A phonograph converted to planter

[Jonsheff]

Saw this on FB marketplace, does anyone besides me hate to see this type of thing done to these machines?

[Skihawx]

I really hate to see a rare machine destroyed or repurposed. Or even refinished if it does not really have to be. But face the fact that there are too many Victor VV-IX's and Victor VV-XI's in the existence for the number of possible collectors who would want one. On the bright side, one of these Victrola planters may inspire someone who sees it to learn about and discover the history of the phonograph. It has come to the point were there are too many Credenza's around. There is an 8-30 on e-Bay right now that can't get a $20.00 bid. And an electric VE-300 that can't get a $35 bid. ((51))

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Victrola-Talki ... 3718921117

[Curt A]

It's bad enough that someone decided to do this... BUT it doesn't even look good, it's stupid looking and has no purpose since the plant is already in a pot.
Maybe this idea came from listening to Plant-ation Songs... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhjTfAKxeZU

[Jerry B.]

Yes, it's sad.

Jerry B.

[VanEpsFan1914]

No such thing as too many Victrolas. The reason it looks like there are, is because people don't realize 1) they still exist, 2) they existed in the first place, and 3) they work.

If I had some VV-X's and VV-IV's I would fix them up, sell them to people my age and make a ton of money. Young folks buy typewriters, oftentimes. Vinyl records and portable electric turntables are also selling--and many people are listening to older vinyl records instead of just new stuff.

It's always sad seeing them turn into plant stands or bars, or fall into the hands of the few old-line collectors who are like "nah, nobody's buying at hyper inflated 1980s-1990s prices, so let's part out this stuff and burn the case."

I use a Victrola from the local antique store every day to listen to music--and have really been enjoying a Graphophone from Jerry B. that I bought in "extreme project" condition and put back together. There's an Goodwill'd Edison Amberola on my nightstand, a Yankee Trader parts-salad Fireside A on the bookshelf, a Goodwill'd Victor III in the closet with a wonderful big black horn from ColMike's big barn find, and an English Grafonola portable that I bartered for from Gramophone George ready for when I want to take music with me (or listen to my 1930s-'40s classical boxed sets--since it's Viva-Tonal it can Handel them just fine If I had more room I'd be purchasing more Victrolas (Credenzas, etc.) I also have 5 and a half antique radios.

It's not that there are too many Victrolas but that many people haven't enough space.

We have a rising number of young collectors on the forum. My first introduction to these wonderful machines was at an antique shop when I was eight, and the dealer played a 1912 Victrola IX -- it now resides in a museum in town & I have gotten to go in there & repair it. That felt like the right thing to do, a coming full circle.
But when my generation has either never seen a Victrola, or thinks they only exist in the movies, or heard from parents & grandparents "oh, those sound terrible, you don't want that" then no one will buy a Victrola. If we preserve them, we must get the word out & let the phonograph speak for itself.

[bigshot]

Looks like a plant sitting on the toilet.

[woonettophone]

graphoplant.jpg (50.63 KiB) Viewed 1450 times

Or, there's this on Etsy...

[Jonsheff]

Perhaps if it was a marijuana plant i might let it slide. But mother in law tongue? No thanks