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I wanted to know what are rare reproducers to start collecting for disc gramophones but simple and affordable for the average collector like myself. I was just thinking the other day I wanted to start off a new collection of gramophone reproducers since I have already 6 gramophones already I was thinking what the heck. Tell me what your thoughts are for rare but simple discs gramophone reproducers but affordable? Thanks a lot.

I don't know which are rare, I am thinking the early Victor Concert or Berliner types, but they will not be cheap.

You could do this:

Collect a Nickel and Gold Victor Exhibition, Victrola No. 2, Victrola No. 4 and Orthophonics, then go on to the early ones.

Then I would go to the Columbia models, someone just posted a old diagram with about 6 or 8 of the Columbia disc reproducers.

Then you could go on to the Brunswick, Pathé and others...

Also don't forget Edison, Edison Dance and Edisonic! for Diamond Discs, they come in a few colors that I know of.

I collect Edison reproducers. There are so many models and variations it is endless. Steve Medved told me it well over 100. There are Standards, A, B, C, D, E, H, J, K, L, M, N, O, R, S, AND Diamond Dics reproducers.

Still looking for a nice Standard for my collection.

Rich Gordon

Thanks guys I saw this interesting reproducer on eBay earlier looks interesting to start off with could be worth putting in the collection to start off. I don't know which model or type of gramophone this came off but it looks tough and durable looks like a early reproducer soundbox etc to me? Uhh well if you guys know what it is let me know cause I'm stoked lol thanks.

Here's more pics of what it like.

morgantheavenger wrote:Here's more pics of what it like.

What does the back look like ? Pic please

Here's the back of what it looks like thanks

As a young collector, I'm sure you are anxious to collect and find as many great and rare pieces as you can......for as cheap as you can. However, as long time collector, I can tell you it is far better to save your money for quality instead of quantity. Junk will always remain junk.
The "generic" reproducer you ask about with a "BIN" of $17 has not sold. That alone should tell you something. Shipping from the US will cost even more. Forget it!!!.

With regards to your initial question......"rare and inexpensive". There is no such thing. Unless you are very, very lucky at finding that "rare" piece that comes your way. The other is being well read. Knowledge, allows you to know more than the other guy and makes you able to buy "quick" with confidence. Rare items with a low price on line will last "minutes"........not hours.

Here is the second piece of solid advice a long term collector can give you.........spend some money on good books first and read. The more you know, the better.

Plain and simple.

gramophone78 wrote:Here is the second piece of solid advice a long term collector can give you.........spend some money on good books first and read. The more you know, the better.

Plain and simple.

A hearty second to that. Reading and learning as much as you can will save you many mistakes and wasted money. Even then it can be tough as the phonograph industry was so complex and diverse with players coming and going and even some of the major players putting out a bewildering amount of models under their own names and that of others--Columbia, for example. And not least it is a fascinating field of study. Folks here can recommend several excellent books.

Clay

morgantheavenger wrote:Here's the back of what it looks like thanks

Looks similar to a Peter Pan miniature gramophone soundbox, judging by the pivot mounting, which does not appear on conventional soundboxes.

Here's a picture of my UK machine from 1923.