The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Thanks all for the advice and the warm welcome to this forum!

The consolette seems like a solid choice. There are actually two 4-3s listed on nearby craigslists, one for $175 and one for $300 (I live in NYC). And although I know this wouldn't be a good choice for playing electrically recorded records, I came across a VV-IX with a refurbished No. 2 reproducer for $120 - this price seems almost too good to pass up. Do any of these sound like good deals?

I do like the smaller table-top models like the 1-70, 1-90, and HMVs, and these would probably be my first choice if they weren't so rare. The portables are still on my radar, but I think I'd prefer something that would be a permanent fixture in my living space.

I'm planning to go to the Mechanical Music Extravaganza in Wayne, NJ. Is this a good venue to pick up players? Or is it better for records and other paraphernalia?

Cheers!

-R J

The phonograph show is a much better way to buy records, accessories, and phonographs. You can look around, ask questions, check out the selection and perhaps play several phonographs. The above posts have been good. You will like the floor models since there is a little storage space for records in them. Portables are an option too. The 2-55 is a good one to consider. I have been to several phonographs shows and it is a great way to also meet other collectors and learn more about the hobby.

Sound-wise, how do the Brunswick Panatrope portables stack up to the aformentioned Victrolas and Columbias? How about build quality?

R J wrote:Sound-wise, how do the Brunswick Panatrope portables stack up to the aformentioned Victrolas and Columbias? How about build quality?

In my experience, they are an underappreciated machine. However, I'm not sure if they will play a 12" record or not. I think this is an important consideration, especially if you are a classical music fan. I mean spring duration as well as if a 12" record will physically fit. This is a severe limitation of a lot of portables.

The Brunswick Panatrope portable plays well, assuming it is in good operating condition, and may be something to consider. However, I would still prefer an Orthophonic Victrola if I were choosing a small player.

gramophone-georg wrote:RJ, I just sent you a private message about something that may interest you.

George's hmv might work for you...

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... =9&t=29236

Jerry B. wrote:The Victrola 4-3 "Consolette" Is reasonably small and it gives a ton of performance at a small price. It's perfect for playing electrically recorded records.

Jerry Blais

X2

Bill K

brianu wrote:

gramophone-georg wrote:RJ, I just sent you a private message about something that may interest you.

George's hmv might work for you...

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... =9&t=29236

We've discussed it. R J is taking his time, looking at and studying lots of different models/ machines which I think is a wise choice given as this is his first foray and he's just starting a young family. I believe his plan is to go to the show in Wayne and look at/ listen to as many machines as possible in person and then make a decision.

Get a 4-3 Consolette.You will not regret it.

MicaMonster wrote:Remember.... "loud" doesn't necessarily equate to "good," when considering a phonograph for small spaces. Soft tone needles are one of the best secrets for sanity and fine listening.

I absolutely agree with this an the other comments, the small Victor Orthophonic can amaze with its quality as can a Columbia smaller Viva Tonal, but harder to find. Wyatt is right on as to the type and location of the needle. Many electrical records I had written off as too powerful to sound decent it turns out often can be tweaked by using a soft or medium tone needle and experimenting with lowering it in the reproducer so that less of it is in the stylus holder. That can make a raspy record a success to listen to. The same will sometimes apply to loud needles when a record is recorded too softly, which sometimes is the case. I find that usually the same thing will apply, lower the need so more of it is outside the needle holder and a louder but clearer sound will be heard.