The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

You have been given a lot of good advice, but perhaps I should just add a word of warning.

Owning an EMG/Expert may be your goal at the moment, but your priorities could well change over the next two or three years.

When I was approaching the age of 17 I already had a few machines, but all I really wanted to do at that stage in my life was learn to drive and buy my first car.

You might find yourself selling the EMG/Expert to fund your first set of wheels.

Garret wrote:Trust me, the gramophones and records will still be around when you graduate.

This is so true. Many gramophones and phonographs cost less now than they did twenty years ago. Almost none have kept up with inflation. Coloured HMV portables and EMGs may be the exception, but even then, I do not think they have beaten a savings account. I am not complaining, just pointing out that they may seem far more affordable to you in a few years time, and will not disappear.

You may have sufficient money available after your first car and before your first wife.

In the meantime, keep making friends with UK collectors and go and marvel at their collections.

It is exciting to make plans, but as John Lennon said, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."

To make money, find something that you can do, which few other people around you can, but at least some people will find useful and be willing to pay for. Buying boxes of records cheaply and selling them individually on eBay is not the worst idea.

Saving, and not spending, will get you there in the end. Though if you do not have half-decent clothes, people will judge you, and that can make life harder than it needs to be.

Kirtley, I have heard of some guys making money playing old records, ragtime or jazz I'm guessing, on an antique phonograph at parties for entertaining or dancing. Don't know if there would be any market for it where you are, but if so could put your interests to work for you. Just a thought.

Clay

Perhaps a little extra credit is in order with the French class...bring in a Pathé player and french language records for a little demonstration....
Seriously, that is a serious machine that some of your older collector bretheren would be be hard pressed to afford. I started out with the paper route at your age, but that is a dwindling market. Food service job...at least that hasn't been eliminated, yet. I'd think a talk with Mom and Dad is needed.
John

Thanks for the info guys!
I am not going to let it get in the way of school, I generally keep them completely seperate! (and don't worry, I'm not getting a C in everything!, going for gold!)
This is a large undertaking for someone my age but I have given myself 2 years to save up, more if necessary! So I can probably afford it with time ("anything's possible!")!
I do have that idelia case but I found out from this forum only the left and right panels along with the hinged top are original, I put it on eBay only following emails from people saying "it's worthless" "only firewood" etc so I put my shaver back in it and dumped it in the cupboard
I will definitely do the buying and selling option!, it worked well in the past!
I think I will contact a local auction house next to my dads and I will ask if I can help them with anything for money!
Thanks

kirtley2012 wrote:Thanks for the info guys!
I am not going to let it get in the way of school, I generally keep them completely seperate! (and don't worry, I'm not getting a C in everything!, going for gold!)
This is a large undertaking for someone my age but I have given myself 2 years to save up, more if necessary! So I can probably afford it with time ("anything's possible!")!
I do have that idelia case but I found out from this forum only the left and right panels along with the hinged top are original, I put it on eBay only following emails from people saying "it's worthless" "only firewood" etc so I put my shaver back in it and dumped it in the cupboard
I will definitely do the buying and selling option!, it worked well in the past!
I think I will contact a local auction house next to my dads and I will ask if I can help them with anything for money!
Thanks

I just wanted to add that many people are fascinated with phonographs/gramophones, but are clueless in terms of rebuilding or maintenance, (or downright fearful of tackling such jobs).

You certainly seem knowledgeable enough, especially for your age, so you might consider getting the word out through flyers or word-of-mouth (perhaps even with the auction house) that you are available for things like reproducer/soundbox rebuilding, etc.

Thanks tinkerbell!
I certainly Am! And I will try that!
Thanks!

I started collecting at 12 and know all about the money problem.

A lot of kids in the States wash cars for money. I found it surprising how many English have to park their expensive cars on the street for the lack of a garage! There must be millions of grimy cars that need a good wash.

I will echo what others have said about not neglecting your education. If you have a good-paying job, there are countless phonographs to be had.

A part time job at your local auction room would suit you very well, because you would get the first look at any machines which came in.

There may be house rules about employees bidding, especially in view of your age, but your dad might agree to bid on your behalf. There could be opportunities to buy machines for re-sale after you have carried out any necessary restoration work.

You must have noticed that on UK eBay there seems to be an insatiable demand for HMV102 portables in any colour and in any condition. General sales in local auction rooms are still the best places to find bargains, and if a 102 is cheap enough it should always be bought.

How are you with kids? Do you live in an area with families and younger childeren? Would you consider "babysitting"? Perhaps you consider it "girls" work, but my daughter did this in high school at your age and was VERY busy.She first got certified by the Red Cross in First Aid,Infant & Child CPR and as a Certified Baby Sitter. Once people learned of her qualifications, mostly by word of mouth,She was in very high demand. She could be busy every weekend if she wanted to.The pay was pretty decent for a 15 year old too. She was making $15.00/hr US, and that was 10-12 years ago. Not bad to go play with kids for a few hours! Often the jobs were in the evening and kids were in bed part of the time, so she could study while making the money

It looks like the Red Cross in the UK offers the courses. See the link below. For a small time investment, you could be pretty busy making money to support your hobby!

http://www.redcrossfirstaidtraining.co. ... urses.aspx

She went on to college obtaining three degrees in the medical field and is doing very well for herself.

Bill