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Post by maroongem on Feb 17, 2007 18:54:34 GMT -5
As promised, here's some pix of the Opera I recently won on Ebay. I must admit I was surprised of the overall condition compared to the pix provided on Ebay as they really didn't do the machine any justice. The only two flaws are the decal on the front is the older repro that has a "domed" dot over the i in Edison(it should be flat) and there is a seam seperation in the horn bell that I will give to Don Gefell to repair. The bedplate looks as if it was done yesterday but is all original. The wood was redone many yrs ago but was done perfectly. The oxidization on all metal parts is stunning, especially the reproducer, which is flawless. Bill
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Post by gramophoneshane on Feb 17, 2007 19:41:34 GMT -5
I am sooo jealous! I've been wanting one of these since the first time I saw and heard one 25yrs ago. AND in a mahogany version as well. I've always prefered the mahogany opera. Its the SUPREME MACHINE! Oh well- maybe one day... Congrats and enjoy Bill. They dont come much better than this!
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Post by maroongem on Feb 17, 2007 20:49:18 GMT -5
Thanks Shane!
I had the oak version a number of yrs ago when it was renamed the Concert, but was dissatisfied with the plain looking case and sold it.(for a tidy profit, I might add) But I always yearned for the early mahogany cased one as it had "all the bells & whistles." The ones I have seen in the past couple of years were either monkeyed with(ie:repro parts) or were out of sight price wise. I really was surprised I got this for the price I bid. Tomorrow, I'm "tuning out" with it and the phone will be off the hook!!!
Bill
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Post by rocky on Feb 17, 2007 23:40:49 GMT -5
Bill, congratulations! What a beautiful machine! Fascinating horn, too. You will have to post a cylinder or two recorded directly from the Opera.
Rocky
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Post by maroongem on Feb 18, 2007 0:55:14 GMT -5
Bill, congratulations! What a beautiful machine! Fascinating horn, too. You will have to post a cylinder or two recorded directly from the Opera. Rocky Actually Rocky, I did on the other "board." E. Stonman's "Watermelon on the Vine" Bill
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Post by rocky on Feb 18, 2007 1:40:06 GMT -5
OK. I didn't listen to the song when you first posted it, as it was downloading as slow as a download on dial-up. I just listened to the MP3 that you subsequently posted. Good sound!
I know you'll have fun listening to your new machine. Let me know what cylinders you're listening to on the Opera.
Rocky
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Post by neophone on Feb 18, 2007 4:50:59 GMT -5
Bill,
It is a beautiful machine! I'm looking forward to seeing it and hearing it in person! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Regards, J.
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Post by lukewarmwater on Apr 18, 2007 19:02:12 GMT -5
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Post by rocky on Apr 18, 2007 19:15:06 GMT -5
Luke, I'm drooling! Awesome machine! And that cool cabinet chocked full of cylinders! I assume the cabinet was designed specifically for cylinders?
Rocky
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Post by lukewarmwater on Apr 18, 2007 19:16:38 GMT -5
Yes, in the bottom drawer the cylinder box clips are visible.
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Post by neophone on Apr 18, 2007 19:28:41 GMT -5
Luke...,
Ver nice indeed! That cabinet is really fantastic! Welcome to the board as well, I'm sure we're all looking forward to more from you.
Regards, J.
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Post by lukewarmwater on Apr 18, 2007 19:58:47 GMT -5
Thank you J! I look forward to being a positive contributor! Luke W.
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Post by neophone on Apr 19, 2007 0:53:45 GMT -5
Gents, A big BTW here. I forgot to mention I got a chance to hear and see Bill's Opera in person. Absolutely fantastic!!!! A really beautiful instrument that makes beautiful music!!! The photos don't do it justice. The bed-plate and reproducer as well as all attendant metal work looks as if, as Bill said, it was done yesterday. Nearly silent running and flawless operation. And the moth free sound! ;D.................................................................................................. Truly a wonderful specimen, I should have mentioned it Sunday last! Regards, J.
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ultona
Full Member
It's Not Easy Bein' Green
Posts: 164
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Post by ultona on Apr 19, 2007 7:44:50 GMT -5
Operas are gorgeous. Bill and Luke, thanks for sharing those photos. I agree with Rocky, that cabinet on Luke's makes it even sweeter! I think I would sell all my other cylinder machines if the opportunity came up to find a nice opera. There really is no comparison to their sound. I guess I'd settle for a 1A if I really had to! Sean
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Post by maroongem on Apr 19, 2007 7:57:03 GMT -5
Fantastic, Luke!!
The cabinet really finishes it off, and the nice thing is that you can track the provinence, I assume. What can you tell us about it's history ie; purchase date & location, serial number, etc.
I also note that you have 4M wax showing in the drawers, do you have the Mod. L Reproducer to play them?
A cabinet for mine is next on the "hunt for" list!
Bill
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