The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hey Jerry, I'll trade you my XI for your 'stang

Hey, I will trade you ALL my phonographs for the 'stang. Cool car.

My first new car was a candy apple red 66 GT, sadly long gone.

Clay

You phono nerds are just too generous with your offers. I'd trade but I enjoy being the coolest grandpa when I pick up my grandson after middle school basketball practice. Jerry

One of the reasons I love collecting phonographs is the seemingly endless variety of machines. People made modest purchases as well as extravagant ones. They bought practical things and others fell for gimmicks and promises that were never fulfilled. Realistically, why would anyone need anything but the expertly built Edison Standard. The Standard did everything a cylinder machine could do and did it well. People bought a huge variety of machines and accessories. The variety is what makes collecting interesting.
*
The Edison Home is an excellent example of a machine that could be personalized by paying a extra. In 1904 special options were offered such as:
Specially decorated additional $8
Nickel plated additional $25
Gold plated additional $50
Mahogany cabinet additional $5
(the above taken from page 46 of Frow & Sefl's "The Edison Cylinder Phonographs")
*
An Edison Home with any of the above options is an incredible find and should be celebrated by the collecting community. The original buyer paid substantially more for their Home and the price could conceivably be as much or more than a Triumph. It may not seem logical but people occasionally made these decisions.
*
Original buyers sometimes made a purchase and then modified their machine for increased performance or a better appearance. Bettini attachments are an excellent example of a modification to improve performance. The painting of a Victrola was a way to personalize the appearance of a Victrola. I doubt if anyone on the Forum would suggest removing a Bettini attachment to make it factory original. Why would you remove the finish of a post-factory finish applied by the original owner? The specially decorated Victrola should be enjoyed for what it is, something unique and special.
*
Respectfully, Jerry Blais

As always, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder." Not my cup of tea, but hopefully this machine will find a home with someone who will cherish it.

Clay

Jerry B. wrote:You phono nerds are just too generous with your offers. I'd trade but I enjoy being the coolest grandpa when I pick up my grandson after middle school basketball practice. Jerry

Jerry, I'm a grandpa too. Spread the joy!

And then there's this. It's a Victor Alvara, an orthophonic model made exclusively for the Canadian market. The seller assures us that it has been "...lovingly refurbished...". While I am in favour of the blind participating in hobbies, some guidance is needed here.

Ah, maybe a ghost of 70s "antiquing."

Clay

I think it's the first breast cancer awareness Victrola. I say that not in jest of breast cancer... just the Victrola. Jerry

Jerry B. wrote:You phono nerds are just too generous with your offers.

Jerry,
You would look cooler pulling up on a Schwinn Orange Krate!

Phono nerd.