The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hailey wrote:You are second in line at a tag sale. Inside the house is a very valuable phonograph. Although you do not know him, you already know the guy first in line is there for the same thing you are. What would you do?

Ah, ethics. Be a sport and be ready to step in if he's unable to complete the deal.

miker2001 wrote:What is your best technique/idea to control your urge to buy, other than running out of money or room? What is your mantra?

I ask myself, do I really need this? Is it an upgrade? This is a great deal, but will I still like it if it is in the way?

How many times a week do you listen to your records?

I listen to a few records every day, at least when getting up & going to bed, on the Amberola 5 which aims from my kitchen into my bedroom (it's an old-fashioned flat).. When in the living room or downstairs in the 'puter room, I try to play records constantly on the Credenzas - much to the chagrin of the cats trying to sit on my lap.

My question: Have you invited but then regretted having visitors to your collection?

Every day, and that's no joke. In the morning before work when everything is quiet , and at night, if I happen to work late, again when all is quiet and still.

Everyone has a brand that is just not for them? Besides a crap-ophone, What phonograph or Victrola would you never buy?

That would be the one I couldn't rebuild or repair.

Did you pay more for your first phonograph or your last phonograph?

Rich Gordon

I paid more for the last phonogtaph I bought than the first one. The first one I bought was an Edison diamond disc h-19 and I paid $125 for it. The last phonogtaph I bought was an Edison Triumph model B and I paid $450 for it.
P.S yes, I meant oak horn on an oak opera or mahogany horn a mahogany opera. What I wrote made no sense so time for me to start proof reading.
When you bought your first phonograph, did you play records over and over again with the same steel needle never changing it?

The person who sold me our first phonograph told us over and over that we must change the needle after every other record.

What was the best thing you ever found in a machine or box of stuff you bought that you didn't know was there?

Rich Gordon

In an Edison BC-34 phonograph someone gave me a while back, I found the packing slip dated September 23, 1923 and an original diamond disc phonograph manual in mint condition still in it's envelope. I also found some other stuff that I assume belonged to the original owner. A Western Union telegram sent from West Frankfort, Illinois from Aunt Ellen Lowe to Charles Luther in Knoxville, Tennessee. The message reads "Come at once." I also found a price of notebook paper dated February 21, 1925, an old shopping list, a receipt of some sort (the writing is so faded that I can't read it) and a card from a coin op weighing machine which says someone weighed 166lbs on December 8, 1928.

Which would you choose, maroon or plain black gem? If it were me I would choose the maroon Gem.

I have all the Gems except a Model-E that I'm still looking for, so it would be MAROON.

What do you like the sound of a WOOD cygnet horn or a METAL cygnet horn?

Rich Gordon

rgordon939 wrote:What do you like the sound of a WOOD cygnet horn or a METAL cygnet horn? Rich Gordon

I don't know. I've only heard a metal cygnet horn, but I'm guessing the wooden horn would sound better.



Do you have any machine(s) that have some quirk or fault that just won't resolve no matter how you much you tweak it?