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Sonora phonograph from Italy
Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 4:12 pm
by Tobia
Good evening gentlemen,
I think that this machine is very rare here in Italy and I like it a lot. Can you tell me wich model is it? This is now for sale on ebay from an italian seller but unfortunately he started the auction at 13000 euros that is actually more than 18000 USD. The missing parts of the front grille are present. I'm not familiar with this brand but it seems a lot! What do you think about it and wich is a fair price for this phonograph in your country?
Thank you very much in advance.
Best regards,
Nicola
Re: Sonora phonograph from Italy
Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 5:51 pm
by Phonofreak
That machine is pretty scarce in the USA. I've seen these machines go for $750.00 - $1000.00 on a good economy. 13,000 euros is quite a bit of money. I think the starting bid is way out of line, in my opinion.
Harvey Kravitz
Re: Sonora phonograph from Italy
Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 7:07 pm
by OrthoFan
That looks identical to the Sonora Grand model illustrated on this site --
http://www.musicaltreasuresofmiami.com/ ... 2669728840
Another appears on the Mr. Victor site --
http://www.mrvictor.com/ (Click on "Phonograph Collection," and then on "Other Makers")
This would have been a top of the line (standard production) model, so $1,000.00 for one in an oak finish in the US market is not out of line.
I agree with Harvey, in Europe, even factoring in rarity, 13-K Euros seems "optimistic" on the part of the seller--especially considering the fact that the grille is damaged.
Re: Sonora phonograph from Italy
Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 7:17 pm
by VintageTechnologies
Tobia wrote:Part of the grill is missing. And, what is the matter with the tone arm? That knocks about 12,500 Euros from the value.
Re: Sonora phonograph from Italy
Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2011 6:05 am
by estott
I think the tone arm has just been pulled out of the socket- it's just a friction fit with no bearings (one of the cheap aspects of an otherwise expensive machine). It looks as if it's resting on part of the automatic stop. The big problem here is the broken grille- these are tough to repair since they are curved. If you are VERY lucky the broken pieces may be inside the case.
Re: Sonora phonograph from Italy
Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2011 6:44 pm
by Tobia
Thank you for your replies.
The missing pieces of the grille were present as I could see in a picture but the auction ended with no bids. You can easily understand why.
On Ebay Italy all the best phonographs are always overpriced. What a shame...
I still love that cabinet, the style is unique!
Bye,
Nicola