The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Have an opportunity to acquire a nice Amberola VI but the price seems a bit steep. What should I expect to pay for this machine in decent working condition? Not much info available for this model as far as pricing.

This one has a nice oak cabinet.

Thanks! CDB

I bought a mahogany Amberola VI at Union 5 or 6 years for $400 on Sunday afternoon when dealers were packing to go home. It is better than average condition. I have never seen an oak model, so I would expect to pay more. That model is reputed to have a noisy aluminum gear that wears quickly. Mine isn't particularly noisy, but the machine is mostly for display and therefore that isn't a real problem.

A closer look and the machine turned out to be a VIII. Bought it anyway, cost $200. Horribly refinished with a flimsy rubber 'belt', but otherwise seems to work fine with a good reproducer. I'm happy. CDB

It's an Amberola B VIII. Not much info available about these, that which is available seems to conflict. Gotta get me one of the Frow books for Edison cylinder players! CDB

Frow says the only difference between the VIII and the BVIII is that the VIII has 2 grills on the top, but the BVIII has a single bedplate and no grills. The motors and cabinets are identical

He also notes that the BVIII was introduced in 1914 and all stock of the VIIIs was destroyed in the 12/14 Edison plant fire, so there probably aren't a ton of these around.

Thanks for the info. This one has a solid metal bedplate. I removed the reproducer and connector to transport. CDB

Here's what the first version of the VIII looked like:

George P.