Howard Hope Phonographs & Gramophones

Commercial Media Hire

I regularly loan items for film, television and theatrical productions. Whether you have watched Chariots of Fire, Greystoke, The Importance of Being Ernest or Harry Potter you have seen a gramophone from my stable. There are four machines in Madonna's new film 'WE' if you care to look for them! I am listed in 'The Knowledge' (the media resources bible) under ‘Weird and Wonderful’(!)

I am happy to advise professional property buyers on the suitability of a machine to a period or context.

Amateur Dramatics, Schools and Charities

Especially large or beautiful machines may be very valuable and although the media may be able to afford proper insurance few amateur theatrical groups or schools can,  and as a result I am reluctant to loan them these special machines. For them I always keep a couple of machines which 'look the part' and function but which are strictly ‘good fakes’ and can afford to take a knock without me getting too upset! 

Cheap non-functioning horned machine free* to genuinely 'amdram' productions! 

*Note; If the production is non-profit-making or charitable I normally lend a machine out at no fee as long as the borrower both collects and delivers the machine back to me and agrees to a value of £150 in the case of complete loss. A mention in the programme can be a small reward…

 The first hire machine

So many people have asked me about gramophone hire for their wedding day that I have come up with a hire package for these events. You can borrow either of the very-good reproduction machine shown above and below together with a selection of suitable dance or jazz 78's and a good supply of needles for £60 including VAT. You have to collect and deliver the machine and agree to insure it (or simply accept responsibility for it) for £200 in case of loss or theft.

 The second hire machine.

   Please note...(before I am asked again!)...these machines play only '78' speed shellac records made up to 1958. They can not play (or be modified to play) vinyls, LP's, 33's, 45's call them what you will.  It just can't be done!

My details are all on the 'Contact' page