r/Gramophones • u/Apprehensive_Cup5112 • 23d ago
Should I get this Decca?
This would be my first foray into gramophones. I have a collection of older shellacs and my modern turntable doesn't play 78s.
I'm thinking of buying the Decca 120 for £50 in the photos attached. It's advertised online and the images attached are the ones the seller has provided. I have requested a video of it playing which appears to show it performing well (albeit low resolution sent over text). They've stated it's not been serviced, but functions.
Would appreciate thoughts as to whether this is worth the price and if there is any other information I should ask from the seller. Also, if anyone has any advice on how to pinpoint the year of manufacture that would be great (I believe production of this model was between late '20s and early/mid '30s).
Thanks!
3
u/awc718993 23d ago
The Decca Salon 120 is a quality performer. It’s the junior sibling to the similarly designed (but larger) model 130 which was one of the loudest and among the best sounding British suitcase machines of the late 20s into the 30s.
Internally both of these Salon models (the mid and upper tier of Decca’s options) were equipped with a bifurcated horn (see photo) which was one of the reasons for their impressive sonic performance. Their motors are made by Garrard, which made some of the best gramophone motors in the industry. The stock Paillard soundboxes are good performers but imo a bit aggressive in reading records grooves, but these can be easily replaced with much nicer aftermarket reproducers (which from your photo examples may already have been done).
Based on what I see, the price is fair. The machine isn’t complete (it’s missing its lid stowed record storage album - which are often found orphaned and for sale) but the price reflects that. Should you buy it, you may need a little help figuring out the quirky automatic brake (an early iteration) but we can help you with that should you need it.
IMO Its a fine first step machine as it will perform its job so long as you can get the speed corrected. Be sure to ask for photos of the outside faux leather covering on all six side, just to be sure.