The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I’m an originalist and I love those plated Operas. So awesome seeing them. Would love a video of the playing!

Raphael wrote: Wed Dec 04, 2024 7:34 pm OK, the phonograph Pope has spoken and I respect that. But for the record, nowhere have I ever intimated that either of these Operas were factory originals. Dom did them up, and just like women with big chests, some men like ‘em and some don’t. I put this post up for people to enjoy, not to bicker over the technicalities of their origin. For those that don’t, one might suggest they track down all the missing Operas and agonize over what sins they committed by disposing of their historic treasures. Dom, RIP, you at least made some people smile, especially me.

Raphael

Raphael, I'm just an altar boy.

You've been upfront all along about what these machines are. As I wrote earlier, they are visually stunning. I have no argument with you. I hope you enjoy them for many years!

George P.

I just saw these beauties In person yesterday and I’m still in awe. These are simply stunning in real life. The quality of the plating and the construction/assembly of them is impeccable. The painstaking attention to detail is like I’ve never seen before. I understand the controversy over the plating but that all goes away when you are staring at them 3’ away.
The resto-mod reference mentioned made me wonder if it’s a good comparison or not. I would like to mention that I collected, restored and, yes modified many future classic cars starting back in the 70’s. Back then they weren’t called classics or collectibles they were simply called Used Cars! Today the Resto-Mods are not only popular but are pricey. Watch most any major auction like Barrett Jackson or Mecum and you will see original or mostly original early Corvettes selling in the low $100+k range while the same or similar year car that is modded in the high $200k-400k range. Imagine a ‘63 split window original Corvette selling for half that of a resto-mod. It is considered a sin by some yet a desirable offering by others. Using classic cars as an example are these Operas worth more than originals? Maybe 2 or 3x? I’m asking not suggesting
Raphael, as always it was nice visiting you. I admire your collection especially these newest additions.
Joe

Joe,

Thanks for stopping by, you are always welcome here. Next time you come back, bring Brother Roger with you.

Raphael

light-o-matic wrote: Mon Dec 02, 2024 8:13 pm And that Janis Joplin Porsche sold for A LOT of money - whether it is your cup of tea or not.

https://money.cnn.com/2015/12/10/luxury ... index.html

Funny thing about Janis' Porsche is that it's not the exact car as she owned it... Ownership of the car went to her siblings, Michael and Laura Joplin, who shared it for about 30 years. After a while, the paint started to flake so they had it painted over in light gray. Later, they had the artwork redone by various artists...

So, technically it's the car she owned, but not the original artwork that she commissioned. Is the Mona Lisa the same painting if it was erased and repainted by someone else on the original canvas?

I too have seen these machines, and they are impeccably well done. It is rare to see such fine workmanship in the base metal preparation. I wish I knew who did this and if they are still in business. As far as the naysayers go, would they complain as much if the machines were repainted and stiped like they did originally?

edisonclassm wrote: Mon Dec 09, 2024 10:06 am ... would they complain as much if the machines were repainted and striped like they did originally?

Which anyone can do some day, for the price of ownership.