Advice for a beginner.

[jamiegramo]

Several suggestions have been made recommending Victor/Victrola machines, but where is our beginner friend located?
He uses the term gramophone, not phonograph, so my guess is that he may be located in the UK.

Roger, I think you make a very important point here. I find this a problem with this site that very often a profile doesn’t show location and this can be very relevant to the information they provide. It only need be as anonymous as a country or even a continent.....

Only recently did I discover that member ‘nostalgia’ may be in Scandinavia (Norway?).

It adds interest to the information he supplies.

Jamie

[epigramophone]

Yes Martin (nostalgia) is based in Norway, where gramophones seem to be plentiful and cheap .

[physicist]

The copy of Aftenposten (an Oslo newspaper) in one of his recent photos was confirmation of what I suspected.

[jamiegramo]

So using my clever psychic powers i’m guessing our new beginner is in Fiji and is 56 years old. Likely a male.

Best of luck to he or she. I would recommend an HMV 130 or Victor equivalent as a good starter especially if space is to be considered.

[Duchesne]

Hello everyone. Hopefully I've posted this in right place ?
I'm looking at getting started in vintage gramophones and recording equipment, I'm especially interested in the repair / restoration side of it with a view to starting a collection of early jazz and blues recordings.
This plan only falls down due to the fact I don't know how / where to get started !
I'd especially like some pointers on what would be a good way to start. Type or make of machine (ease of repair, parts supply etc) Sort of prices I could expect to pay, best places to buy from, thinking something which is essentially sound but just needs a bit of TLC and some basic tidying up, basically something suitable for an enthusiastic amateur !! I'm nice and handy and really keen to learn some new skills.
Sorry for rambling on, but any guidance would be welcome.

Welcome aboard fiji65!

I think you'd want to start with something "cheap" - Ideally, with all working parts but who's "cosmetically challenged" - This way you can hone your restoration on the exterior while you explore the interior. Most are designed to work on the mechanics separately from their cabinets, so you can finish in one room, and work your mechanical magic in another. Good luck. Most here are a wealth of information. There is a scary amount of material here and you could be stuck here for days.... DAYS! 'So worth it though.

Cheers!
JJ