The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Skihawx wrote:

Uncle Vanya wrote:That machine has lived a hard life. Heaven knows I have scrapped examples which were in better condition.

I think I just did. I am trying to figure out if I should save the horn. It came out of the cabinet very nice but what am I going to do with it? Sometimes machines are better off being used as parts. There are not enough of us collectors out there to save every one.

After my fire so many years ago I had salvaged eight or nine of these horns. I sold a number of them in pairs, to Eastern European buyers, for use as mid-range horns for high fidelity sound systems. Credenza horns are not easily sold for this purpose, though.

The metal horns used in the 8-9 and 8-35 are much more popular. A fellow from Ohio is an aggressive buyer of these machines, and pushes their prices well past current collector market levels so that he may scrap them and salvage the horns. At least he has been willing to sell the cabinet and mechanical leftovers. This is why I have a couple of decent 8-9 cabinets which are awaiting horns.

A better make that for the naked Credenza horn is the "Industrial Antique" crowd. A Credenza horn fitted with a relatively inexpensive Bluetooth loudspeaker well sealed to it's throat makes a splendid piece of musical art. I have sold a number of these to folks for use in loft dwellings. They display best when hanging from artfully arrayed, slightly corroded, galvanized steel chain.

It's something to do...

I agree, after seeing the photos, she wants way too much, considering what you'd have to do and spend to restore it. Out of curiosity, I checked the Arizona craigslist postings and spotted two Credenzas for sale at this time. One looks to be in beautiful condition, but priced out of line, as far as I'm concerned.

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/atq/6085935184.html

The other, though the cabinet is nice, and the price isn't too bad, has been gutted and retrofitted with more modern components.

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/atq/6129360538.html

At least this shows they DO come up for sale in your area. In the SF Bay area, where I might spot one or two every few years, craigslist "asking" prices now seem to range about $1,000-$1,500 for one in very good to excellent condition, if the seller is knowledgeable. If not, then you see something like this:

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/atq/6131467503.html

OrthoFan

Yeah I saw both of those. The fellow from back east who said they're plentiful there but harder to find here is exactly right. I see basic victrolas ( of which I already have one)usually priced to the stratosphere here on Craigslist. So I just assumed Credenzas were still commanding those 2k prices. I'm glad I asked here before dragging that boat anchor home.

OrthoFan wrote:I agree, after seeing the photos, she wants way too much, considering what you'd have to do and spend to restore it. Out of curiosity, I checked the Arizona craigslist postings and spotted two Credenzas for sale at this time. One looks to be in beautiful condition, but priced out of line, as far as I'm concerned.

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/atq/6085935184.html

The other, though the cabinet is nice, and the price isn't too bad, has been gutted and retrofitted with more modern components.

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/atq/6129360538.html

At least this shows they DO come up for sale in your area. In the SF Bay area, where I might spot one or two every few years, craigslist "asking" prices now seem to range about $1,000-$1,500 for one in very good to excellent condition, if the seller is knowledgeable. If not, then you see something like this:

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/atq/6131467503.html

OrthoFan

I still need a horn for a two-door credenza I have. I've completed it except for the horn, and I've been looking for a junker machine locally. The only machines I've found have similarly been gutted.

I'm sure they're out there, but I'm nervous about shipping costs. I'm in s. California and it always seems that parts I need are in Maine...