The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

What rules of collecting do you live by? Do you focus only on one format? Do you buy only super rare items? What are your rules?
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Jerry's rule #1... My space is limited so I keep only record cabinets that I find interesting.

I have two rules:

1) Collect every side Bix Beiderbecke appeared on
2) Collect rare and unusual records. My Paul Whiteman picture disc, advertising duriums, test pressings and one of a kind oversized acetates testify to this

Interesting question. I think my number one rule is that I buy what I can comfortably afford, unless it's a relatively rare find at a decent price that I can afford if I scrimp a little for a while after purchase. I don't seek out rare items, unless an item I like HAPPENS to be rare. *laughs* Doesn't that happen frequently to a lot of us?

I don't stick to any one format, although at the moment I'm most interested in tracking down a few Diamond Discs that I would like for my collection. Besides DDs, I don't collect any non-standard 78s (like Pathé) or cylinders (inter, concert). For machines, I prefer all Edison machines and Victor Orthophonics. If the circumstances were right, I'd buy a Sonora or Columbia machine that I liked the looks of, but don't actively seek any out. Like most everyone else, I buy machines I find aesthetically pleasing. However, I have bought Edison machines to have an "example," i.e., Diamond Disc, Edisonic, Long Play Console.

As for space...Welllll...I run into the same issues most everyone else does. My favorites take up the prime spaces in the living room, etc., while the others are rotated out into the basement or attic (which is NOT set up to be a phono display area). I'm a pack rat anyway, and would prefer to put things I rarely use or don't have room for in storage rather than sell them.

Above all, it's "buy what you like," but the focus changes a little over time, such as from cylinders to DDs.

JHolmesesq wrote:1) Collect every side Bix Beiderbecke appeared on

nice. I attempted to try that with django reinhardt at one point, but it just got way too expensive.

My rule-set has evolved over the years. Starting from the beginning:

1 - Anything I could get my hands on regardless of price
2 - Anything I could get my hands on at a good price
3 - Anything I didn't have or anything I could get at a steal of a price
4 - Anything I don't have and have room for

I am currently at stage 4. I am fortunate enough to have a large area for my machines and records and I am out of space, so I have been passing by things that I would like to have. I have not yet reached the stage where I am ready to part with anything. I know that I will need to get this next stage but I am living in utter denial!

brianu wrote:

JHolmesesq wrote:1) Collect every side Bix Beiderbecke appeared on

nice. I attempted to try that with django reinhardt at one point, but it just got way too expensive.

Heh, I do cheat a bit. Re-pressings with the original labels count (so a good deal are excellent quality Parlophones) and Brunswick dubbings of his 1924 work with the Wolverines (since I'd never be able to afford a full set of Gennetts!)

My primary rule: I have limited space so the lesser machines have to
be sold. Nothing wrong with them, it just comes down to the fact that
I have to chose what to keep and what to let go. I also only buy at
a price I can make money on or at worst case break even on if I have to
liquidate.

Jerry's rule #2... Avoid duplicates. Duplicates don't make a collection more interesting.
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I suppose I break this rule in a way. I have three Vic II's but each has an incredible horn. One has a great all brass Search Light horn. Another is on a matching cabinet with a little oak horn. Still another has the nicest #17 black Victor horn I've ever seen.

Here are my rules:

1. I try to stay away from anything that has been repainted, refinished, etc. Obviously you have to make an exception once in awhile.
2. Every phonograph I take into my collection gets a motor cleaning, polish and lube as well as a reproducer rebuild.
3. I can only buy phonographs using money made from the hobby. This is more my wife's rule than mine!
4. I also have a "no duplicate rule". If I come across something that is better than the one I have, I have to sell the other first.

Jerry's rule #3... Follows the "Golden Rule". Treat and deal with others the way you would want to be treated. Really, this should be everyone's first rule of collecting. I agree with the person that said not to grind somebody that's already selling something at a good price. I've been a seller plenty of times and I hate it when someone asks for my best price. I'll give them a price and then they offer less. I don't deal with people that way and I don't tolerate that treatment from anyone.