Shopping for a Victrola on eBay can be a traumatic!

[1923VictorFan]

The indignities never cease.
Take a look at this nicely "re-finishd" Victrola!

http://cgi.ebay.com/VICTOR-VICTROLA-TAB ... 43a8d5fed1

Besides the paint it needs 2 front doors, turntable felt and a reproducer rebuild and all for just $179 + Shipping.

[gramophoneshane]

Nothing a bit of stripper cant fix.

[Jerry B.]

I don't understand why people turn to ebay to buy big common items that need to be shipped. Jerry Blais

[SonnyPhono]

I don't understand why people turn to ebay to buy big common items that need to be shipped. Jerry Blais

The only reason I can think of is maybe because the people buying these common, larger phonographs are new to the hobby and don't know better.

The first phonograph I bought was an Edison Standard that was in rough shape. The case was missing the decal, the bedplate had missing paint and spots with rust. The motor was so gummed up it didn't have the power to play a cylinder when the reproducer was lowered into position. The reproducer had part of the neck missing. The lid was missing and the horn was a reproduction.

I bought it off eBay and paid over $300! (Embarrassing, I know!)

I just didn't know better at the time. I was new to the hobby and hadn't searched long enough on Craigslist and at local auctions. So, I ended up overpaying for a common phonograph that I could have found much cheaper elsewhere with a little time and effort. I have only purchased one other phonograph on eBay since, and that was only because it was listed with a buy it now price that was a very good deal. Maybe the people bidding on these common phonos are just newbies. : )

[syncopeter]

I bought my Electrola portable via eBay, because I knew that it was a rare example in near mint condition. I did pay a hefty sum for it, but I received it within 3 working days after payment, in a double box with foam pellets between the two boxes. The seller even included a sound file of the machine playing with his advert and was completely honest about the two minor faults, showing enlarged pictures of them. For me it was a unique opportunity to acquire such a rare machine. 102's can be found a dime a dozen, but not this one, with a wide bore no. 4a mica original soundbox instead of a 5a, 5b or 16.

[estott]

I don't understand why people turn to ebay to buy big common items that need to be shipped. Jerry Blais

People do it because those items might not be common where they live.

[gramophoneshane]

It's not every collector who wants their machines in totally original condition. Some of us actually enjoy stripping and refinishing a machine that has been treated badly by past owners.
I'm in this hobby because I like using these machines, and I can do that with or without the original finish.
Reading some of the comments here, it seems machines that need work might as well be parted out or burned when they dont live up to certain collectors standards.

[1923VictorFan]

Sometimes eBay can actually be a great place to get really good deals even after paying the shipping. I sold my Edison Standard & Brunswick upright years ago so my only remaining machine is my VV-VI that I bought about 5 or 6 years ago on eBay. I remember that I paid around $80 plus another $30 or so for the shipping. After a good cleaning-up, new felt and a reproducer rebuild it turned out to be a great machine.
I think that for many people, especially those of us not living in major metropolitan areas as well as newbies, eBay really is our only hope of finding and buying both records and machines.
If the bidder has done his homework, decides what his maximum bid will be and has enough self-control to stop once the bidding passes that amount, good deals can be had.
That all being said, God knows of course that black painted Victor is ridiculous.

[FloridaClay]

You just have to be very careful. Especially examine the pictures VERY carefully and ask for more if needed. And of course never buy from somebody who does not have a high buyer rating and a significant number of past sales. I got an excellent Amberola 50 and a close to pristine VV 50 off eBay at reasonable prices. I would agree, though, that buying a floor model is not a good idea unless it is close enough to go pick up or is a rare treasure. The shipping is often prohibitive--not to mention the damage that can occur in shipping.

Clay

[estott]

And of course never buy from somebody who does not have a high buyer rating and a significant number of past sales.

I understand the caution, but that's a very broad statement. Everyone starts out at zero.