Anyone have a victrola

I have two - one a table top (that is in MINT original condition) and the other a console model that I paid an expert to recondition the spring, reproducer and felt. The wood is not in quite as good of condition as my table top model but I have chosen to leave it in original condition.

I always get a kick out of the fact that I have a high-end system worth a crapload of money yet when my wife and I have company (other than my audio buddies), the only "audio" component I ever play for them is one of these Victrolas because it's such a hoot and is so appreciated.

I didn't buy them as an investment (which for the most part the large majority of these old Victrolas are not) but just because I love how they look and I am always amazed by both Edison and his genius and that something over 100 years old with no electric parts still plays so reliably (when my multi-kilobuck high-end gear seems to break down if I even look at it crooked!).

Finally, there is nothing quite like hearing the big band era music on an old phonograph to transport one back to simpler days gone by. Days when your imagination was something you actually used!

I guess I am just getting old!

Mapman, you sure are bringing back memories for me too. WOW, I had almost forgotten about Dark Shadows.

I know that what is "expensive" is a relative term. However, given what many of us in this hobby are willing to spend on cables, let alone amps and speakers, many of these old Victrolas (not the original cone shaped horn units) are not all that expensive. You can get a pretty nice table top unit from the early 1900s for $250-$400 most of the time. Especially now, given the economy and the fact that our society is aging, many people sell them at garage sales or on the net. You just have to do a little research (see the post above with the link for a start) and try to avoid the junk or fakes.

My wife and I were on vacation in Seattle about 6 years ago and went to Widby Island (sp?). We were in a little antique shop and she saw the table top unit we now have. She knew I has always wanted one and told me to just buy it (it was $400). What shocked us was the outrageously good original condition it was in. I hesitated because of my concern about damage during shipping (I live in Michigan). So, I took the lid off, wrapped the lid and bottom in thick towels, packed them in two big duffel bags and carried them on the plane storing them in the overhead compartment. It was heavier than heck and a bear to carry but worth the effort as I never let it out of my sight so it didn't even get close to getting damaged!!! Too bad we can't do that with full range speakers!! ;-)

Take care!!