The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Congratulations to whoever picked this machine up.... very nice. Wish it was in my neighborhood!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... MEWAX%3AIT

Steve

I'd like one these one day. But only 4 minute records??
You would think the compatibility would be good for people
that might have wanted to upgrade or for some other reason
had lots of 2 minute cylinders. An extra reproducer and
gear change should have been peanuts on a high end machine.
I'll order mine in Circassian.

Skihawx wrote:I'd like one these one day. But only 4 minute records??
You would think the compatibility would be good for people
that might have wanted to upgrade or for some other reason
had lots of 2 minute cylinders. An extra reproducer and
gear change should have been peanuts on a high end machine.
I'll order mine in Circassian.

The motors are just so d****d quiet, and the fibre horns sound so good!

Back about 1970, I bought one in mahogany from an elderly couple who had received it as a wedding gift when it was new. It was absolutely flawless mint and had over 300 BA's all in original boxes with original lids and absolutely like new. I paid $65 for the whole deal. One of the finest machines I've ever owned.

I noticed in the listing's pictures that the autostop slide rod on the traversing mandrel base was missing. I wrote the seller but never got a reply.
I hope the new owner finds the part somewhere in the cabinet. Otherwise it'll cost a bit to buy a replacement when one comes up.
By the way, an Amberola III mechanism will drop right into the Amberola 1A cabinet, if you want to see how the fibre horn might sound.
Bob

If you want the option of playing two minute cylinders on a big Amberola, save your $$$ (and maybe another $!) for the 1-A. The 1-A and 1-B are the Cadillacs of phonographs. Jerry Blais

I agree - - the 1A and 1B are superb machines. The 1A's motor isn't as quiet, but it plays 2 & 4 minute records. The 1B has a very quiet motor, but plays only 4 minute. Tough choice - - unless you buy them both!

Also, this item is just another illustration that now is an excellent time to buy antique phonographs. It won't be long before that selling price will be a joke. Similar machines were selling for twice that not many years ago.

George P.

barnettrp21122 wrote:I noticed in the listing's pictures that the autostop slide rod on the traversing mandrel base was missing. I wrote the seller but never got a reply.
I hope the new owner finds the part somewhere in the cabinet. Otherwise it'll cost a bit to buy a replacement when one comes up.
By the way, an Amberola III mechanism will drop right into the Amberola 1A cabinet, if you want to see how the fibre horn might sound.
Bob

I was not seriously interested but also wrote the seller and never got a reply. Then I remembered that this was on eBAY about last May I think, missing the autostop and something else, can't remember what. Last time the seller did send me some better pictures after I requested them. I pointed out the missing pieces to the seller, ask some additional questions & more pics but never got a reply. I folowed up a couple times but no reply. I hope the purchaser had better luck than I getting more information and does not get an unpleasant hidden surprise...

phonogfp wrote:I agree - - the 1A and 1B are superb machines. The 1A's motor isn't as quiet, but it plays 2 & 4 minute records. The 1B has a very quiet motor, but plays only 4 minute. Tough choice - - unless you buy them both!

Also, this item is just another illustration that now is an excellent time to buy antique phonographs. It won't be long before that selling price will be a joke. Similar machines were selling for twice that not many years ago.

George P.

Assuming no hidden surprises, that price is a bargain. It would have sold for much more a few years ago. The 1A vs 1B decision is a dilema. Buying both is the only option imho...

it's definitely unfortunate when a seller fails to respond to questions or provide additional photos, etc. ... and I don't know any specifics about this particular situation, but still, as someone in the position of selling a few machines, I can appreciate reasons for the inadequate communications... it gets frustrating when potential "buyers" contact you, ask for more information, then more information, if not disappear, only to ask for still more information or photos when you follow up, only to, in the end, never buy a thing. I've just been through this with a couple of people in trying to sell my vic IV, one guy who described himself as a well known collector from ohio. I mean, it's tough enough trying to downsize or liquidate part of a collection in this market, but to deal with the time-consuming tedious nature of all the correspondence that goes with it becomes extremely disconcerting when you add up all the time that's been spent trying to unload something that, months later, you still own... especially when you try to make things easier and less time-consuming (by offering in-person inspections, or a phone number to discuss whatever by phone, even when that "buyer" ignores the same and refuses to provide any contact info beyond an email address). I'm all for full disclosure, but it's tough at times determining who's genuinely interested and who's just bored or something. apologies for the mild rant, but perhaps some here can relate.

If I recall correctly, there wasn't a reserve on this listing, so there was never any doubt it would sell. The seller's added effort was only to list the question that benefited a better sale and ignore the rest.
The issue of a seller's posting questions and answers selectively has always concerned me. I believed many collectors will not ask informed questions, knowing the seller can publish these, and thus affect the final bid. Good for the seller, bad for the collector who does his or her homework.
I've email Ebay, asking why a potential buyer can't check a box or something to block his questions from public view, but never got a reply except that my suggestion would be considered.
In a couple cases when I HAD to have some big-ticket item, I'd always arrange to phone the seller and have him/her do a walk-around while I asked questions. It's a really good way to sense the seller's knowledge, and more importantly, attitude in dealing with potential buyers. I'm happy to say that I've done great business with splended sellers in this fashion, and it's kept me from making some big mistakes.
Bob

brianu wrote:it's definitely unfortunate when a seller fails to respond to questions or provide additional photos, etc. ... and I don't know any specifics about this particular situation, but still, as someone in the position of selling a few machines, I can appreciate reasons for the inadequate communications... it gets frustrating when potential "buyers" contact you, ask for more information, then more information, if not disappear, only to ask for still more information or photos when you follow up, only to, in the end, never buy a thing. I've just been through this with a couple of people in trying to sell my vic IV, one guy who described himself as a well known collector from ohio. I mean, it's tough enough trying to downsize or liquidate part of a collection in this market, but to deal with the time-consuming tedious nature of all the correspondence that goes with it becomes extremely disconcerting when you add up all the time that's been spent trying to unload something that, months later, you still own... especially when you try to make things easier and less time-consuming (by offering in-person inspections, or a phone number to discuss whatever by phone, even when that "buyer" ignores the same and refuses to provide any contact info beyond an email address). I'm all for full disclosure, but it's tough at times determining who's genuinely interested and who's just bored or something. apologies for the mild rant, but perhaps some here can relate.

I'd agree with you completely on that. I don't have the time for an endless (and usually pointless) email exchange with a "potential" customer. I always provide my phone number right off the bat, it makes everything easier, and if a buyer is serious they will call you. Usually, they don't, especially with today's market. I've taken a break from trying to sell any machines at all lately because, quite frankly, I've gotten really sick of "tire kickers". I may be selling my house and moving to a bigger place within the year and I have no time to deal with that kind of crap right now.

Sean