The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

On November 15th of last year, by chance, I went to an estate sale, and saw a Brunswick upright for $85. I carefully tested it and it seemed to work fine. (I had thought about owning one for a few decades.) I bought some records and a box of cylinders too. (The records were .25 each and the cylinders were $2 for the entire box. Once I had the cylinders, I HAD to have a cylinder player....that is how it really got started.) I was hooked.

A month or two later, I then found an estate sale with a cylinders and players for sale. I met another collector there. I finally was able to buy a cylinder player on Sunday when prices were reduced. (And with the excellent guidance of the local collector.)

Since then, I have been having a blast, chasing machines and recordings, not to mention learning to fix them, networking with other collectors, attending an occasional meeting of collectors, making new friends, and learning about the machines and the music. The experienced collectors have been great, sharing their knowledge of the hobby.

It has become a passion (really an addiction). Just tonight, one of the local collectors pointed out a listing on eBay where the seller said the collecting is terminal, and my thought, was yes, it is terminal, but I will be smiling!

Yes, "My name is Mike and I am a phonoholic."

I think there are far more harmful addictions....

Welcome to the hobby Mike! I am another Mike, and yes, I too am a "phonoholic!" Happy collecting.

Mike
Riverside, Ca

James.

Mike,

A very happy first anniversary! Being a "phonoholic" is a wonderful (albeit occasionally expensive) disease to have. Once bitten by the bug, it seems to be a permanent affliction, but it is one that can bring years of pleasure.

Clay

Mike,

I know how you feel! My name is Fran and I'm a phonoholic! I'm in my 11th month of the addiction!

It's been a great ride. It seems every day brings new knowledge that propels me to learn more!

Happy Anniversary!

Fran

Congratulations Mike! We should give out "One Year" coins!

My name is George and I too am a phonoholic. It was 47 years ago this month I made my first phonograph purchase. (I still have it.)

I can't add anything to the wisdom already imparted here by others who are similarly afflicted!

Best,
George P.

Congratulations Mike, and welcome to the pleasant addiction.

You are right in the thick of the OTAPS territory. I hope you have or are thinking of joining as I recently did and am finding them to be a great bunch of fellow (men and women) phonoholics.

Bruce

Congrats Mike. I'm not as "active" as you are but I promise to keep doing my best to enable you by pointing out things I see online to help you feed your addiction. My name is Scott, and I am an enabler.

Bruce, I am an OTAPS member and have been to two meetings.

And yes, Scott, you have officially become an enabler! The early addiction/warnings signs are asking friends and relatives to look for and store machines, pick them up for you, to help move them, etc.