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Ebay machine. . Info thanks
Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2016 5:19 pm
by Turruz
Hi At all... I'm watching this.. what do You think about it? Missing part? Something wrong (ovviusly need a complete restore)... But is This object Electric With cable o is manual by handle? Thank you.. this is The link
http://m.ebay.ie/itm/Columbia-Dicta-gra ... nav=SEARCH
Re: Ebay machine. . Info thanks
Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2016 5:32 pm
by Curt A
Forget this piece of junk... It is not a phonograph, but rather a Dictaphone. For the price and shipping you could buy a nice machine...
Re: Ebay machine. . Info thanks
Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2016 5:34 pm
by Turruz
What is The right Price for this machine?? Thank you
Re: Ebay machine. . Info thanks
Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2016 5:36 pm
by Curt A
Personally, I wouldn't buy it for any price...
Re: Ebay machine. . Info thanks
Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2016 6:19 pm
by Turruz
Why not?? Is Not important the dictaphone in The Story of the music? I don t know too much about this type of machine
Re: Ebay machine. . Info thanks
Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2016 6:46 pm
by Jerry B.
Entertainment machine have 100 or 200 threads per inch depending if it plays two minute or four minute cylinders. To the best of my knowledge, commercial machines are designed to record and play at 150 threads per inch. This means you can't play any pre-recorded entertainment cylinders. I believe that is why others are discouraging the purchase. Jerry Blais
Re: Ebay machine. . Info thanks
Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2016 6:56 pm
by Curt A
As Jerry mentioned, you cannot play any music or entertainment cylinders on this machine... it was designed for office use as a recording device for letters or correspondence. So, unless you like the historical office machines, like typewriters, adding machines, etc. for display only, it would not serve the purpose that most of us like... playing music. Besides, this machine is overpriced for what it is and the condition that it is in.
Re: Ebay machine. . Info thanks
Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2016 7:06 pm
by Curt A
Re: Ebay machine. . Info thanks
Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2016 7:11 pm
by TinfoilPhono
Even in excellent condition these are worth very little. That one appears to be in terrible condition, definitely not worth anywhere near that asking price. In fact I think it would be hard to sell an excellent one for that.
If you really want a Dictaphone for its historic interest (knowing that it wasn't made for entertainment and can't be used to play commercial cylinders) you'd be far better off looking for one that is in great original condition. They're not rare.
Re: Ebay machine. . Info thanks
Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2016 7:33 pm
by estott
TinfoilPhono wrote:Even in excellent condition these are worth very little. That one appears to be in terrible condition, definitely not worth anywhere near that asking price. In fact I think it would be hard to sell an excellent one for that.
If you really want a Dictaphone for its historic interest (knowing that it wasn't made for entertainment and can't be used to play commercial cylinders) you'd be far better off looking for one that is in great original condition. They're not rare.
I agree the price is high, but while Electric Dictaphones are common this one has a spring motor and a "COMMERCIAL GRAPHOPHONE" decal on the case. I'd guess it to be before WWI at least. and interesting if not strictly desirable.