The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

phonogal wrote:If I could only keep one, I would keep my Triumph D2. With the Model O and Model B reproducer I can play any of the cylinders in my collection and they all sound good.

What is the greatest distance you have traveled to buy a phonograph (not counting phonograph shows) and what was it?

675 miles (1085 km) in one day, to buy an HMV Model 31.

Do you see your children or other younger family members taking the interest up in future?

I think I can answer two questions in one:

What is the greatest distance you have traveled to buy a phonograph (not counting phonograph shows) and what was it?
and
What is one of the nicest things/favors a member has done for you? Don't have to mention the member, just the favor.

I drove about 700 miles to a Maine seacoast town near Bar Harbor for an Amberola III. It was in very nice condition (although unfortunately missing the reproducer) for a ridiculously low price - - less than I paid for gas on the trip. This find was communicated to me my a very kind collector in Missouri. I followed up on details between bone scans for imminent cancer surgery, and it was generally a pretty low period in my life. But this act of kindness happened at a perfect time to give my wife and me a little vacation (much needed) and add a little hope for the future as well. I remember this goodness in the world every time I look at that Amberola III.

A close second for the "nicest thing" would be when Fran posted a call for condolences last July; a couple of days after our 14 year-old dog died. And this was followed by some very nice messages from numerous forum members, which I still cannot read without getting misty. Very much appreciated.

Best to all,

George P.

Orchorsol wrote:
Do you see your children or other younger family members taking the interest up in future?

Not as long as there is such a thing as an Iphone.

What would you say is the thing that got you interested in phonographs and made you become a collector?

PHONOMIKE wrote: Not as long as there is such a thing as an Iphone.

What would you say is the thing that got you interested in phonographs and made you become a collector?

When I was in high school a friend of mine's family had a VV-XI in the foyer of their home. They never played it or mentioned it, but I thought to myself that I liked the way it looked and I want one. It was many years later that I actually bought a VV-XIV to fulfill that dream which started my descent into phonograph collecting.

That buddy had an interesting family. His Mother had a subscription to Playboy which they left on the coffee table just like any other magazine and didn't care if any of us young lads thumbed through it whenever we were there.

My question is... If you had to use a phonograph related item from YOUR collection to defend or preserve your life, what would it be?

Obviously my Diamond Disc bedplate; it could stop handgun bullets without issue, and would be a pretty decent blunt-trauma weapon, as well.

What machine in your collection has its own sub-collection of reproducers, and how many are there?

It's a easy question for me. My Victor IV came with 2 reproducers when I purchased it. An exhibition and a concert

How much money would you say you have tied up in your collection (machines, records/cylinders, parts, etc)?

How much money would you say you have tied up in your collection (machines, records/cylinders, parts, etc)?

Easily 75-100K.

Have you ever really wanted a certain model of phonograph, but when you finally got one, it never lived up to your expectations?

Have you ever really wanted a certain model of phonograph, but when you finally got one, it never lived up to your expectations?[/quote]

No.

Question - Thinking back over the years, who was it that has had the most collecting influence on you. This person can be someone who may have passed away, or still be influencing you to this day.

(I would like to mention that there have been many influences throughout my collecting lifetime. One person does stand out moreso than others. Marty Roenigk had a tremendous impact on me. I can not even begin to share with you my thoughts regarding this gentleman. I can, however, assure you that I am a better person for having known him and spent time with him.)

Zwebie wrote:Question - Thinking back over the years, who was it that has had the most collecting influence on you. This person can be someone who may have passed away, or still be influencing you to this day.

Someone whose name I don't know who owned a restaurant beside a mountain highway in Switzerland. I was traveling there about 40 years or so ago and stopped in to eat. They had a large disk music box playing and I was really intrigued by the beautiful sound and thought "someday." Someday was a very long time coming. When I retired I wanted a hobby to explore and got several books about music box and read then and then joined MBSI and learned from other collectors. In time things have branched out, first to include antique radios, and then later phonographs where my chief interest now lies.

I think Hailey's question deserves repeating. Have you ever really wanted a certain model of phonograph, but when you finally got one, it never lived up to your expectations?

Clay

Columbia BC. Admittedly the Higham reproducer wasn't functioning correctly, but even so the machine was heavy and ungainly and just not much fun.

Which single phonographic acquisition had the most surprising upside? That is, for what did you pay little or nothing, to quickly or later find it was super fun or an all-time favorite?