FOR SALE: Edison Amberola 50 and cylinders - $800

[Sonders]

Edison Amberola 50
Serial SM14774

Working Edison Amberola in excellent condition. Mahogany. This machine was bought at a farm sale near Massbach, Illinois in 1969 and has been in the family ever since. We have about 80 cylinders, of which maybe 25 are playable completely through, but they have not been completely examined.

There are what seems to be three additional replacement springs, also.

I currently live in the Seattle area, but drive the I-5 corridor between Seattle and Portland, Oregon often. I would like to avoid shipping the Edison and cylinders, but will consider anything that makes sense.

I am not a collector, and had a hard time deciding to sell. But, the Edison and cylinders are not really family heirlooms and we are downsizing. I would like these things to go to someone who appreciates them.

Obviously, I am new to all this, but I am happy to answer any questions.

Photos:

http://joel-and-rosemarie.smugmug.com/O ... q&lb=1&s=A

[brianu]

a price always helps.

[Dave]

Welcome to the TM forum....
You'll find many who maybe interested in your Amberola at the right price.

I'm curious....if your not a collector...why would you be hesitant at parting with this?

[VintageTechnologies]

Hello, since I am not looking to buy that model phonograph myself, I hope you will consider what I'm about to say as impartial advice: it is overpriced considering the condition of the phonograph and also the records.

1) The phonograph has been partially refinished, which hurts the originality and the value. There are several large parts missing inside the phonograph: A) the cast iron governor cover, B) all of the trim pieces that surround the metal bedplate.

2) You say that only 25 of the records are completely playable all the way through, and judging by the overall appearance of the records, even they could be in rough shape. There can be a world of difference between a clean record and one that just manages to play through.

3) No one knows yet what the true condition of the diamond needle is - that is a major cost factor. There is considerable controversy about the quality of replica needles and good originals are very hard to come by.

Perhaps some other collectors will suggest what they think the machine with records is worth. I'm guessing maybe half of your asking price is a realistic figure. Best of luck!

[EdiBrunsVic]

Vintage Technologies has some good points to consider, and this phonograph might be something to consider if the price was lower.

[ambrola]

Hello, since I am not looking to buy that model phonograph myself, I hope you will consider what I'm about to say as impartial advice: it is overpriced considering the condition of the phonograph and also the records.

1) The phonograph has been partially refinished, which hurts the originality and the value. There are several large parts missing inside the phonograph: A) the cast iron governor cover, B) all of the trim pieces that surround the metal bedplate.

2) You say that only 25 of the records are completely playable all the way through, and judging by the overall appearance of the records, even they could be in rough shape. There can be a world of difference between a clean record and one that just manages to play through.

3) No one knows yet what the true condition of the diamond needle is - that is a major cost factor. There is considerable controversy about the quality of replica needles and good originals are very hard to come by.

Perhaps some other collectors will suggest what they think the machine with records is worth. I'm guessing maybe half of your asking price is a realistic figure. Best of luck!

Very well said, and I would add, you can get a more desirable oak one without any issues for less.

[Sonders]

I would like to thank everyone who took time to reply. The first thing I heard was to get attention I needed to put a price on the post. I looked at Craigslist, this forum, and some eBay and came up with $400 for the Amberola and $5 each for the cylinders. I can sort through the cylinders, or offer them as more of a grab bag package. Time vs. money. So, I guess $5 each is too much unevaluated.

I would be happy to hear from anyone who has an equitable consignment arrangement. Particularly if they are in the Seattle - Portland area.

[Curt A]

My advice, for what it's worth: $400 including the cylinders seems reasonable... The cylinders look rough at best, and most good ones won't bring $5 each. The gear cover is hard to find, along with the cabinet trim, so this is a resto project for a potential buyer/collector who wants to complete a machine. Considering the cost of the replacement parts and the labor to restore this, assuming the diamond is good, would leave the new owner with a somewhat common machine that he probably can't sell for what he has invested in it.

If you truly want to sell the machine to eliminate moving it and storing it, $300 for the machine including the cylinders will probably be more realistic. If the diamond is bad, the stylus itself will cost at least $100 and will then need to be installed by a competent repairman... the other parts may or may not be able to be found. So, if you don't want to try to complete this before selling, to get a higher price and just want an "as is" sale, then you need to be realistic. It would be better for you to sell it "as is" at a lower price and not guarantee anything... If you actually find out before the sale that the diamond is not good, then you will have a hard time selling it for any price...

One other point: since you are not a collector, it would be useless for you to sort the cylinders and "evaluate" them. You would be unfamiliar with the titles, artists, condition of the grooves, etc. which lead to establishing a reasonable value. Most of the cylinders on eBay, Craigslist, etc. are overpriced, since most people assume that since they are old, they are valuable and rare. There are actually, probably 100's of thousands, if not millions of old cylinders and records in existence. MOST are not highly collectible, only specific titles, artists, desirability, etc. determine the collector value. A pristine cylinder of an undesirable title, will not sell. A rough cylinder of a desirable title, will not sell, so it is a very fine line to determine a price. Also, no one will buy a "grab bag" of cylinders for the reasons I just mentioned...

[Sonders]

Thanks, Curt. I appreciate some solid advice. When I was talking about evaluating cylinders, I was talking about just basics: counting how many are obviously damaged, how many of each color or brand, etc. Now the risk, for me, is thinking, well, the machine and cylinders have $300 - $400 worth of entertainment value for me and just keep them. That's the way a non-collector thinks. I guess the only question I have is, if the machine plays fine and sounds okay and I am almost certain it is the original stylus, does that mean the stylus is okay?

[Curt A]

The machine is made to play 4 minute Blue Amberol cylinders (which, ironically can be blue, black or purple) that are made of celluloid, as opposed to wax (wax is typically black or brown and can be scratched with a fingernail). Indestructible cylinders are fine, as well... they have a metal ring in each end of the cylinder, different from the Edisons, but are also made of celluloid.

The first thing to do, is to take the cylinders out of the boxes and inspect them for cracks, or obvious distortions. If they are basically good, just dirty, wash them with soapy water and dry them. Once cleaned, play them on the machine and see what they sound like. If celluloid residue comes off of the cylinders or the grooves become damaged or scored and the sound is muddied beyond recognition, then the stylus is bad. If, on the other hand, the cylinders play reasonably well and no damage is noted, then the stylus is probably good. Bear in mind that most cylinders do not sound like CDs no matter how good they are...

That being said, then determine whether the potential value of the machine is worth selling or keeping. I personally, would keep it, clean it and restore the finish. Then I would hunt the gear cover and cabinet parts or have them made. You would end up with something to be proud of and you would have a unique and enjoyable piece of history in your home. Just keep this in mind: when the power goes out and all the electronic gadgets fail, you will still have music...