The Old Crank - Vintage Phonograph & Ephemera Site

PHONOGRAPHS

Q I have a [brand] wind-up phonograph. What's it worth?

A Value depends on rarity, desireability, and condition. A personal inspection would be required for an accurate appraisal, but we can give you an idea of the fair market value via email or 'snail mail.' Please see our Value Guide.

Q I need to know the exact value of my phonograph for insurance purposes!

A Unless you have a large, valuable collection, vintage phonographs may be covered under your homeowner's or renter's policy. Check with your insurance agent.

Q I want to buy a [brand] phonograph. Where can I find one?

A Vintage phonographs turn up at junk shops, antique shops, flea markets, garage sales, etc. Common models always show up on eBay. We also keep a want list on file at The Old Crank.

Q I want to sell my phonograph. Will you buy it?

A We are always interested in buying vintage phonographs and related items! Please see our Value Guide for details.

Q I can't afford a real antique phonograph. Can you tell me where to buy one of those "crap-o-phone" reproductions?

A No.

RECORDS

Q I found some old records. What are they worth?

A Value depends greatly on the label, artist, title, and condition. Due to the high numbers of surviving popular 78's (i.e., Bing Crosby titles), most have minimal value. Truely rare & valuable records are understandibly rarely found.

Q If I send you a list of the records, will you tell me what they're worth?

A Unfortunately, we don't have the resources or time to provide free record valuations. However, if you are selling a group of records, feel free to send your list. If we are interested, we'll let you know!

Q I would like to listen to grandpa's old 78's (or 33's, or 45's, or tapes), but I don't have anything to play them on. What can I do?

A We can digitally transfer your records to compact disc or cassette tape. See our Services section for details.

REPAIRS

Q Do you stock parts for a [brand] phonograph?

A We don't sell parts other than those listed in our catalog. See Wyatt's Musical Americana, Antique Phonograph Supply Co., or other part suppliers listed on our Links page.

Q Can I send you my phonograph for repairs?

A We no longer have a repair service. Please contact the companies listed above.

Q I bought one of those "crap-o-phones" and the motor is broken. Where can I get parts or send it for repairs?

A We honestly haven't heard of anyone who repairs or stocks parts for crap-o-phones.

GENERAL

Q Who are you?

A The Old Crank is owned and operated by Loran Hughes, a retired United States Air Force non-commissioned officer and avid collector of vintage phonographs and related items. My former career took me to the exotic locations of the Republic of Korea, California, Texas, and Maryland.

My wife, Genetta, was also bitten by the collecting bug and has a knack for finding orphaned shellac. She currently works for a major telecommunications company.

We moved to southwest Oregon in 1997, not far from where we both grew up! We are members of the Michigan Antique Phonograph Society and the Oregon Territory Antique Phonograph Society.

Q What happened to the 9-11 ribbon on your site?

A The 9-11 ribbon appeared on our web site for a full year to commemorate those who died in the cowardly attacks on American soil. Although we felt that it was time for the ribbon to come down, we will never forget.

	FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS PHONOGRAPHS Q I have a [brand] wind-up phonograph. What's it worth? A Value depends on rarity, desireability, and condition. A personal inspection would be required for an accurate appraisal, but we can give you an idea of the fair market value via email or 'snail mail.' Please see our Value Guide. Q I need to know the exact value of my phonograph for insurance purposes! A Unless you have a large, valuable collection, vintage phonographs may be covered under your homeowner's or renter's policy. Check with your insurance agent. Q I want to buy a [brand] phonograph. Where can I find one? A Vintage phonographs turn up at junk shops, antique shops, flea markets, garage sales, etc. Common models always show up on eBay. We also keep a want list on file at The Old Crank. Q I want to sell my phonograph. Will you buy it? A We are always interested in buying vintage phonographs and related items! Please see our Value Guide for details. Q I can't afford a real antique phonograph. Can you tell me where to buy one of those "crap-o-phone" reproductions? A No. RECORDS Q I found some old records. What are they worth? A Value depends greatly on the label, artist, title, and condition. Due to the high numbers of surviving popular 78's (i.e., Bing Crosby titles), most have minimal value. Truely rare & valuable records are understandibly rarely found. Q If I send you a list of the records, will you tell me what they're worth? A Unfortunately, we don't have the resources or time to provide free record valuations. However, if you are selling a group of records, feel free to send your list. If we are interested, we'll let you know! Q I would like to listen to grandpa's old 78's (or 33's, or 45's, or tapes), but I don't have anything to play them on. What can I do? A We can digitally transfer your records to compact disc or cassette tape. See our Services section for details. REPAIRS Q Do you stock parts for a [brand] phonograph? A We don't sell parts other than those listed in our catalog. See Wyatt's Musical Americana, Antique Phonograph Supply Co., or other part suppliers listed on our Links page. Q Can I send you my phonograph for repairs? A We no longer have a repair service. Please contact the companies listed above. Q I bought one of those "crap-o-phones" and the motor is broken. Where can I get parts or send it for repairs? A We honestly haven't heard of anyone who repairs or stocks parts for crap-o-phones. GENERAL Q Who are you? A The Old Crank is owned and operated by Loran Hughes, a retired United States Air Force non-commissioned officer and avid collector of vintage phonographs and related items. My former career took me to the exotic locations of the Republic of Korea, California, Texas, and Maryland. My wife, Genetta, was also bitten by the collecting bug and has a knack for finding orphaned shellac. She currently works for a major telecommunications company. We moved to southwest Oregon in 1997, not far from where we both grew up! We are members of the Michigan Antique Phonograph Society and the Oregon Territory Antique Phonograph Society. Q What happened to the 9-11 ribbon on your site? A The 9-11 ribbon appeared on our web site for a full year to commemorate those who died in the cowardly attacks on American soil. Although we felt that it was time for the ribbon to come down, we will never forget.