The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

There will always be phonographs I would love too own, but will never be able too, because of price.

Berliner phonograph,

A victor Talking Machine external horn

Coin Operated Phonographs

Regina Hexaphone

Theses machine are always in the $1,000.00 and up price range. Which puts them out of reach of most collectors like myself. Well, at least I can look at the photos in my antique phonograph books.

Paul

Don't count out the possibility of great finds. There are many out there yet. Of all on your list, a Victor with an outside horn is very possible under $1000. The hunt is sometimes more than half the fun in this hobby. Get the word out with family and friends that you are looking for phonographs. I have found MANY that way very reasonably.
Ken Brekke

Victrola XX comes to mind here. I’d love one but there’s only like 20 left. I bet their are still some nice Victors still out there unaccounted for.

Go get in Yankee Trader and get you a Victor Talking Machine!

Sometimes it’s not can I afford it as much as can I justify it. My tastes don’t run toward the ultra rare or extravagant, but a walnut VTLA or XX would be nice. A Columbia DeLuxe Lion Head model would also be near the top of my list. At least dreaming is still free. Still, I am happy to stay within my means and feel fortunate to have and enjoy what I have.

One can dream!

Edisonfan wrote:One can dream!

I second that. My collection consists of very common machines that are relatively cheap. I am still young with a growing family so my hope is one day I will own some more fun toys.

I finally got a credenza this year with my tax money. I got it for only $250 (in very good plus condition) with a induction electric motor. Deals, in general, are still out there!

well, I'll keep searching!

GregVTLA wrote:Victrola XX comes to mind here. I’d love one but there’s only like 20 left. I bet their are still some nice Victors still out there unaccounted for.

In 2015 I drove by a local antique shop and was attracted to a Chris Craft boat model in the window. I went in and checked it out, but was turned off by the $1500 price. So, I asked the owner if he had any phonograph related stuff in the store, to which he replied - "No, not right now."

I almost left, but decided to look in another room and to my surprise there was a Victrola XX sitting there in great condition. I asked him about it and he said it must have just come in that morning... I asked how much and he said he would call the seller. It was $600, but if I wanted to take it with me that day, $560 would work. Needless to say, I took out my credit card and paid him. Then immediately hauled it outside, loaded it into my Expedition and got the heck out of there...

So, they are still out there...

My dream machines would probably be an Opera or a Columbia BC.
(Not necessarily that I can't actually afford them; but more that I can't justify spending that much money to myself)

Bill