The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have another phono coming at me, but being that I live in the boonies of Idaho, it is hard to know value. I have always wanted one of these, but it is in mahogany, and I would prefer oak. I haven't gone to look at it actual yet, but seller wants $200. What are these worth in todays market? Thanks in advance.
Dave

I'd say out where you live $200.00 wouldn't be out of line. $150.00 would great; $175.00 would be okay.
The case looks like it would clean up with some GoJo and scratch cover. The needle holders in the lid are handy and the side-winding crank indicates it's a late VV-50.
Bob

I'd offer $100 and see if he'll meet you in the middle, esp. if it's not exactly what you want.

I lived in the Sun Valley area for almost all of the '90s and yes, it's a wasteland for machines and records (unless you collect religious and hillbilly) out in Idaho. The dry high desert climate is hell on wooden cabinets.

Oregon seemed like an oasis after Idaho. Then again, Jerry B is right up the road apiece so maybe that has something to do with it.

Thanks for the advice. I am in the eastern side, so Sun Valley is even more boonie than I. There are a few machines in the area, but it is hard for me to get to a good phono show.
Dave

There is no veneer missing so that price is reasonable. As said above you should dicker a little on the price as it never hurts. Tom B

You may find this thread to be of interest:

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... lit=+types

The VV-50 is not a rare machine by any stretch, but it is very well made and sounds good. Because of this, prices have risen a bit over the last few years. $200 is fine for a clean one, but the one you are showing needs some cleaning up. I agree with the other poster who suggested starting at $100 and working up.

Wow, that was great. Thanks for that.
Dave

In my modest time in this hobby, paying $25 more than you would like,will mean nothing in the long run. If you own it for ten years, that is a couple dollars a year. It is cost of a dinner out. You will save the cost of postage too. If machines are few and far between, then grab it. See if you can get it for a bit less. You will enjoy it. That's what it is all about.

Everyone on this forum knows that $200 is a fair price for this VV-50. With very little work, this could be a nice machine; a keeper. Although I have no connection with this seller, here is an example of an excellent VV-50 currently on eBay. He is asking a fair $550. http://www.ebay.com/itm/232263673084?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

Everyone wants a good deal, including myself. I agree with miker2001. Sometimes, you just buy what you like. I hope that the bargain hunters who always want to beat-up the sellers realize that they are part of the reason that the value on perfectly nice and collectible phonographs have dropped by more than 50% over the past 10 years.

The one you posted from EBay is beautiful - looks brand new I myself prefer the oak version.