What do you regret buying? And why?

[Steve]

David

You are so right in everything you've said here! I also get annoyed when people attempt to pass off botched and messed with stuff as "original" and "untouched". I have been forced to throw a few things back at eBay sellers in recent times - I won't stand for it anymore.

The "shed" comment is quite apt. Most collectors here tend to be the hands-on type who are either ex/retired engineers or people with some wood-working / cabinet making skills. These people WANT projects AND just as importantly, follow the agenda of TV programs like "Bargain Hunt" or "Antiques Roadshow" where the whole point of obtaining anything appears to be solely for personal financial gain. The whole impetus is about getting something cheap or for next to nothing. Out of those sheds, the tight-fisted miserly UK collector was shaped! And if that wasn't obvious, it falls into place that these people are hardly the most wealthy in the UK population so they do not live in grand houses with Melbas adorning their marble hallways. If 95% of collectors live in "average" small houses then, yes, they will not be able to afford to have the space to house much of this stuff. There is only one female collector that I know of over here. Most of the men are indeed single!

Steve

[FloridaClay]

For me, and I expect for many others, it is not about cheap. Often just the opposite, as you can have as much or more in properly restoring a derelict machine that getting a clean one in the beginning. Rather there is a real satisfaction for some of us from rescuing a machine from oblivion so that it can be enjoyed for another century. And mostly I enjoy the process and have probably learned as much or more from being hands on as doing research. Not everyone's cup of tea, but it is mine.

Clay

[coyote]

My only regret is my first Diamond Disc machine, a BC34 (baby console). Not knowing much about DD machines at the time, I overpaid for it. As my knowledge increased and I compared it to the DD models I now own, I think it's not good-looking and takes up too much space. It has been relegated to the basement and is the only machine I never use. It would probably be a tough sell, or even to give away. On the upside, I am happy with every model and price (Edison and Victor) since then, especially my 8-12 and Schubert. Even though the finish on the Schubert isn't perfect and it did not have the Edisonic reproducer when I bought it, for under $300, I'm not complaining! So, I suppose everything balances out in the end.

[m0xiemama]

I haven't regretted a purchase yet but I know what you guys mean about the project machines. Luckily none of my projects cost me more than $50 and many less than that but I do have a few too many considering I barely have a chance to sleep. My biggest regret was getting into the hobby the exact same year my son was born. I would have gotten a lot done if on;y I had bought my machine a year sooner....Oh well, I guess I have a bunch of years to go.

[epigramophone]

For me, and I expect for many others, it is not about cheap. Often just the opposite, as you can have as much or more in properly restoring a derelict machine that getting a clean one in the beginning. Rather there is a real satisfaction for some of us from rescuing a machine from oblivion so that it can be enjoyed for another century. And mostly I enjoy the process and have probably learned as much or more from being hands on as doing research. Not everyone's cup of tea, but it is mine.

Clay

Absolutely right.

In retirement I like to have a project, especially in the Winter when the old cars have gone into hibernation and there is not much to do in the garden.

When the project is completed I will usually keep it until something more interesting comes along, and then it will be sold. I may or may not make a profit, but that is not the point. There is great satisfaction in hearing a machine for the first time after decades of silence.

Anyone can buy machines in pristine condition. All it takes is money. There are many classic car collectors who claim to have restored cars when all they did was sign the cheques, and the same may well be the case in our hobby.

I have seen too many people retire with little thought about how they are going to spend their increased leisure time. After a few years watching daytime television they are gone!

[Jerry B.]

I like both sides of the coin. The collector in me is always looking for the nicest example of any particular machine in good original condition. I'll pay a fair price for something I really desire. The hobbiest in me always enjoys a good project. I get a great deal of satisfaction in completeing a quality restoration. I enjoy the entire cycle of buying, restoration, and selling. There have been very few times that I bought something and simply placed it on a shelf. The Johnson C that I purchased at Union this year is a good example. I paid a fair price for a nice original example but it didn't really become mine until I spent some time cleaning and polishing to make it look as nice as possible. Once that was accomplished, the machine was really "mine".
*
I am fortunate that I have some great projects ahead of me. They include an oak Edison Opera, a mahogany Amberola 1-B, a suitcase Home, a model B Home, an oak Amberola V, and a four minute Hexaphone. Probably all but the Hexaphone will be offered in the Trader or at Union next year. Stay tuned...! Jerry Blais

[Steve]

I can relate to Jerry's idea that something doesn't truly belong to you until you have claimed it and cleaned it and got it looking suitably good to sit with your other machines. I have several "outcast" machines at present which will need careful attention before I will let them sit with some of my long-term acquisitions.

The Phrynis I purchased recently is one such example. It arrived with broken cabinet and looked very sorry for itself. Added to that was the unpleasant sticky brown residue associated with cigarette smoke, that just about covered everything. The horn, the metalwork and the cabinet were horribly mucky and discoloured with nicotine. The soundbox diaphragm was broken and was glued to TWO pieces of plastic. The stylus bar screw didn't tighten either so the whole thing just wouldn't work properly. The horn was brown on the outside, but it's now red and white! I've repaired the cabinet, rebuilt the soundbox, cleaned the metalwork, thoroughly cleaned and polished the horn and I'm just tweaking a few things here and there. It is a different machine to what I first inherited. It's almost good enough for me to keep now!

[phonojim]

I regret nothing, either buying or selling. It has all been interesting, enjoyable and a learning experience.

Jim

[NEFaurora]

"I have purchased at least 10 Home Model Ds in my life and after screwing around with the seized bushings, I regretted buying every one of them!"

I purchased (1) Model D, and made sure that it worked when I bought it.. No seized bushings... I don't regret a thing...Nor my 10 other various Edison machines...!!


Tony K.

[whoopinola]

Well..there are a few projects that will gather dust in storage from now till the clang of doom..with little hope of restoration..the chief of these is a Mitchell consol..made in Detroit...missing a door , motor , tone arm , and any charm that would warrent the research necessary to begin these repairs...anyone want a Mitchell?????