Restoration Services around New York

[SteveM]

Hello,

 

I am a newbie here and was hoping to get some suggestions about restoration/repair services in the New York area.

 

I am currently hunting for some Edison cylinder models around the net, and of course on ebay.  I noticed several sellers saying their machines could use an overhaul, and so whichever machine I end up purchasing I will want to send it out for a cleaning & lube & whatever it takes to restore it to its former glory.

 

My google search turned turned up a business in Franklin Lakes, NJ, called "Old World Furniture Restoration."  Their website says they do music box and antique phonograph restoration.  Also found "Antique Phonograph Supply Co." in Davenport, NY, "Bill Meyer's Antique Phonograph and Victrola Repair" up in Syracuse, and a Rod Lauman in Vermont.  Also, "Intertique" in Ohio.  

 

Of course, I'm willing to ship anywhere.  I just figure someone nearby would help keep the shipping costs down.

 

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

I must admit I'm not sure if I'm posting this in the right section of this forum.  Apologies if I should be posting elsewhere.

 

 

 

[Django]

Having the service done by a third party can be expensive, especially if you have to ship everything.  You are often better off paying more up front for a machine that is ready to go.  
 

Some of us do our own work and find that to be a rewarding part of the hobby.  Forums, YouTube and books like “The Complete Talking Machine” are a good place to start.  

[phonogfp]

Django makes a good point.  If you are even somewhat mechanically adept, you can perform a variety of repairs/restoration to your own phonograph(s).  None of us started out knowing how to do any of this, but nowadays forums like this one can offer guidance, illustrations, and parts recommendations.  Back in the 1960s, we made a lot of mistakes that are unnecessary now.

 

Nearby collectors (and there are many in the New York City region) can be a huge help as well, since there's nothing like "hands-on' learning.  Hopefully, someone on this forum will offer to help.

 

Finally, most experienced collectors have learned that generally, buying a machine in good condition is cheaper in the long run than buying a cheap basket case.  Of course, rare machines must be taken as we find them, but for a first phonograph, purchasing from a reputable dealer is almost always preferable.  To that end, there will be a large antique phonograph/record show at the Wayne N.J. P.A.L. on Saturday April 29 (pre-show parking lot activity in morning) and Sunday April 30 (inside show).  Here's the website:

 

http://antique-sound.com/

 

There will be dozens and dozens of antique phonographs, and thousands of records; all being sold by people who know what they're doing.  I travel 5 hours one-way to attend this show, and many other do as well.  I highly recommend that you consider this option rather than eBay.

 

Best of luck!

 

George P.

[SteveM]

Django & phonogfp,

Thanks for the great advice.  I get it --- make a good purchase upfront and I won't have to worry about restorations!

I'm not too far from Wayne, NJ.  Thanks for the link!

---Steve

[Django]

10 hours ago, SteveM said:

Django & phonogfp,

Thanks for the great advice.  I get it --- make a good purchase upfront and I won't have to worry about restorations!

I'm not too far from Wayne, NJ.  Thanks for the link!

---Steve

 

You might also consider putting a “WANTED” ad in the classified directory of the forum.  

[phonogfp]

Steve,

 

I think you'll be glad you saw your first machine in person before you bought it.

 

Now, just decide what sort of machine you'd like, because you'll probably be overwhelmed at the Wayne show.  If you haven't already discovered them, the APS has several free articles on its website which might be helpful to you.  For a newbie, I recommend these:

 

https://www.antiquephono.org/#/collectiondetails/19

 

and...

 

https://www.antiquephono.org/#/collectiondetails/78

 

Between disc or cylinder machines, external-horn or internal-horn, floor model or table top, there are many, many options.  The field is so broad that it has consumed many of us for decades!  If you can form an idea of what appeals most to you, the Wayne show won't be quite so mesmerizing.

 

George P.

[SteveM]

You guys are great!  Thanks for the suggestions.

 

But I'm afraid I may have misled you.  I am new to the forum, but not to the hobby.  In fact I own several Edison machines and many "portable" cameraphone type models that I've collected over the years, mainly from ebay.  I simply don't know anything about working on these phonographs, in terms of maintaining them, lubricating them, etc.

 

While we're on the subject, I am now in my twilight years and I am downsizing my living arrangements, and so I wish to sell off most of my collection.  I have two Edison “Home” cylinder phonographs,  two Thorens “Excelda” cameraphones, a “Peter Pan,” a “Kameraphone,” a “Mikkyphone,” and something called a “Nifty Narona.”  All are in working order and fairly nice cosmetically. 

 

I'm not sure how to sell them.  I really don't want to become an ebay seller, because I see potential hassles doing it that way.  I was thinking of maybe consigning them to an auction house, but I really know nothing about that.

 

But now that I've found this forum, the classified section may be an ideal place to sell.  I would base my pricing on recent ebay sales (I'm not looking to make a windfall, and I certainly don't want to overprice --- I just want fair value).

 

Tell me , Mr. Moderator, are there any rules I need to follow in the classified section?

[phonogfp]

Wow Steve - you led me down the primrose path!

 

Sorry for misinterpreting your intentions.  Yes - a classified ad on this forum is a good no-risk route to selling your machines.  At this point in time, I wouldn't recommend an auction for the machines you describe.  Everything but the two Homes can be easily shipped.  As for those Homes (and the others for that matter), you could bring them to the Wayne NJ PAL parking lot on Saturday April 29 and offer them out of the trunk of your car.  Depending on how badly you want to sell them, there's a good chance someone would be interested.

 

As for rules in the Classified section, there 's nothing beyond what your good judgement would suggest.  Several good images for each item is recommended, of course.

 

Good luck!

 

George P.

[SteveM]

phonogfp,

 

I hear you.  The only thing I like about the auction idea is that they pretty much take care of everything --- take the photos, do the listing, ship to the winner.  Of course that service comes at a steep price.

 

As for the classifieds here, I'm guessing you forbid auctions, that is, I need to set a specific price for the item.  Or can I list an item and say "highest bidder wins?"

 

[phonogfp]

23 minutes ago, SteveM said:

 

As for the classifieds here, I'm guessing you forbid auctions, that is, I need to set a specific price for the item.  Or can I list an item and say "highest bidder wins?"

 

 

Although I see no prohibition against an auction-style offering here on the APS Forum, I've seen negative comments on other forums when a seller is looking for offers - even when it's allowed.  I suspect most of us have had bad experiences when we've made an offer, only to have the seller reply, "I'll get back to you."  In an auction environment, a bidder can see what's happening, but online is a different matter.  Many of us don't participate in a "taking offers" situation, and I fear you wouldn't get fair value for your machines.

 

George P.

[SteveM]

Okay, George, if and when I post I will stick to a set price.

[Yoda]

Good day all. I am new to this forum and this is my 1st post. Relative to the question Steve asked about local repair service , mine is the same but ideally for long island new york area. I acquired from a customer as a gift a columbia grafonola and the unit does not wind up with tension at all on the springs.  Great info on this thread thank you all and I am looking forward the the show in Jersey end of April. Thx for that info.