What is the appeal of coin operated cylinder phonographs?

[startgroove]

I'd like to expand on something Shawn wrote "To me, coin-operated phonographs may not be the best sounding machines, but they are the most fun machines to play".

Out of all the fascinating machines in our museum, the coin ops get the most attention when we give demonstrations. Most people are amazed that such complicated devices could be built back then, and that they could perform reliably. So, the appeal is not just to collectors, but also to non-collectors.

[NEFaurora]

They are just RARE and fun to watch! That's the fascination of them!

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

[MTPhono]

Another important characteristic.....you don't have to dust the mechanism or leave the cover on to view the awesome mechanics. They just sit there looking beautiful. All you need is a thin nickel and you are ready to play.

Shawn - I wanted to thank you for all the great coin-op articles you have written. They are a great resource for us collectors!

[Fonotone]

Shawn - I wanted to thank you for all the great coin-op articles you have written. They are a great resource for us collectors!

I'll second that.

-- Grant