The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have the opportunity to purchase an Edison Amberola 30. I'm only experienced in owning disc machines to this point-Pathé, Victors, Silvertone, etc. Is $150 a good price for an Amberola that has a working motor (although I think it needs a rebuild-relube), that plays, and has a lid but the lid has 2 quarter size missing veneer pieces on each side and a much larger one missing from the top? Anything in particular I should watch out for with this model? Thanks for all your help.

Nick Charles wrote:I have the opportunity to purchase an Edison Amberola 30. I'm only experienced in owning disc machines to this point-Pathé, Victors, Silvertone, etc. Is $150 a good price for an Amberola that has a working motor (although I think it needs a rebuild-relube), that plays, and has a lid but the lid has 2 quarter size missing veneer pieces on each side and a much larger one missing from the top? Anything in particular I should watch out for with this model? Thanks for all your help.

Without seeing pics I'd say it's likely an OK price with the condition issues you're noting but not a screamin' deal unless it comes with lots of records.

I'd say $15o is a very fair deal...even without any records...if the machine is all complete.

The Reproducer alone sells for $135-$150 in good shape. If the machine is complete and working... I'd say go for it... You can always pick up a better case or case parts later on ebay.. The model is very robust and easy to fix..and parts are still relatively plentiful. There are 3 different series of the Amberola 30, Series 1, Series 2 and Series 3... So all the parts are not the same as far as the case goes, but mechanically, All the machines are basically the same with minor variations from 1915 to 1925.. during its 10 year production run..though it was sold up to 1929 when Edison Closed, I believe manufacture of it ended 4 years earlier in 1925. Edison still had plenty of the machines on hand in its stock up to its last year right before they closed their doors.

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

Not to be a damper, I'd say no. Sure, may be an OK price for what it is, but why not put the money into a machine that does't have any issues? If the missing veneer bothers you, it will probably end up costing you more--both in dollars and time--to get a replacement case or lid. It's often better to bite the bullet up front rather than spend time and money chasing after missing parts. In the long wrong it can be cheaper. And you will have something you like.

Thanks for the input. The two opposing perspectives sum up my considerations rather succinctly. I'm only into preserving/restoring disc machines thus far, so I've decided to pass on buying the cylinder player. My current outlook will probably change over time as I've discovered the antique machine bug is highly infectious and resilient in its ability to mutate.