Gramophones are amusing because when you think you've seen them all, still something new resurfaces. And in some cases, like this one, it's something you couldn't even imagine.
I like this one a lot and personally, aside of its correct monetary value, the lack of the grille wouldn't bother me as I would keep it always without.
Crystola Model A - Thoughts?
- Marco Gilardetti
- Victor IV
- Posts: 1515
- Joined: Thu Feb 24, 2011 3:19 am
- Personal Text: F. Depero, "Grammofono", 1923.
- Location: Italy
- Contact:
-
Victrolacollector
- Victor V
- Posts: 2711
- Joined: Fri Nov 18, 2011 11:23 pm
- Location: NW Indiana VV-IV;
Re: Crystola Model A - Thoughts?
I would buy it! It is very unique. The motor is probably a common Heineman motor stamped "Motor of Quality", so parts are pretty easy to get. I must have a dozen of these spare motors for parts. The tone arm looks good from the pics.
-
estott
- Victor Monarch
- Posts: 4176
- Joined: Wed Jan 07, 2009 4:23 pm
- Personal Text: I have good days...this might not be one of them
- Location: Albany NY
Re: Crystola Model A - Thoughts?
The horn came in two types- one made up out of cut pieces, and one where the horn was blown and molded as a single massive piece. Aside from that the components and cabinet are pretty generic.
- Curt A
- Victor Monarch Special
- Posts: 6874
- Joined: Fri Jul 09, 2010 8:32 pm
- Personal Text: Needle Tins are Addictive
- Location: Belmont, North Carolina
Re: Crystola Model A - Thoughts?
$200 seems like a no-brainer, considering how scarce these are... I have only seen one in person. If it works, by all means buy it or let someone on the Forum know where to get it... As for the grill, it doesn't need one. In fact, it would detract from the unique appearance of the exposed horn.
Think of all the $200 Victrolas or Grafonolas you have seen and by comparison, this blows them away by being unique.
Think of all the $200 Victrolas or Grafonolas you have seen and by comparison, this blows them away by being unique.
Last edited by Curt A on Fri Dec 23, 2016 11:16 am, edited 1 time in total.
"The phonograph is not of any commercial value."
Thomas Alva Edison - Comment to his assistant, Samuel Insull.
"No one needs a Victrola XX, a Perfected Graphophone Type G, or whatever you call those noisy things."
My Wife
Thomas Alva Edison - Comment to his assistant, Samuel Insull.
"No one needs a Victrola XX, a Perfected Graphophone Type G, or whatever you call those noisy things."
My Wife
-
dutchman
- Victor IV
- Posts: 1228
- Joined: Fri Jun 08, 2012 1:14 pm
Re: Crystola Model A - Thoughts?
Neat. Check with Gramps Treasures, perhaps he has the pattern for the missing grill. Merry Christmas
Bill K
Bill K
- De Soto Frank
- Victor V
- Posts: 2687
- Joined: Wed Dec 01, 2010 1:27 pm
- Location: Northeast Pennsylvania
Re: Crystola Model A - Thoughts?
I agree with Curt A, if this machine appeals to you, it seems like it's reasonably priced.
Certainly unusual.

Certainly unusual.
De Soto Frank
-
colmike1
- Victor III
- Posts: 754
- Joined: Thu Feb 26, 2015 8:27 pm
- Location: Peoria, IL
Re: Crystola Model A - Thoughts?
I have owned a couple of these over the years. Interesting machine, but not great quality. Typical novelty machine.