The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I'll bet for many of us who own multiple machines, that's probably most of us, the favorite machine we own may or may not be the most expensive one in our collection.

Just an observation based on my seeing relatively inexpensive machines prominently displayed (and used) by collectors I know.

I agree.

My "favorite" changes with my mood. Some of my more expensive machines are important milestones in the development of talking machine, but they really aren't the best performers (e.g., Berliner trademark machine, rigid arm Victor, etc.) so they are rarely played.

My favorite machine (and only valuable machine) is of course my HMV 202. It's big & beautiful, and out performs any other internal horn machine made. It also has great sentimental value to me, as it was bought for me by my father for xmas when I was 15, and came from a now deceased collector & friend, who helped me alot in my early days of collecting, and taught me motor repairs etc.
The other 50? machines I have would be regarded by most collectors as complete trash, but each and every one gives me pleasure, and that's the ONLY thing that really matters.
Second & third place would have to go to the Rexonola 60 I used for Featured Phonograph No.54, and my little Amberola 30. I would never part with them either.

Since I'm more of a record rather than a machine enthusiast (mostly due to lack of money) my favourite machine is the only one I own - a dinky Columbia 109a portable. Together with a clock maker he helped me take it apart at university. It's such an enriching feeling restoring machines yourself

This may sound strange to some.However,I play at least once a week (if not more) my "hot-air" machine.It's not my most expensive machine but, one of my rarer models (being the only #205).It is so easy to use and no winding,etc......As long as I watch it so I don't burn down the house.....it's all good!!!! .I guess I should use my Victrola 17 more but,I don't.

g'shane, I just googled up "HMV 202" and am listening to your machine render the Gigli "Canta Pe'Me." Fabulous tenor, fabulous machine! I'm jealous.

Now I'll have to put Caruso's "Celeste Aida" on my XI to make me feel better; it always blows me away.

Mine varies as my favorite machine always seems to be the next machine I add to my collection

Brad there is a lot of truth in that. I don't know how many times I have played the same old records on new machine and enjoyed just hearing the sound come forth. Since I have eliminated most all of the large machines I once had I am now down to a cluster of Full sized Edisons and my trusty Brunswick upright, plus I think three portables. My brunswick is fine for nearly all my Pathé and standard cut records.. As to which Edison I am most fond of. Well that is a hard one. I just recently got though restoring that Edison William and Mary Console which was years ago the first ever Edison Machine I owned. All the Edisons now are from the past few years when I started to get into them again. I put the console in the living room, but my home is narrow and the only wall for it is the one that plays across the room which limits the sound. If I had it in another location I might be more pleased as the sound is good out font, but I really miss having a machine such as the S 19 or even Chippendale upright playing long way to the two rooms and though out the house. I hate to even say it but I think a William and Mary Upright might be even a better deal sound wise since it too could sit facing the long sound pattern. I would have to say for now the best machine that gets the most play is the C 19 over in moms basement where I walk every day..

I have no victor cabinet machines any longer and now and then I get the urge to once again try one with the #2 reproducer to see what it will do. I see a wonderful what appears to be large victrola at an upcoming auction, but its probably going to go for way more than I would want to pay?

Larry

All valid points. I hate to admit it, but the passions we feel about things we pursue often cool once they become things we possess. That's human nature, I suppose.

But why would anyone allow market value to determine one's favorite talking machine (or anything else)? That would be surrendering what should be a personal preference to the tastes and whims of others. Doesn't sound like it's a problem on this board!

George P.

phonogfp wrote:All valid points. I hate to admit it, but the passions we feel about things we pursue often cool once they become things we possess. That's human nature, I suppose.

But why would anyone allow market value to determine one's favorite talking machine (or anything else)? That would be surrendering what should be a personal preference to the tastes and whims of others. Doesn't sound like it's a problem on this board!

George P.

Amen to that!