O/t earning money

[Andersun]

Cut lawns, watch pets, tune up computers for people, house painting.... These are great jobs if you want to be your own boss and make some cash.

[Starkton]

I.e as good as possible!

Then why wasting time and effort with an EMG. You need an EMT instead: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WmCKuy9vZE

But seriously, I can understand you approach. I was enthusiastic about high-end hi-fi since school days. A little later, with my first monthly wage, I bought a heavy used Thorens TD 125 LB with SME 3012 tone arm and Ortofon SPU system. Still have the tone arm and the SPU.

[Phono48]

There's always window cleaning. Maybe you could get some regular customers in your neighborhood.

What, in England? You gotta be joking!
The poor lad would be subject to many 'Elf 'n Safety rules and regulations, by the time he'd filled in all the forms the Government jobsworths insist on these days, he'd be able to pay for the phonograph with his pension!

Barry

[gramophone78]

You could always become a chimney sweep.... . Seriously, Maybe you should talk to your parents about this issue.

[flashpanblue]

Hi Alex,
Make sure your parents and all your relaitves Are aware that you only want money for Christmas and Birthdays. What about school grades, sometimes parents will offer their kids a little money if they can improve their grades for the year.
Pete

[kirtley2012]

I've told people I want money so we'll see but my mam was determined that I "must have a laptop for school" since my old one broke and I am just using my iPod but my grandparents, aunties, uncles etc will hopefully!, then I will just add it to the fund!
My mam said that if I get above a C grade in my French then she will give me some money but that is still a long way away!!

[Garret]

Kirtley,

I found your question interesting, and have determined to post a response! I normally don't post here, and am one of those folks hiding in the woodwork. Professional concerns don't give me much time for the hobby these days, but older regulars definitely know my name. I've posted on the forum before the predecessor of this board even existed, back when it was Mark Best's Old Time Victrola Music Message Board (OTVMMB) ten years ago.

I can relate well and sympathize with your remarks, especially wanting to make money to further your collecting goals. I'm 23, a recent university graduate working in the professional world, and have been collecting since I was 13. I remember saving my pennies at the age of 13 and working for months to purchase a little Columbia Grafonola tabletop to play a relative's old records. That little machine served as my entry into gramophone collecting. To make money to purchase it, I mowed neighbors' yards, trimmed bushes, painted fences, and watched peoples' dogs and houses while they were away. Little by little, my savings grew to the point where I could purchase my little Columbia tabletop.

However, after treasuring that Columbia tabletop for a while, I got a copy of George Frow's Edison book, and realized I wanted an Edison Disc phonograph. I then heard about Victor machines, and wanted a Victor period model. It seemed like the list of wants never ended, and that my savings account was never big enough! To advance my collecting goals, in high school I got a part-time job at an auction gallery, and put money towards both college savings and my hobby. I learned as much as I could about gramophones and records, and took that money I earned at the auction gallery and used it to flip gramophones and records. Flipping gramophones and records enabled me to make a small profit, and thus allowed me to reach my collecting goals. I became a dealing collector, like most other collectors. I eventually got my Victor period model, Edison disc machine, external horn Victor, and nice record collection this way, but it took a lot of time and effort. A lot of time that I could have devoted to my studies, my family, my friends, or community. I'm very grateful for what I have, but often wonder if the time and work spent acquiring it could have went to better use.

If I were you, I would focus on your studies. Study hard, and save what little you can for university. Not to be blunt, but you will need to pull some A-levels to get to a good university; a C in French isn't going to cut it. Be patient. Get your grades up, go to a good university, and the money you need to further your hobby will eventually come. Trust me, the gramophones and records will still be around when you graduate. Having just graduated from university and currently working full-time now, I've discovered that I can buy pretty much whatever I want. Be patient. If you're really desperate to acquire that Expert gramophone, you might want to consider being a dealing collector. However, please be aware of the costs that it might have on your studies and relationships, especially as you discern what to do with your life.

Sincerely,

Garret

[gramophone78]

Garret,
Those words you wrote are so true and wise.

As a parent of a teenage Son. I would be very concerned about a "C" grade in any subject.

Education is paramount in this world we live in. Once that is achieved.....you will be able to and buy whatever you wish.

This is a very expensive hobby to be involved in and machines and records will always be around.

As a parent and not as a collector....There has been many times I have thought "why is he not busy doing his studies??". However, that's what any parent would think.

Alex, I really hope you take in what Garret wrote.

Garret, my hats off to you.

[USlakeside]

Buy and sell phonographs! Its simple, you are interested in the hobby so you are motivated. You have knowledge of your product, so you can buy wisely. You will learn loads about the ones you have over time. You get to have a phonograph for a little while then let it go. Don't you have an Idealia case? Id sell that piece and use the profit to keep going. Buy a junker, clean it up, move it on. Its wise to stay focused on school, but you can do both. I dont know how it is in the UK, but for me here in the US I have located great machines and they end up in collections, making the collectors happy. They were languishing here or there not being cared for or appreciated. Everyone wins!

And a side note, schools is very, very important. You aren't going anywhere these days without a degree, or three, so keep that in mind. BUT I have found that having a knowledge about a hobby gives you an edge. Its very unlikely that knowing about phonographs will get you hired, but having an in depth knowledge of a field you are passionate about gives you insight. It gives you a sense of bigger understanding of complex things, and this is indeed valuable in the real world.

[USlakeside]

One more thing. Its hard to predict the value of things in the future, maybe phonographs will be wildly expensive. But they could also completely bottom out. In 15 years who knows if people will be paying these prices. It is not a rule that things get more valuable as they get older, trends and generational taste play an important role. So maybe when you are finally out there with a job these things will be more affordable. And if they aren't, youll have a job to pay for them

When I was younger people were regularly paying 6-8k for Operas, last year I could have bought several for 3-4k.