The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

NateO's collection is impressive for sure. A beautiful sort of home office setup--the Edison Home with cygnet, and the upright Victrola, are iconic machines.

And I am happy to say that I had the pleasure of seeing David (dzavracky) in his very large phonograph room, hearing some wonderful jazz recordings on the Brunswick Cortez, the B-250, and the Grafonola Favorite as well as some Edison Amberol and BA cylinders featuring the early artists at their best. After hearing the Cortez I am thoroughly impressed. It does not sound like a recording, but like a live band or orchestra. David's obscure jazz and excellent collection of classical records of the 1930s and '40s are well-served on a mighty instrument like that.

Though the collection can't compare with much of what appears here, and though these phonographs are not even all displayed right now, here is a group photo of the current collection: VV-XIV from 1914, Victor III, Columbia BN, Edison Fireside A (all 1909 models), third series 1920s Edison Amberola 30, and 1928-1933 Grafonola 202.
This isn't a phonospace specifically but I have had all these machines at one point or another working as daily runners. I guess the Victrola is kind of its own phonospace, and the portable Columbia makes anywhere I put it, also a phonospace. Not shown: 3 radios. (Anyone want old radios? Anyone? I'll trade.)

Grafonola 202--from gramophone-georg. It's original, it sounds great, and it's incredibly reliable. This one impresses non-collectors, and it is my go-to for all electrical recordings because nothing else I have sounds better on them.
Columbia BN--from Jerry B, purchased as project. A wonderfully difficult challenge and now very pretty.
Edison Fireside A--kind of a mutt really. Chris G told me about the elbow on Goodwill, DrH sold me a bell for it, and I bought the actual machine from 52089 who was selling it as a great fix-up project (which it was.)

Thanks for the kind words Charles!

It was fun getting to meet another collector, as most of my family does not share my interest in the collection. I love how the machines fill up that big room with music, especially the cortez . Its really amazing how a machine paired with the right record is simply too loud to stand in front of and listen to .


I really like that red flower horn! It makes that Columbia Bn look amazing!

dzavracky wrote:Thanks for the kind words Charles!

It was fun getting to meet another collector, as most of my family does not share my interest in the collection. I love how the machines fill up that big room with music, especially the cortez . Its really amazing how a machine paired with the right record is simply too loud to stand in front of and listen to .


I really like that red flower horn! It makes that Columbia Bn look amazing!

The Cortez is an awesome performer, and one of my favorites! What beautifully made, high quality machines, both in cabinetry & mechanics. It's the only phonograph I've ever had that winds up, and who's motor runs, in total silence. Except for the click of the lever, the brake is also completely silent. Happy to see that you have one

Brunswick motors are amazingly quiet. And of course the company was known for its woodworking. It's easy to see why Brunswick became the #3 phonograph company in the U.S. in the early 20s.

George P.

BillH_NJ - I really like coziness of your music room with the piano!

Here's another phonospace of mine... James.

Roaring20s wrote:BillH_NJ - I really like coziness of your music room with the piano!

Here's another phonospace of mine...

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James.

Very nice!

As for my space, the piano is in the small parlor but the harpsichord is in the living room, leaving enough space to put only one phonograph in the room, behind it.

You must be the only kid in the county with a harpsichord!

James.

I have a friend who complained of having to learn the play the piano on a harpsichord. She apparently took piano lessons, but she only had available to her the family harpsichord to practice on.

Ok, I'll have a go at this too. I have several "phonospaces". Some are in-the-rough right now, so my wife won't allow photos. We have lots of stuff to donate to Goodwill or church, but quarantine has that on-hold, so we're forced to store boxes full until??? Anyway....

There are some amazing collections posted in this thread, and I thank you all for sharing yours with us. I haven't posted any photos of my collection since my first few over 6 years ago. I've been very fortunate to add many more since then. Many of you have been an indispensable inspiration to me, and for that I'm grateful.

The most recent photos I was compelled to take I did last week. I tried my hand at a couple of panoramas with my phone, so I apologize if they aren't very clear. These 2 rooms are adjacent and comprise the front half of our home divided by a foyer. Some may see clutter, but I see a haven.

Cheers!