The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello All!

I have been interested in Mechanical Music (Self Playing Instruments) for some time, and an interest for phonographs grew out of that passion. I would really love a phonograph, but know basically nothing about their history, mechanisms, and prices. I would love it if somebody out there in talking-machine-land could help enlighten me to the following:

1) What is a good starter machine? I don't need the top of the line, but I would like it to be able to play records from the late 20s and early 30s (I'm not very interested in wax cylinders and other early technologies). Since I live in a small apartment, the machine would need to be a portable model. I am interested in German, English and American records. Do I need separate machines to play all three types?

2) Are there any societies dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of these machines? I know in Mechanical-Music-Land there are many groups who publish journals about the hobby, and I was wondering if a similar case exists here. If so, could you all please leave links to their home pages?

3) What are the best ways to find out information about these machines? Is this forum the best place? Is there an e-mailing list somewhere where I can write in and then receive answers?

4) Where is a good place to find records? Is eBay the place to go, or is there another online marketplace that offers a better selection?

5) Is it wise to try and acquire a historical model of machine or is it better to try a modern machine? I have a modern turn table. Is there any way I can retrofit this machine to play 78RPMs?

6) Can someone either link to or write a basic description of how one of these machines work?

7) Am I missing a significant detail? Is there some hidden factor or component that I am totally missing?

I'm sure all these questions seem painfully obvious to someone "in the know," but to a noob in the hobby, these are still big mysteries for me. Any information is greatly appreciated.

Why Stravinsky
New York City

It is a good idea to include your location in your post. There are so many good people on The Forum willing to help sell or direct you towards a phonograph and/or records. WARNING---you will want to add another, then another machine, and Oh Yhea just one more to your collection.

This forum is a wonderful place to ask questions and get help. But, you should also check the Antique Phonograph Society pages. Membership comes with an invaluable journal and lots of researchable articles. There are also free articles for beginners that will likely answer most if not all of your initial questions.

https://www.antiquephono.org/

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

Since you live in New York, I suggest that you make it a point to check out the next Wayne, NJ Show which is coming up in about 6 weeks:

http://antique-sound.com/index.html

The above post is a good idea. The Victor Talking Machine Co. made several good portables.

Stravinsky... is your primary focus to play records, then? If so I have what may be a good solution for you to get the most versatility.

Is my primary focus to play records? Yes and No. Like, I would love to have an original machine, but if one is too expensive, too big, too hard to find, then I would be fine with a modern solution. What do you think?

Why Stravinsky wrote:Is my primary focus to play records? Yes and No. Like, I would love to have an original machine, but if one is too expensive, too big, too hard to find, then I would be fine with a modern solution. What do you think?

Well... the problem you may run into as a beginner is that there were "format wars"... regular lateral cut records, and two types of vertical cut records too... "sapphire" types like Pathé, early OKeh, Rex, etc., and then there are Edison Diamond Discs.

I have my trusty old Dual 1009 changer from the 1960s set up to play all types, plus it can play more modern records like LPs and 45s as well. Since the 1009 has cartridge "sleds" that are easily interchangeable, it's easy to set a designated "sled" up for each type. If you have an amp or receiver that has a mono/ stereo switch that helps also.

This way you have one more compact machine that can play almost any format so you can start serious record collecting and figure out which format(s) you prefer, and THEN start shopping for a vintage machine to play that format.

If you are into classical music at all you'll want a machine capable of playing LPs in my opinion... while there was a LOT of really great music of these genres recorded during the 78 RPM era, the apex (for me, anyways) is the early 1950s through about 1964 "Hi-Fi" and early stereo era. The clarity and fidelity is just amazing, especially on RCA "Shaded Dog" releases and on a lot of European releases too.

If going this route sounds good PM me and I can help you out.

I will second AZ's suggestion, come to the Wayne show. It's I believe something like 20 miles from NYC and it's a great time. Many of us travel hundreds of miles twice a year just to go. You'll get to see an amazing selection of machines and there are literally tens of thousands of 78s and cylinders to browse through. You also will find a generally nice group of people that will be more than happy to talk with you about the hobby.

Sean

Why Stravinsky wrote: 1) What is a good starter machine? I don't need the top of the line, but I would like it to be able to play records from the late 20s and early 30s (I'm not very interested in wax cylinders and other early technologies). Since I live in a small apartment, the machine would need to be a portable model. I am interested in German, English and American records. Do I need separate machines to play all three types?

s

What do you got against wax cylinders and earlier technologies? Just not interested of music from the acoustic age?

Anyway for a historic Portable machine I’d suggest a VV-2-60, VV-2-55 or a VV-2-65 for records of the latter 1920s and earlier 1930s. But beware if you buy one off of eBay because they have pot metal parts that can get broken in shipping. Trust me. I had a not so great experience last year buying a 2-55 and it was the only time I’ve ever given someone negative feedback on eBay.
And if you get any of the Machines I listed, there are members of this board that will restore your soundbox to get it playing in tip top condition.