The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I woke from a horrid dream where years went by and I had sold all but one of my Victrolas. Gone was the L door, Schloss cart IX, table tops, etc. Now that I have awakened I am on a search for machines again but it seems most of the old dealers I knew are hard to find. Can anyone message me with reliable dealers or sources? I tried ebay but got a dressed up rust bin. Anyone in North Florida area?

Where have all the good machines gone!? I did put a post on the trader….

Hope y’all are well!

I'd suggest you plan to attend one or more phonograph shows. The big annual Illinois show is coming up. The Orlando show is in January. There are others too.

You'll also find links to dealers in the Links section of the board.

I have a VV-50 that I am thinking of selling. I will pm details and pics if you are interested.

Jim

Thanks for the info! Orlando bound!

Sent you a message, Jim

There’s lots to do in Orlando, but alas, no phonograph show is planned or scheduled unless somebody picks up the torch and runs with it. The last few shows (pre-COVID) were poorly attended and both of the show’s organizers have health problems and will not be putting together another.

Raphael

Got your pm, will try to get pics out tonight, tomorrow at the latest.

Wow... That's just crazy...No Orlando Phonograph show...! That's just sad.. Someone has to pick up the torch for Central Florida...!!!

I live here in Melbourne, Florida... I'm more of a Collector and Repairer/Restorer and not a Dealer......but I guess that it really doesn't take a Dealer to organize a show...

I hope that someone steps up to do it..... Also, Maybe the key is to also have it more than once a year.... At least twice a year would be good enough IMHO... Having it once a year is too few..

How many tables are usually had per show... Anyone know?!?? 40? 50? more??

)

Tony K.

Always easy to suggest somebody else to do the hard work and lose money at at to boot. These shows, as far as I can tell, are a labor of love. Find and book a decent venue, rent tables and booths, promote the show, run the show, deal with the vendors, and hope for enough revenue to at least break even. I've run the numbers and nothing adds up. Remember, the Donley's had their own venue and still gave up the business. The recent North Carolina event had a grand total of five dealers and a handful of admissions. The way things are going, this past week's MidWest show may be a one-and-done.

Raphael

Raphael is right - - if there was money in it, more promoters would be doing them. That's the huge advantage of the APS shows - - they don't need to make money on them. Membership dues, donations, and admission cover most of the show costs. It's part of the organization's mission, and another good reason to join the APS:

https://www.antiquephono.org/join-us-home/

George P.