The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

NateO wrote: I often wonder how many of my generation will be interested in collecting phonographs, and where the hobby will go.

Nathan

It's a matter of how many are exposed to them, either in person or through research of their own. I don't think too many people of your generation (or mine either, for that matter) were exposed to antique phonographs in person. Most of us were raised by parents who were brought up in the 1950s and who adopted the disposable mentality of consumerism that is so rampant today. Fortunately I can remember my great-grandmother having a mid 1920s Columbia that sat in the corner of her dining room that I was fascinated with. She was the original owner and I was so upset when my parents wouldn't let me bring it home after she passed away because "it was junk", to use their words. I was 8 at the time and had little say so in the matter. It undoubtedly suffered the same fate as all of her other furniture that dated from the 1910s and 1920s - went to the dump. I wouldn't necessarily say this is why I became a collector later on, but my appreciation for the older things started early in life.

Many of the "thinkers" of this up and coming generation will start to wonder what the history of their recorded music was before their ipods and mp3 players existed. Their research will undoubtedly lead them to the disc and cylinder machines of the early 20th century. Some of them will take an interest in these machines and become collectors themselves.

Nathan, the VV-VI is an excellent machine. The old collectors called the Victor the workhorse of the phonographs as they are so well made. I was just up on Youtube and heard a recording played on a VV_VI. I have never owned one of them but I think that I once had a VV_IV which I believe is similar to yours however the VI looks a little more elaborate.. Years ago when I was first married I had to sell some of my collection just to pay the rent at times. The way that I figured it, even if I did have to part with a machine, at least I had the privilege and fun of owning it for a time.

Nathan,

Delighted to see you on the road to becoming a collector. Your VV-VI is a great place to begin.

There are several other young people, including a few in their teens, who show up here from time to time. Perhaps some of them will see your post and be in touch. It is a rewarding hobby that can bring pleasure over of life time.

Clay