The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello,
This machine is for sale locally. The seller is firm at $250. The case will need to be refinished. It still has the original grill. The bed plate looks like it would clean up well. Only part missing is the crank. Do you think it is worth it? How much do you think a crank might cost? It is also a four hour return trip from my house.
Thanks
Pete

Looks to me like a nice machine. At that price if it was near me I would be in the car already.

Andreas

When it comes to the Amberola V, I've paid more for less. Go get it!

alang wrote:Looks to me like a nice machine. At that price if it was near me I would be in the car already.

Andreas

I agree with Andreas.

It's hard to tell from the pictures but there looks to be glimpses of oak grain in the wood. If it is oak, it's even a much better deal.

This thread should be about how you brought home a Amberola V in oak at a great price.

Larry Crandell

Hello,
Yes I believe the Amberola V is Oak which will make it easier to refinish. The missing crank was a worry to me as I imagine they are not easy to find. The seller was asking $250. I offered $200 and he accepted but with this addition. The machine is fresh from an estate that he is cleaning out. It will take several months to complete the task. As the machine was purchased new by the original owners of the home he believes that there is a very good chance that the crank will turn up in a drawer somewhere. He has asked me to pay an extra $50 for the crank should he find it. I have agreed to this. I pick the machine up this Friday and will post more pictures then.
Pete

Congratulations Pete! I'm looking forward to pictures of your new addition.

Andreas

Look under the horn for the crank, they might have dropped it under the grille behind the bedplate. That's where the crank was on the one I had a long time ago. Those are very nice machines and the shut-off thing is nice too. I think the Opera was the only other cylinder machine that Edison bothered to put one of those on. Your grille looks to be in good shape too. Those are often falling apart or missing.

Looks like a nice Amberola. With some GoJO and polish this should clean up nicely. I would clean up the motor, lube and adjust as necessary. I would also have that reproducer checked out by Steve Medved which does an awesome job in rebuiling Edison Diamond reproducers.

Great find. This model isn't too common. I am sure that you will have it all cleaned up and running in no time. I have to agree to look inside the cabinet for the crank. I have found them there many times.
Ken

I have many different models of Edison Diamond Disc Phonograph here and, at the risk of condemnation by purists, I just tried a small variety of cranks from several of the more common Diamond Disc models and they fit just fine in one of my Amberola V's. So...if your Amberola V crank doesn't turn up you can try using one from a Diamond Disc Phonograph which are far more plentiful than an original Amberola V crank. The crank throw and shaft length will differ slightly but the thread pitch seems to be the same and there's plenty of crank throw room on an Amberola V. This might at least allow you to enjoy it until the correct crank turns up.

Doug