The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi Everyone,
I'm new to the forum and have only started my collection. I am only collecting Victor outside phonographs at this time. I plan on going to the Union phonograph show in June. This will be my first show. What can I expect to see there? If I find a phonograph or parts I'm interested in buying, what methods of payment to vendors accept? Who would you recommend I definitely see or talk to? Thanks for any help offered.

Mike

You may want to read over the multiple threads on the Union show and past shows on this forum. Most are posted just prior and post show (May/June). Many of the dealers are forum members and many will post in our "Yankee Trader" items they are planing to have at the show. Mainly to try and have that item pre-sold before hand here on the forum. So, you may want to keep your eyes out on that section of the forum in the next little while. There are some "Union" posts there already.
Good rule of thumb (like any show)is....."early bird gets the worm". Unless you have pre-bought an item. Some members many even agree that good deals can also be found "late" in the game. Especially larger items that the seller won't want to pack back home. Most may agree that for the most part.....machines sell for what they are really worth and not at "in the wild" prices. So, bring cash!!!.... .
Hope that helps.

Mike,

1) You may expect to see almost every Victor you can think of - and possibly one or two you never knew existed.

2) For payment, cash is king. Some dealers take Traveler's Checks.

3) Cruise around and talk to all the dealers. It's not like typical retail where "I buy my tools at Sears but I buy my lawnmowers at Tractor Supply." Dealers' stock changes all the time so it's important to see what everybody brought. You'll develop favorite dealers, of course - especially over the course of many shows. But you never know what any particular dealer will have. That's much of the thrill.

Have fun!

George P.

I agree with everything George writes and I would add:
If you can, be there early on Friday morning and pay the early admission.
If you can't be there Friday, be early (7 am) on Saturday.
Go (repeat GO!) to Jasper's on Saturday night.
There's a reason for cash. I spend $100 cash with George and he spends it with Stan and Stan spends it with Dan, etc. It would be really interesting to see how many times a $100 bill exchanges hands at Union.

Jerry Blais (Be sure to introduce yourself at Union. Our booth in near the bar)

Jerry B. wrote:Go (repeat GO!) to Jasper's on Saturday night.

I was excited when I learned of the Union show but had no idea this was also in my backyard. This will be amazing to see!

Jerry, do you know if 'Jasper's' estate is open during the day on Saturday? Or what hours in the evening? I'm dragging family to the show and have become the day's event coordinator.

The Sanfilippo "Place de la Musique":
http://www.placedelamusique.org/index.html

Thanks - Dee

I've attended as an early buyer ($40) for the past 25 years, and I will be there again this year.

Bring cash. All dealers accept cash. Many are reluctant to accept checks and most are not set up for credit cards. Bring a variety of denominations of bills. Not all dealers have sufficient change on hand to make change on a $5 or $10 purchase if all you have are $100s. Before the show, I go to the bank and get 100s, 50s and 20s.

Jasper's place usually opens at 7 pm on Saturday evening and remains open until 10 pm. It is not open during the day. It is a private residence, not a business.

You may find a bargain, but most dealers know what that have, so you will not find a Victor V for $500. If you see a nice machine you like and want it for your collection, BUY IT! If you wait to think about it, it will be gone when you return to the seller's booth.

Jerry B. wrote:I agree with everything George writes and I would add:
If you can, be there early on Friday morning and pay the early admission.
If you can't be there Friday, be early (7 am) on Saturday.
Go (repeat GO!) to Jasper's on Saturday night.
There's a reason for cash. I spend $100 cash with George and he spends it with Stan and Stan spends it with Dan, etc. It would be really interesting to see how many times a $100 bill exchanges hands at Union.

Jerry Blais (Be sure to introduce yourself at Union. Our booth in near the bar)

Nice Phantom, Jerry. (Or, is it a B607... as they are similar). Yours, too?