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I got a lead on a Credenza from a buddy of mine last night. I haven't seen it in person (it's about 200 miles from me right now, but only about 25 from him), but the way he described it, it's complete except for a missing crank. He said there are no serious cosmetic issues and the finish is probably a 7 out of 10 - dull with a few scratches and a thin spot or two here and there, but no significant loss. He said the serial number is in the 9000 range, but he didn't remember the exact number. He also said the seller is very motivated, so hopefully he won't have his head in the clouds on price.

I know these have slipped some in price since Great Depression 2, but I was wondering what a fair offer would be to throw at them. Also, when was the switch made from the brass reproducer housing to the pot metal? This is a little outside the era I normally collect, but I think it may be a good opportunity to pick a decent example up at a good price. After hearing one a couple of years ago, I decided I had to have one of my own!

Clearly, you do need to have one!

I paid $500 for mine, all parts present, and in fine working order other than springs needing re-greasing, and needing a re-build on the reproducer.

Brass reproducer aside, a complete Credenza, with no major cabinet, finish, or mechanical issues, intact grille-cloth, needing only cleaning and polishing, and motor clean and re-lube, you're probably looking in the $200-$300 Ball-park.

The crank not being there makes it difficult to assess the condition of the motor.


A complete, needs-nothing, ready-to-put-in-your-living room Credenza, probably $400-$600 ( or more in a favorable market ). (less if you're just really lucky.)


The brass Orthophonic Sound Box ( OSB ) seems to be bringing around $300-$400 by itself these days.


Another factor would be the presence / absence of the original dark-brown "leather-bound" album folders. These tend to lose their spine covers. Not sure how much a complete set should add to the value of the machine, but trying to find them is tough.


Check-out the "Bun" feet - these are turned-down from composite ( glued-up ) blocks of wood, and if the machine has been in the damp, the glue fails, and the buns start to come apart. Not the end of the world, but a bargaining point.

Also look closely at the condition of the upper tone-arm bracket - these are frequently broken or ready to break ( swollen / crackly / crumbling ), Replacements are available, running around $75 or so.


Condition / integrity of the cabinet and finish are the biggest determining factors, in my opinion, as these are the most labor-intensive to repair and get right.

The mechanical bits are available.

If you can't play a record on it as-is, see if you can get it for less than $300-$350.

Got a little more info from my buddy. He'll be the one brokering this deal if it happens. I don't like not being there in person, but this guy is a fellow antique lover and classic car enthusiast, so I trust his judgement. I gave him a list of things to look for regarding condition.

One thing he said this evening concerns me. In place of the missing crank is one of those "Motrola" automatic winders. I've never had one of those, but I don't much care for the idea of something that's basically an AC motor adding tension to the springs every time the unit was used unless it automatically stopped once there was enough tension. Does anyone have one of these and are they rough on phonograph motors?

We'll see if this gets anywhere. I told him that sight unseen I wouldn't want to go any higher than $250 or so. Even though the Credenza is a nice machine, they aren't exactly rare.

There's a good thread on the Motrola here:

forum.talkingmachine.info/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=9029

Bill

Lucius1958 wrote:There's a good thread on the Motrola here:

forum.talkingmachine.info/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=9029

Bill

Thanks! I'm still not sure how I would feel about using one of these, but it would be an interesting item to have.

I haven't heard any more about this possible deal yet.

Just got an update. He closed the deal for $150!!

You guys on the left coast are lucky. Here in Los Angeles, the fruit doesn't hang as low on the branch. Here, a Credenza starts at $800 for a beater.

Here is a near mint one for $325 in Seattle. There are always Credenza's on CL.
http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/atq/5153363169.html

By the way....the Jones Motrola is worth at least $150 if in good condition.

zenith82 wrote:Just got an update. He closed the deal for $150!!

Sounds promising... pictures when you can...