Newbie's question: How to choose my first phonograph?

[ewok]

This is my first post!
I am a classical musician and have been collecting 78 rpm records even before having a real talking machine.
In my search for a phonograph to purchase, I have come across several for sale (all in playable conditions) locally. What should I consider in choosing my #1 machine? There are gramophones of European (off) brands for sale in my area. Are they good choice for the #1 machine? Or, should I look for an American one (Victor, Columbia, or Brunswick)? I've came across a professionally restored Brunswick, can that be a good #1 machine?

[bbphonoguy]

A Brunswick with an Ultona head would be a good machine for someone who is interested in playing their record collection, since it will play both vertical and lateral cut records. Also, since Brunswicks are pretty common, it would not be difficult to find parts if the need arose.

It would be easier to give advice if you could tell more about the machine, and what you hope to do with it (display vs. play).

[ewok]

I have come across 4 machines locally within the price range I plan to spend.

(1) Brunswick "Stratford" (according to a photo on this forum), professionally restored. $300

(2) Victor Victrola VV 4-40. Beat-up finish (a lot of claudiness on the finish) and the legs are missing. $300

(3) Alba (upright), beat-up finish and deep chip on the veneers. $200

(4) Dulcetto (upright), beat-up finish and missing some wood deco. $250

The prices are all after negotiation. The restored one costs only about$ 50-100 more than the rest. I would like the phonograph to be for play but it will be placed in my living room.
(Unfortunately, all of the sellers are NOT collectors and know little about how a phonograph works.)

[David Spanovich]

I have come across 4 machines locally within the price range I plan to spend.

(1) Brunswick "Stratford" (according to a photo on this forum), professionally restored. $300

(2) Victor Victrola VV 4-40. Beat-up finish (a lot of claudiness on the finish) and the legs are missing. $300

(3) Alba (upright), beat-up finish and deep chip on the veneers. $200

(4) Dulcetto (upright), beat-up finish and missing some wood deco. $250

For the 4-40, $300 would be a fair price if it were in EXCELLENT condition. A more appropriate asking price would be "free at the curb." These actually do sound quite good, once restored, but if it's missing the legs, it's probably only good for a "hope chest."

I'm not that familiar with the other two, but from what you described, the Brunswick might be your best bet, providing the finish was done properly, and it has all it's correct parts.

(Unfortunately, all of the sellers are NOT collectors and know little about how a phonograph works.)

Sounds like 95 percent of all people who sell antique phonographs. (Present company--this board's members--excluded, of course.)

DS

[estott]

I would say the Brunswick is the best of the lot- IF the restoration is indeed Professional and includes properly rebuilding the reproducer.

The VV 4 40 is a fine machine as far as performance goes, but $300 is far too high if the legs are missing- it would be worth less than $100 here in the states and most of that value would be in the parts. If the Orthophonic sound box is in poor condition that would further devalue the machine.

I have limited experience with Alba and Dulcetto machines but some of them can be good- both of them were typical makes aimed at middle class households where the appearance of the cabinet was sometimes more important than the sound. If they have bad cabinet issues I would not pay $200 or $300, especially if there are mechanical restorations needed.

A good machine for a new collector would be a quality table top machine- the better ones will give nearly as good a performance as a smaller floor model. An HMV 109 is a good starting machine- it can handle acoustic records and electric recordings through the early 1930's very well.

[Valecnik]

The best way to choose your first phonograph is s l o w l y. There are plenty of them our there and prices are better than they've been in years, (for buyers) so don't rush. I think you could do better with $300 than any of the options proposed so far. Educate yourself, ask more questions. Take your time is my advice.

[ewok]

I came across an CL ad today about a Victor M for sale in my city.
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/atq/2993632346.html
It's not what I am looking for at this stage, but in case someone may be interested.
I haven't seen any picture yet and I am not sure about its condition. It's strange that the seller did not put any word like phonograph, gramophone, turntable, or record player in the CL listing title.

[ewok]

Finally I brought home my first phonograph, a Brunswick York model.
My decision is based on the condition of the machine and how it sounds.
To me, Brunswick machines with Ultona and wood horns sound better with a more "woody," or I should say, "classical" tone.
Maybe that's my own taste and I could be wrong.

The previous owner took very good care of the phonograph. The only thing missing is one of the needle cup holders. Where can I find one?

[FloridaClay]

Very nice! It would be a good addition to any collection.

As for the missing needle cup, George Vollema of Great Lakes Antique Phonograph has an amazing stock of old parts.

http://www.victroladoctor.com/

It is rare that I need something that he can't come up with and prices are generally reasonable.

And of course there is always eBay.

Clay

[estott]

Beautiful machine- Brunswick paid a lot of attention to detail. It would appear that you have the sapphire ball stylus for Pathé discs, but that your Ultona does not have the additional stylus and diaphragm for Edison discs.