Phono shows...

Has anyone here been to a phono show? (or Mechanical Music show)

It just so happens that I'm 2 towns over from the Wayne, NJ "Mechanical Music Extravaganza".

I was thinking about going to the October show, but what goes on at these things? Are all the phono's there for sale or are some just on display? Is it a networking event for phono enthusiasts?

Lucky you!!
We don't have anything like that here- at least in my neck of the woods.
I've heard a heap of guy's on another board talk about the Wayne show, and it sounds fantastic.
From what I can tell, most of the stuff there is for sale, although they said the last one had a lot of over priced machines. Still, a few walked away with machines at a good price, and it sounds like a great place to pick up lots of cheap cylinders and discs. There's also plenty of spare parts, reproducers etc etc etc. Being so close, I think it would be well worth a look. And the earlier the better. Apparently the car park before it opens is where you can find some good quality stuff for very reasonable prices.
I only wish I could go!

Hi Phonophan, The Mechanical Music Extravaganza is one of my favorite events. There are a dizzying array of phonographs on display for sale along with records and every conceivable related item. There are many friendly and knowledgable people to meet and talk to. Like all collector shows some dealers are way overpriced but there are plenty of bargains to be found. Even if you buy nothing you always learn something. Don't miss it.

As in Shane's homeland (but probably not quite as bad....yet!) the variety of specialist fairs over here in the UK is woefully poor. Currently, you can count the number of Vintage Comms Fairs we get here annually on one finger. The last one I attended had a pitiful collection of phonos compared to vintage wireless, telephones and related ephemera. As some of the dealers would admit, their presence at the venue was more to promote themselves than to actaully sell what they had on offer. If you're selling phonos as a business you can't afford to ignore these scarce events, I guess? Many dealers I've met over the years have now either given up or are virtually on the rack, hanging on by their finger-tips. I don't actually think the "Ebay factor" has caused much of this consternation either. If you check out Ebay fairly regularly as I do you won't necessarily find an abundance of interesting machines there either. The major salerooms have all but given up with the Mechanical Music now too. Bonhams (London) are hopefully about to embark on a new MM sale calender to take the place of Christies who have recently thrown in the towel. Good luck to them and watch this space.

So my question is simple: where is all the stuff coming and going? It's certainly not in my back yard - would I complain if it was?

Phonophan,

I think the Wayne show is this coming weekend. You'll have to let us all know if you go, and report back how it was, and if you found any bargains that you can now cross off your "want" list.