O/T - What will happen to the future of our hobby?

[phonophan79]

As of this posting (Sunday morning) with 108 votes counted...

-18 3%
19-29 7%
30-39 20%
40-49 22%
50-59 31%
60-69 15%
70+ 2%

[SonnyPhono]

It's funny you asked whether anyone has made plans for their collection for when they pass. I was just talking with my wife about that a couple days ago. I'm 29 so am hoping nothing happens to me anytime soon. But just in case, I wrote a brief description on the history of every phonograph in my collection including details about each specific machine and instructions on how to play them. Then I printed each one and put them all in envelopes placing them somewhere inside each phonograph. I told her that if something ever happened to me, all the information about each phonograph would be there for her to help in the selling/auction process if she ever had to sell the phonographs.

Maybe that's weird? She knows next to nothing about phonographs aside from a few basics. Just in case something happens to me I didn't want her to be clueless with what to do and the general values of my phonos.

[gramophoneshane]

I dont think it's weird at all. In fact it's a good idea. I think if more collectors did this, it would be great help to those left with disposing of a collection, and would help stop the rip off merchants taking advantage of grieving family who know little about what they have.
We've all heard the stories about elderly widows being conned by vultures. I know of one such case where the vulture actually moved in AT THE FUNERAL, before the poor guy was even in the ground for 5 minutes.
When you think about what a piece of paper that took 5 minutes to write can prevent happening, it's well worth the effort.
Apart from my 202 which goes to our local museum, I've left a machine each to some of my friends, and Im sure the majority of them will simply sell it off, which I dont mind, but Id rather see them get what they're worth if they do choose to sell, and the only way to do that is to know exactly what you've got.

[Valecnik]

It's funny you asked whether anyone has made plans for their collection for when they pass. I was just talking with my wife about that a couple days ago. I'm 29 so am hoping nothing happens to me anytime soon. But just in case, I wrote a brief description on the history of every phonograph in my collection including details about each specific machine and instructions on how to play them. Then I printed each one and put them all in envelopes placing them somewhere inside each phonograph. I told her that if something ever happened to me, all the information about each phonograph would be there for her to help in the selling/auction process if she ever had to sell the phonographs.

Maybe that's weird? She knows next to nothing about phonographs aside from a few basics. Just in case something happens to me I didn't want her to be clueless with what to do and the general values of my phonos.

Sonnyphono I don't think it's wierd at at all. I think it's responsible, although at age 29 I sincerely hope it was unnecessary for many many years!

[phonogfp]

When I started collecting phonographs and records in 1967, I honestly thought I was only one in the world who did. A year or so later, I was looking through a stack of old Hobbies magazines in an antique shop on Cape Cod, and discovered the shocking truth - - others had been similarly afflicted. Despite my youthful naivety, one thing hasn't changed for me: my interest is personal, and I don't really care how many others choose to pursue phonographs and records. I look at it much like religion - - if there's something meaningful and constructive to be gained from the pursuit, I'm happy for the "convert" to become involved. However, I'm not inclined to be out there shouting the gospel of talking machines from the rooftops. If they get it, they get it. If not, that's okay too. I've been happy to help several new collectors along the way, but the impetus must be theirs, not mine.

Ultimately, this means that I have no particular interest in the hobby, but rather in helping those people who choose to pursue it. If that means in another decade, there are no other collectors besides me, I'll continue to be happy adding to my now-worthless collection. I came into this thinking I was alone in my attraction, and I could go out the same way. However, I don't see that happening, and I continue to find satisfaction in helping other collectors pursue this strange attraction that we share.

With that disclaimer, I believe the hobby will continue to grow. Back in the 1970s/80s, antiques in general were more popular. I remember seeing baby strollers in antique shops (new ones with occupants, you jokers!). Young couples furnished their apartments with antiques, and phonograph collectors sprouted from the woodwork. As the general antique market cooled, so did the interest of many dilettante phonograph collectors. When the general antique market revives (as I expect it will in the next decade), I believe there will be a growing interest in antique phonographs & records.

I was struck by one of the earlier posts that alerted us old geezers that younger collectors will exploit the Internet almost exclusively in their hobby pursuits. No need for shows, meetings, or other travel. While I look upon the Internet as a very useful tool, if used to the exclusion of other venues, the cyber-collector will be deprived of what I consider to be a prudent and useful education. We show-goers have personally seen and handled thousands of artifacts that we've never owned. We know what looks right, and we've learned what to look for in the way of problems. We can tell old paint/plating/wood finishes from new. We can carefully examine reproduction parts to discern how they differ from original. That experience will ultimately save much time, grief, and money when buying artifacts on the Internet. But again, my intent isn't to convince anyone of anything; merely to help.

For those who are interested in the hobby itself, I see no cause for worry. It's a great time buy!

George P.

[AllWoundUp]

Well, my 18 year old daughter who is in college now (Cal state Sonoma) gave me her Christmas wish list and one of the things she asked for was a wind up portable phono and some records to take to school!