (mechanically inscribed records) which since 1925 had begun to be replaced by electromagnetically inscribed counterparts.  Perhaps the newer style of records had not been so quick to make it to Australia and the owner had a large library of the earlier style.  Or perhaps there is some other explanation.  If you know more, please contact [[Main.Contact|the author]].


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The interesting history of "the E.M.G. Story" has been recounted by Francis James elsewhere.[^^]
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The interesting history of "the E.M.G. Story" has been recounted by Francis James elsewhere.[^Francis James, //The E.M.G. Story//, Old Bakehouse Publications, Gwent, 1998, ISBN 1 874538 27 1, ^] On page 71 of this interesting account can be found a photograph of the E.M.G Mark Xb Export Model in all visual respects identical to the one in this collection.  The distinguishing feature of the Export Model is the bolted collar between the horn and the supporting horn tube. This innovation allowed this large machine to be dismantled for shipping, reducing the shipping cost by one half. And so it was that this machine was transported by ship to Australia, presumably in the 1930s ending up, so it is recounted, in a convent to provide dancing music for the girls. After that it reached a second hand store in time for it to become a present in October 1967.

 

[^#^]
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The interesting history of "the E.M.G. Story" has been recounted by Francis James elsewhere.[^^]
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(:title 1932 E.M.G. Model Xb ('Export') Gramophone, #657:)

Over 47 years, since my 21st birthday (1967), I have been privileged to be accompanied through my life by a monster antique gramophone.  For a long time I knew it only as a present from my first serious girlfriend and preserved it both as a curiosity, for its rather aristocratic aesthetic and out of warm sentiment.  More recently I have delved into its history and with the power of the internet, the marking of "Collaro D30" on its very heavy duty clockwork motor, and then the help of experts who I corresponded with, have identified it.  It is indeed a most rare 'find', there being to my knowledge only three of this particular model known to have survived (there may of course be more), and it being a representative of what are widely regarded as one of the best (and one of the largest horned) mechanical gramophones ever produced.



Page last modified on 18 January 2016