The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I wanted this one very much. It would be my first Gabel Automatic Entertainer (see below, the Gabel in our living room today). Found near Oak Creek, Wisconsin by Melvin walker. I flew from LA to Chicago, rented a van and drove up to see Melvin, it was Summer 1981. We'd already agreed on a deal and I was just there to get my prize. We laid it down in the van, and Melvin offered me a handful of gum ball machines and two radios. Then, off to California I drove. Along the way I made a couple of stops to pick up more antiquities. Near Denver, I met up with Gilbert Sanchez and bought a few wall boxes and other jukebox related stuff. With the van nearly filled, I headed for home. The whole adventure took me four days and I never counted the miles. It was just plain fun!

I'll think I will chime in on this thread, for me - about six hours one way is the max at the moment but I think my quest for Granby and Leviola will eventually take me further.... sooner than later.

On a sentimental note, I am beginning to find that the memories of the road trips and time spent with family members who ride along tend to be just as special as the phonograph acquired. I enjoy the restaurants, spontaneous stops along the way, etc. I approach this hobby a tad bit different from some, the history and the stories are just as fun as the monetary value.... Actually, with off brands the stories ARE more valuable than the item itself,

Attached is a photo of one I recently rescued from an open front shelter way out in a farm field in January. Snow was on the ground, I was losing feeling in my feet while I chatted with the "seller." Evidence suggests this is a VERY early Granby, I won't venture into the all the boring details - but it was a fun trip with my wife... again, it's the memories....

Back in 2013, I bought a brand new Toyota van and was itching for a road trip. A fellow near St Louis, MO offered to buy my L-Door Victrola, so I loaded it up and took it to him, about a 3500 mile round trip from Castle Rock, WA. Took six days and I got to see some magnificent country! Also stopped at several antique shops along the way and came home with 5 very nice phonographs.

I've made several trips in the Northwest of 500 miles or so round trip for phonograph sales or purchases.

Always looking for an excuse for a road trip!

Cliff

2 years ago I drove 8hrs. one way to pick up an awesome Circassian XVI from another Forum member.
My wife thought I was nuts! But then she always thinks that.
My drive from Oklahoma to Union usually takes 11hrs!

Cheers, Bob S.

Back in 2016 there was a listing on eBay for a huge pile of victrola parts. It’s was local pickup as you can imagine by looking at the attached photo. When I started watching it the existing bid was $8.50. At the last few seconds of the bidding I went in and put my max bid. I won for the huge amount of $20.50. I drove 4 hrs one way and stopped overnight at a hotel by using hotel points. When I picked up all the parts in Philadelphia, MS it was all I could do to get them in my Nissan Altima. I had the trunk full, back seat crammed full and machines strapped in the front passenger seat with the seatbelt.
Nothing rare or unique but so far I have restored out of the pile two VV-IX’s, two VV-VI’s and presently working on a VV-VIII.
There were two expedition and one No. 2 reproducers in the pile. I have had a blast bringing all these back to life again. The gentleman I bought these from said he ran a listing on Craigslist and never got a response at all. I guess one man’s junk is another man’s treasure.

Take care all.
Terry

About 900 km each way, from Luxembourg across France to a village near La Rochelle on the Atlantic coast to pick up a quite rare Pathéphone 18 in excellent condition. The owner's wife served me a very tasteful tarte aux prunes which she cooked and is typical from the region where they came from, Bretagne. The other memory I kept is from where I spent the night, in a hotel right across the race track in Le Mans. No race then, it was winter time, but I could see the paddocks.

A 13 hour road trip in one day, from the south to the north of England and back, to pick up this HMV Model 31 plus EMG Mk IX horn. Sheer sublime insanity.

You guys have some great stories. Keep em coming!

Just got home a few minutes ago, will show it when I get it all back together tommorow. Long day...

Martin

I remember back in 2002 me,my sister Grace,and our mom went down to Jerry Donnell's in Harpers Ferry,WV to pick up a C-250 and a Credenza he gave me.Jerry also gave our mom a Yale Bluebird machine and a Sergeant Snorkel doll.We stopped at a Cracker Barrel for dinner.A one day trip! edisonplayer

Orchorsol wrote:A 13 hour road trip in one day, from the south to the north of England and back, to pick up this HMV Model 31 plus EMG Mk IX horn. Sheer sublime insanity.

It was, though it is the best form of insanity