The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello!
I always scan through my local classifieds every day for phonographs. I already own a A-100 but saw this one come up. I would not be very excited to own a duplicate machine but I could restore this one properly and resell it. I would like to know what you think this machine is worth purchasing for. It has a good stylus and spring, keep in mind I purchase my last A-100 for $45.00. My other one was a mess, but I am in the process of restoring it.

Thanks

If you would enjoy restoring another A-100, go for it. Is it worth your cost, time and effort when a restored machine in good shape is worth around $150 to $200? At $200, it might be a hard sell. It's kind of like a bicycle I bought for $50. I spent another $40 for tires and tubes, $30 on decals, $20 to true the wheels, and about eight hours to clean and polish the frame, polish the rims and all bright parts, re-grease the front wheel bearings, head bearings, and crank bearings, and service the coaster hub. I had $140 invested and eight hours of labor and the bike sold for $180. Logic would tell you it was not worth a profit of $40 for all that effort but I felt good about saving an old Schwinn. Someone is enjoying a classic bike that was close to being scrap. Make sense? Jerry Blais

Diamond disc players seem to be a tough sell now. My guess is the cost of diamond discs and their
lack of local availability is a factor. I think Jerry's estimate of $150 to $200 restored is right on.
There is always a satisfaction for restoring a machine however. I have broke-even on a couple machines but
still felt good about the accomplishment.

Jerry and Antique1973 make good points. Their comments should help you with your situation. Remember that Diamond Disc records are fairly common, but usually more expensive than common 78 rpm records made during the same time in history.

My impression is that the Edison Disk machines and the records are more highly prized outside the US than here. I think that's interesting. Even the low end machines were built with quality in mind. Jerry Blais

Thanks for all your help.
I thought over this and with gas prices in mind, I believe this probably is not worth my while. I will focus on the restoration I am working on and let this machine pass by.

All The Best
Brad