The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I think it boils down to this: If you bought phonographs with the intent of a potential investment, you may be disappointed. If you bought your phonographs because you actually like them, then it doesn't matter a bit if they become worthless or your kids sell them in a yard sale... you bought enjoyment. Since you can't take any of this with you when you leave, I at least have enjoyed the machines I have much more than if I was left with worthless stock certificates when their value falls...

The market for most collectibles has been driven by monetary return, not appreciation of the actual items. Maybe the market is correcting to a level where collectors might actually benefit, unless you are a collector/investor.

Hey, I'm telling 'um to send mine to the cemetery with me.

Clay

FloridaClay wrote:Hey, I'm telling 'um to send mine to the cemetery with me.

Clay

Hmmm, so you can take it with you?

Curt A wrote:I think it boils down to this: If you bought phonographs with the intent of a potential investment, you may be disappointed. If you bought your phonographs because you actually like them, then it doesn't matter a bit if they become worthless or your kids sell them in a yard sale... you bought enjoyment. Since you can't take any of this with you when you leave, I at least have enjoyed the machines I have much more than if I was left with worthless stock certificates when their value falls...

The market for most collectibles has been driven by monetary return, not appreciation of the actual items. Maybe the market is correcting to a level where collectors might actually benefit, unless you are a collector/investor.

Very well said.

If you think about it, not really. I mean look at Millennial's. Most, want a small house or apartment, with in walking distance of coffee shops, boutiques etc.. and don't want a lot of extraneous things. My parents, and I have an antique booth and sell mainly small items. Things that don't take up, a lot of space, or serve a purpose.


As for the Antique phonographs. For me it started out has looking for a new hobby or something new too collect, and six machines, and a lot of records. It's become something more. I like to think of it as, preserving history, but at the same time wanting to share it with other people.

The antique market has pretty much dried up. I mean there, are still antique malls out there, but not a lot in the way of antiques. I tend to find a a lot of craft items or crap as I like to call them. Or flea market. It's to the point where my father and I have to look for items that do not, have a bar code. That is not worth anything, as well as the collectors tins, that were remade to look original, but are not.


Paul

FloridaClay wrote:Hey, I'm telling 'um to send mine to the cemetery with me.

Clay

As long as you have the collection put in a hermetically sealed vault filled with inert gas, so that archeologists a couple thousand years from now can get a nice surprise....

Bill

While walking through the "antique" store yesterday my 12 year was eyeing a beautiful little walnut secretary. He said it would be cool to do his homework sitting at the desk and listening to music. At $350 he ISN'T getting it for Christmas. But I asked him if he wanted the plastic or put together furniture style for his place when he leaves home. He gave me that look that only teenagers seem to do well and said all real wood. So, there is hope after all! Now if I can only get him and his older brother interested in my phonograph. Need to find some music on it they like...

Edisonfan wrote:If you think about it, not really. I mean look at Millennial's. Most, want a small house or apartment, with in walking distance of coffee shops, boutiques etc.. and don't want a lot of extraneous things. My parents, and I have an antique booth and sell mainly small items. Things that don't take up, a lot of space, or serve a purpose.


As for the Antique phonographs. For me it started out has looking for a new hobby or something new too collect, and six machines, and a lot of records. It's become something more. I like to think of it as, preserving history, but at the same time wanting to share it with other people.

The antique market has pretty much dried up. I mean there, are still antique malls out there, but not a lot in the way of antiques. I tend to find a a lot of craft items or crap as I like to call them. Or flea market. It's to the point where my father and I have to look for items that do not, have a bar code. That is not worth anything, as well as the collectors tins, that were remade to look original, but are not.


Paul

You're not wrong in your assumption because you've seen it first hand. However, that is in your area of the country. In the less urban areas it is a different mindset. I'm not seeing downsizing of residences. To relate it to phonographs it reminds me of the price differences and preferences we see between the East and West. But in reality, at the end of the day, no one can predict what is going to go up or down in price or desirability.

Good Point, Joe!


Yea, things are different in an urban environment, as opposed too the suburbs. Plus, I live in Central Maryland. So, yea there are a lot of differences, in price and availability. In antiques.

Paul

Hey, Why didn't anyone tell me that I can't take them when I go? I'm not afraid of dying. I just don't want to be there when it happens.