The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Are these really worth this much??

http://cgi.ebay.com/Victor-Victrola-Bra ... 19c442b584

there have been quite a few of the brass orthophonic reproducers on ebay recently. It seems like there is never more than one at a time, which is interesting. the last 3 that I watched all went for over $400, so I won't be shocked when this one does as well.
Personally, I think the potmetal are fine as long as they are in good repair. If you have a potmetal that is broken you can get new castings made out of brass for less than the cost of an original brass reproducer.

I am certainly no expert in this arena (as many can attest to, I'm sure), but the 7 teardrop solid brass reproducers always seem to command a much higher price tag than its 9 teardrop pot metal counterpart.

I suppose it's a matter of personal preference, but having parts made of pot metal vs. those of brass myself, I would elect for the latter due to their increased longevity and durability.

Just my two cents, of course...

They are hard to find, I own 3 and a few pot metal ones. They go for huge money like the person said above. But it's always good to have 1 if you are lucky to get one, they sound very nice if in good working order or restored

Why not just buy a whole machine that has one with it? That's what's odd to me, is that you can buy the complete machine, sometimes for less money than these reproducers go for on ebay.

$200 to $400 has been the going price for years. You might be able to find a machine with one on it for good price if nobody has spotted it, but most dealers swap them out for a pot metal jobber and sell the brass reproducer separately.

In my opinion, the one in the auction quoted above is in very good condition (based on the pictures).

I have several brass ones that play great, I also have pot metal ones that play just as well. The brass ones look better in my opinion, but that's because I know what they are.

The asking price for brass Orthophonic reproducers is usually $300 to $350 at the phono shows. I own about 6 of them, and it is comforting to know that they will outlast me.

However, none of the 15 or 20 pot metal reproducers that I've owned for 20 to 40 years has gotten worse since I bought them. Either they crumbled early on, or they were exposed to extreme conditions (heat, cold) in attics, basements or unheated sheds. Also, the "RCA Victor" Orthphonics from around 1929 to 1932 or so seem to have held up well, and they haven't crumbled.

That's reasonable to cheap for a brass Orthophonic. Before the market slump they were getting more. Still, the brass itself doesn't make it better sounding than a well preserved pot metal one.

The one that started this thread just ended at $515.50. That's the highest price I've seen in a while.

Jim

phonojim wrote:The one that started this thread just ended at $515.50. That's the highest price I've seen in a while.

Jim

WOW! I have been thinking about selling an early Consolette that I have with a nickelled brass soundbox to make some room but I know damn well I wouldn't get that price for the entire machine.

Bill