How to Collect Phonographs

Phonograph collections usually start with the desire to play records or cylinders on original equipment. They can blossom into rooms full of odd looking boxes and furniture. Learning something about the devices that have been used to play music can help first-timers to make sound choices as they assemble a collection.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Investigate the cylinder era, when Thomas Edison and other early purveyors recorded on tin or wax cylinders. These machines look like a small radio or telegraph sets. Websites such as Tinfoil (see Additional Resources) provide information on sellers, repair shops and antique shows.

2. Price bell type phonographs by their completeness and working order. The most highly prized of these machines include original bell, crank and turntable. Many restored machines, such as those from Phonoplan or Mr. Phonograph (see Resources below), were made by Victor, Edison or Columbia. Some are crank type models while others use electricity; some are massive pieces of furniture while portable models can be disassembled and taken on a picnic.

3. Purchase later models by looking for record players or stereos. These come in all sizes and are made of wood, bakelite, plastic or chrome. They play mono, stereo, single discs or stacks. Some sets include other equipment such as a radio or television receivers. Suppliers such as AM Radios.com (see Resources below) restore sets and sell inexpensive reproductions.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a supply of needles for working machines because these wear out quickly and worn needles will damage a disk.

Resources

• Listen to early recordings at Tinfoil.
• Phonoplan features restored Victrolas.
• Mister Phonograph sells antique phonographs.
• AM Radios.com offers newer models.