The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have always been in the acquisition mode and have never parted with any of my collection. The kids are grown and launched and we are making the first moves towards downsizing our household.

I have in my collection about a dozen project machines that I just don't see myself getting to and we need the space. Given that they are project machines, they all need something from minor parts to major rehab. They are, for the most part, common machines, nothing particularly unusual or rare.

So my main question is: How to best go about disposing of these machines?

Where would I have the best chance of a fair price: Craigslist? Local Flea Market? Local auction house? Yankee trader? Wayne show? George Vollema?

What strategy would lead to quickest sale?: Should I spend time and some money making them playable? Sell as is? Part out? Sell as a group? Individually? Market one at a time, or all at once?

I have always preferred to buy at auction as the prices tend to be lower (good for the buyer), however, as a seller, not so favorable other than it has a very good chance of selling.

I know a lot of the board members sell machines so I am looking for experienced words of wisdom.

Thanks.

I'm in the same boat as you with projects, I have too many and I've been sorting out stuff and trying to figure out just what to do with at least 10-15 big machines, nothing rare or scarce, but still some nice things. In the Spring, I'm going to put a couple on Craigslist, but with the market the way it's been (at least around here), the stuff doesn't seem to move very quickly!

I've done the local auction route in the past and taken major baths, I'd advise against that.

Not much, but I hope it helps!

Sean

I am also in the same boat and am planning on getting rid of my project machines. We are due in a few weeks with our third little one, (all of which will be under 3 years old!) so I know I won't have time in the near future for these project phonos.

Maybe those of us who are looking to get rid of project machines can start by posting pics of them on this thread or in the Yankee Trader section in case someone from the board would be interested. Here is the load I need to lighten.
I would be happy to let them go for less than I have in them which is very little. I just need the space very soon so they have to go. If anyone has any interest in one or more of these machines feel free to send me a PM. Ok, Brad and Sean, your turn. : )

I am usually looking for projects Brad but we are pretty far apart since I am in California.
Maybe small machines if you are not adverse to mailing.

I would think the smaller machines and parts would do well in the Yankee Trader section as these would not be so costly to ship. I see machines listed all the time on Ebay or even Craigs list that would be of interest to me but most are too far away to pick up and shipping a big machine is just too costly. You'd have more into it then it's worth. By the way, anyone have a motor and turntable for a Standard A disc machine that they're looking to get rid of in their project machines ?

Has anybody ever had any luck selling their common machines at a local consignment shop? I've been toying with this idea---just get the machine to look nice and play decently, but not worry about proper albums, accessories, or polishing out the crazed finishes. Other than the risk of theft of parts, it gets a nice machine, say Victrola XIV, out in sight and maybe inspires someone to begin their own collection. Or is this all just wishful thinking?

With project machines you have a much narrower market, so I would think a specialized board, like this would probably have the best results, although, if common or off brand, that might make it rough. For the machines with little work, it might be best to do the little work, and be able to sell them to a broader market. The wife and I tend to have a yard sale every year, and I try to put a machine or two every year. We live in a DC suburb (in a historic district, which also helps), and a fairly well traveled road, so we get quite a bit of foot traffic. Over the years I've picked up a few project machines that usually require a little work, and let me flip it for about $100 profit. The people who buy them are more looking for the conversation piece that compliments their old home, so I've had luck selling fairly common machines that a collector would have no interest in (although I do tend to stick with Victor brand machines, which people quickly idenitfy with).

I think the problem you're going to face is you have project machines that would require a collector's touch to get up and running, but the machines you have are better suited for the decorator than the collector. Either way, good luck (got any Victor machines in that stash? we have another yard sale coming up )

I purchased 2 project machines from the Yankee Trader section in the last year or so and really appreciate the opportunity to buy with an honest description and realistic price expectation. Also people on this forum typically know how to ship their machines so they arrive in one piece. Lots of machines that are common and of little interest for the experienced collectors here are still very interesting for me and probably others new to the hobby. Even large machines could be interesting if they are in my neck of the woods. So I appreciate everyone who posts here in Yankee Trader, even though I cannot buy them all unfortunately.
Andreas

Hello,

I am new to this site and have enjoyed reading all the advice and discussions.
I enjoy restoring outside horn machines (as stated above - the smaller machines) for my collection. If you have any of the smaller outside horn machines and able to ship to Canada I would be willing to take a serious look at your offer.

Thanks

Bruce

Basically it may not be very economically sensible but if I have very little into something I am collecting and need the space I tend to sell it very cheaply to move it on or give it to someone or even just get rid of it. To me the space is more valuable than a bunch of useless items even if they are somewhat collectable. The trouble usually is to whom?
I think my first attempt if its really a junker might be to place some of the better parts on ebay which often now has no charge to list unless something sells and if it runs a while an no one bites then you can pretty much figure its a loss. On the other hand one never knows when something is just what someone is looking for and may do quite well as a part. Right now the market it as everyone is saying, very slow, so prices are probably not going to be very high for odd items not highly collectable.
Last weekend bought a nice selection of orthophonic an other records at a sale for a pretty fair price. They happened to come in old drawers to what most likely is a victor machine? I didn't need them so I put them on ebay and I have not a clue as to wether they will sell but it will be fun to see what happens. Too bad they didn't have the whole set of them.

Larry