Amberola V

[BwanaJoe]

What could one expect to pay, on the East Coast, for an example missing its grill? How well do these perform? Would it be better to hold out for a nice 50 instead?

Thanks in advance.

[phonogfp]

What you ask is pretty subjective.

The Amberola 50 is an excellent performing machine, and market value is less than that for an Amberola V.

That said, the Amberola V is also an excellent machine, Edison's first table-model Amberola, its mechanism finished in brown/maroon enamel (depending upon oak/mahogany respectively), in a relatively large, stately cabinet made of solid wood (no veneer). If you like an automatic shutoff and smooth operation, the Amberola V is tough to beat unless you pony up for an Amberola III or an Opera. The horn in an Amberola V will be grain-painted to match the cabinet, and is the largest horn found in a table-model Amberola. I guess I've revealed my bias by now, but the other edge of the sword is that all this will usually demand an extra $250 - $350 over the cost of a comparable Amberola 50. Still, bargains can be sometimes be found. One thing to watch for in a V is flaking paint. The bedplates were not primed, and depending upon storage conditions over the years, these mechanisms can survive in excellent condition on down to virtually bare metal. Make sure the cast iron flywheel cover is present too...very hard to replace.

The missing grille, as you probably know, can be had as an excellent reproduction for about $100.

Oak versions of either the 50 or the V will usually command a bit more than mahogany.

Is it worth it? That's where the subjective valuation comes in...

George P.

[rizbone]

I had to go to $450 at an auction in MD two years ago for one that was missing three of the little feet. No regrets as this is a really neat machine. No idea how hard they are to work on, but they seem more complicated than the 50 but if you found a good example I'd go for it.

[Edisone]

I paid through "The Nose" for my Oak Amberola V, a couple of years ago. It has a perfect metal grille, a perfect Diamond-B reproducer, somewhat over-refinished cabinet, but is a beautiful thing and I use it every day;; it's my favorite cylinder phono by far.

[PeterF]

The Amberola V is beautiful, unique, mechanically sophisticated, and really cleverly designed. They are in some ways the last elegant cylinder machine, because those that came after were standardized for purposes of economy. The 30 50 and 75 work great, but are not exciting. Amberola V is small but classy, and a bargain for those who can't or won't have an Opera, or Amberola I or III.

They work well and sound great, very smooth and quiet. And the auto-shutoff is really handy.

If you can find a nice one, don't pass it up.

[flashpanblue]

Hello,
This really beautiful Oak V was for sale at the last Wayne show. It was the nicest I have ever seen. Asking price was $950 with the oak cylinder cabinet. I liked it so much that I had to take a couple pictures. I wanted it bad but was out of money and so I could not make a serious offer.
Pete

[BwanaJoe]

Do those grills ever turn up? Originals I mean.


Thanks guys. I'll see what the seller will go for; if I can ever get him to email me back.

[barnettrp21122]

From my experience, I think the wooden grill design is unique to the Amberola V. I've seen only one original turn up on Ebay in the past few years, and I bought it!
The reproductions are pretty good, though thicker and not quite as finely-cut. They're easy to stain to match either oak or mahogany finishes.
Bob

[flashpanblue]

Hello,
I owned a Mahogany V years ago and it had a metal grill. The grill in the oak V machine in the picture was also wood grained metal. I was under the impression that the Amberola V's only had wood grain metal grills?? Are there any other collector here that have V's with " real wood grills"?
Pete

[barnettrp21122]

Hello,
I owned a Mahogany V years ago and it had a metal grill. The grill in the oak V machine in the picture was also wood grained metal. I was under the impression that the Amberola V's only had wood grain metal grills?? Are there any other collector here that have V's with " real wood grills"?
Pete

Quoting Frow's book, page 199:
"The wooden grille had six pillars, but at some time, perhaps later in 1914 but before the December fire, this model was sent out with a pressed steel grille with fitting grooves in the style of several of its contemporaries."
I've seen Amberola Vs with wrong original amberola grills, trimmed a bit to fit.

Mine have original wooden grills.
Bob