The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

So I saw a decent looking Victrola upright on Facebook for $50. I do not need another machine but being the phonograph addict I am I went to check it out. Nice condition quiet running VV-80 with about 150 older 78's. When I was ready to discuss price the lady say's "I have an older one downstairs I will sell also". So we trudge down the stairs and in the corner is an Edison C-19, in very good condition with about 20 diamond discs. So I asked her what she wanted for the pair she said "make an offer". So I said "how about $75". She said that would work so I reached into my wallet to pay her and found I only had $63 with me. She blurted out "$63 is fine". So.....now I have two more machines I didn't really need. When does this madness end?

Stetam

It doesn't.

About 2 years ago I saw a 4-C Edison Long Play Console at Wayne, beat up, but restorable, with good reproducers, working LP gearing, double reproducer holder, etc. I wanted to buy it, but it's a monster in size, basically like a C-19 turned sideways. For a few brief moments, I seriously contemplated bringing it home, even though I'd probably have to discard my bed and sleep on top of it.

It's very easy to be a bit of a "hoarder" and want to "rescue" everything that comes your way. I'd suggest finding out what you really like and then specialize in that, or perhaps limit yourself to one of each "type", whatever that may mean to you. For example, I have one Diamond Disc machine, one Victor acoustic, one Victor Orthophonic, etc. that I'm keeping.

52089 wrote: It's very easy to be a bit of a "hoarder" and want to "rescue" everything that comes your way. I'd suggest finding out what you really like and then specialize in that, or perhaps limit yourself to one of each "type", whatever that may mean to you. For example, I have one Diamond Disc machine, one Victor acoustic, one Victor Orthophonic, etc. that I'm keeping.

Same here. I made a rule for myself when it comes to floor model Victrolas. Only buy machines with 3 or 4 spring motors and gold plated hardware.

I sold my LC-38 and two Vv-XIs because I’ve replaced them with a C-19 and a Vv-111. I don’t know how long I’ll have my VV 8-4 because of my most recent purchase. (Thread on it later.)

But i'm pretty darn happy with my C-19 and VV-111. They had the largest horns and most springs in their motors for an upright machine. I know there are better acoustic era Victrola and Diamond Disc models out there. But with the exception of the Edisonic machines, all they got going for them is a prettier cabinet and maybe more record storage space.

52089 wrote:It doesn't.

About 2 years ago I saw a 4-C Edison Long Play Console at Wayne, beat up, but restorable, with good reproducers, working LP gearing, double reproducer holder, etc. I wanted to buy it, but it's a monster in size, basically like a C-19 turned sideways. For a few brief moments, I seriously contemplated bringing it home, even though I'd probably have to discard my bed and sleep on top of it.

It's very easy to be a bit of a "hoarder" and want to "rescue" everything that comes your way. I'd suggest finding out what you really like and then specialize in that, or perhaps limit yourself to one of each "type", whatever that may mean to you. For example, I have one Diamond Disc machine, one Victor acoustic, one Victor Orthophonic, etc. that I'm keeping.

I need to follow that rule

Stetam

Following rules is overrated.

My rule is a simple (and vaguely flexible). In order for a floor model to come into the house, a floor model must leave. So, if I find a floor model that is nicer or more appealing than something I currently own, its a keeper, but somethings gotta go. Of course, there are a couple that probably will never leave-a family VTLA and beautiful almost pristine VV 8-35X. Most any other machine stands a chance of being replaced.

Good Luck with your condition.

Matt

My only standard rule is that nothing shall be stacked atop something else, in a manner which prevents another machine from use.

Best,
Fran

I am powerless over gramophones and my life has become unmanageable.

Skihawx wrote:Following rules is overrated.

I agree! A little (or at times a lot) of chaos and owning a zillion machines can be fun. I spent years rescuing everything and worried about space after. Now I'm going in the opposite direction. For the first time in 20 years, I can now park my little RAV 4 in my garage. At one time I had over 200 machines. I don't know what I'm down to right now, but I think I'm under 100 and going down by many more.

Sean

I think I'll be happy just to have one good top of the line model for every type of record.

Examples:

A Victor VI - for an outside horn disc machine.

An Edison Triumph D with a Cygnet or Amberola 1A - for Cylinders.

A Victrola XVI, XVII, XVIII, XX or VV 111, 120, 125 or 130 -For an acoustical cabinet machine.

An Edison A-250, B250. C-250. or C-19, or an Edisonic - For Diamond Discs.

A Victor Credenza, 8-7, 8-8, 8-9, 8-35, 8-60, or Columbia 800 series, or a Brunswick Cortez. Or if you're very lucky an HMV 194 or 202 -For early electrics.

And a Pathé Actuelle for vertical cut discs.

Right now I have my need for a Diamond Disc machine, Acoustic cabinet model, And an early electric model satisfied.

And now that I have a Credenza coming soon, the only machines i'm looking for now are a Triumph 2/4 minute, Amberola V or 50, Pathé actuelle, and a Vic IV, V, OR VI and that's about it.