The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I don't know if this is where I am supposed to put posts like this but at any rate, I am going to be in Orlando until next Friday, and I will be trying to find an Edison cylinder machine while I am down there. I would like to avoid an Amberola, as I want to be able to record. I don't have a whole lot of cash but if anybody down there has a spare machine or workable parts machine (I said I can't pay a lot but for sure I can still pay), or even just if you know a decent antique shop with good prices in the area, any help I can get would be great. I have no idea where to look; I live like 1000 miles away from there.

You will be better off posting in the Yankee trader section so dealers and collector in the Orlando area can steer you in the right direction. If you want to record on a budget you'll probably be looking for a early Edison Standard or Home, model A. A ball park of what you might want to spend will help also. You will want to keep your eyes open as these machines can turn up anywhere but I believe you'll find more machines available right here in Michigan than in Orlando, unless you wait for the Orlando phonograph show on Jan. 23rd & 24th.

Best Regards, Larry

Thank you for the help; I will put this into the Yankee Trader section. I wasn't aware that Michigan would have more machines generally available, but I guess it makes sense, what with Detroit and all.

More machines are available here in Michigan simply because there were more prosperous folk living here who could afford to buy them back in the early decades of the last century. The great majority of Floridians were living a subsistence lifestyle (typical of The Southern states generally in that pre-industrial era) until the real estate boom (and bust) of the 1920's.

"More machines are available here in Michigan simply because there were more prosperous folk living here who could afford to buy them back in the early decades of the last century." - Yeah, Then they retired and moved to Florida..lol.. and brought their machines with them!


I live down here...

On a budget, You'd be better off trying to get one off ebay probably..

Here's one that I found for you that located in Tampa which is close..

http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/atq/4773608941.html

There is absolutely no lack of machines here in Florida... There are plenty of wonderful machines here. It's just how deep your pockets run... There are tons of Phonograph collectors here.

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

PM sent.

Antiquing in Florida is not what it used to be years ago although it depends somewhat on where you are. If you can, try to hit one of the Renninger's Extravaganzas which are held in Mount Dora in November, January and February each year. These are big shows where you have a better chance of finding something. As Larry said, the Orlando show can be a good place to buy also.
Since you live in Michigan, check out Stanton's Auctioneers http://stantons-auctions.com/. They have a 3 day phonograph/mechanical music auction twice yearly; in November and April. I don't know what the exact dates are yet, but you can get on their mailing list from their website and they will send you bulletins and catalogs of upcoming auctions. There are always many Edison Standards and Homes available in good condition at reasonable prices.
Be sure to do your homework before buying, talk to everyone you can and ask all of the questions you want to so that you understand what you are buying when you find something.
Feel free to PM me if I can be of any help.

Welcome to the forum.

Jim

Tony K.: It depends on where you live in Florida. We lived in the West Palm Beach area and things were pretty dry there, but I agree with you, Central Florida does have some good shops and shows.
That Standard on Craigslist looks like a great find.

Jim