The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I found a new owner for a VV-XIV and a pile of 78s. I offered it for free to someone that wants their first phonograph. He is very excited to get into this hobby. He also went home with a nice Edison Banner Standard and records. I also mentioned this site and the APS site for him to consider joining. Welcome to this hobby Mike!!!!

Way to go!

James.

This is a great way to keep the interest going in the hobby!
Don

I see a vintage car lurking in his garage. He is clearly an enthusiast. Welcome to our hobby.

That car is mine. It is a 1930 Model A Ford Town Sedan. I also have a 1930 Model A Coupe.

Awesome!!

Atta boy.....

I definitely don't want to poo-poo this but rather share a story that happened to me.

I pick up phonographs for free, I fix them up, and then just sell them online for what I have into them. I picked up a VV-XI that simply needed the springs cleaned and new gaskets for the reproducer (Oh, and a new speed indicator shaft which I got here!). I ended up selling it on FB for $35 (less than the cost of just selling the repaired reproducer and/or just the knobs!). I found a couple that was SO excited to get this machine, of all the folks who wrote to me (and there was a TON), they were the most concise about setting up a time and not being squirrelly about picking it up.

Short story I was doing a search on FB a week later and there's the machine now listed for $300. Now, are they ever going to get that? No. But I thought I was doing something nice, just putting working machines back out into the world so they don't end up on the curb or the trash, not charging for my time, and hoping they went into the hands of folks that would be excited to get into a new hobby. Instead it got into the hands of up-sellers. Now, you can do what you want with your stuff, it's yours once you hand over the $. Just know that some people's hobbies are finding stuff for cheap and attempting to make a profit. No harm, no foul, but not how I thought the story would end.

Next time I'll list it for $75 and maybe I'll at least field fewer "Is this still available?" messages that go unanswered when I respond...

I have often thought of that scenario as well. So far, It hasn't happened to me after giving away almost a dozen phonographs. I understand that risk but still pursue getting more younger individuals interested in old phonographs. It has also grown membership into our local phonograph club. Don't get too discouraged by a few bad players.

Phono-Phan wrote: Tue Sep 26, 2023 10:48 am I have often thought of that scenario as well. So far, It hasn't happened to me after giving away almost a dozen phonographs. I understand that risk but still pursue getting more younger individuals interested in old phonographs. It has also grown membership into our local phonograph club. Don't get too discouraged by a few bad players.

+1