[Phono-L] Young collectors? - A SURVEY!

[Douglas Houston]

I can see an interesting thing here. These young people have probably never
ben exposed to the romanticism of the historic happenings. They have had a
new scene opened to them, and they find it appetizing. As soon as we see
something new, and appealing, we often want to see/have more of it. Our own
interest grew out of having phonographs that were within our reach when we
were young, and we hitched onto them. Some of  these young minds now can
find facination in the intrigue of "history in operation". It's sort of
like being in a theater, and having the stege suddenly illuminated with
interesting things. A whole new world has opened to them. They're the ones
we hang our hopes on.  


> [Original Message]
> From: <ronbrink at aol.com>
> To: <phono-l at oldcrank.org>
> Date: 6/30/2009 10:26:33 PM
> Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Young collectors? - A SURVEY!
>
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> Since we seem to be into surveys lately, I thought I'd take a very non 
> scientific survey of a group of 10 - 20 young people around the age of 
> my kids (23 and 25).  The oldest individual was 28 and the youngest was 
> 23.  I solicited their opinions of the hobby of collecting phonographs, 
> records, etc as well as "antiques" in general.  The following is a very 
> brief and general summary.
>
> Overall, the majority thought the hobby was "cool" and "interesting".  
> The females in the sample used the terms  "pretty" and "wouldn't mind 
> owning 1-2 to be decorative in the house". The guys in the sample 
> tended to find the mechanics appealing and several indicated  they 
> "liked the history behind it".  What seemed to encourage the guys in he 
> hobby was learning about them and seeing them in person.
>
> Overall the group indicated that antiques in general were apealing (not 
> just phonographs). I have to say, this took me by surprise.
>
> So, in short, based on this very tiny unscientific sampling, one could 
> determine that the interest is out there.  The "young" people are out 
> there and have the interest and desire, but perhaps do not have access 
> to those who can educate them in the hobby.  It would seem the 
> "seasoned" collector just needs to continue to tap into that 
> demographic to stir up interest as many of you have.  Keep it up!
>
> Now the final and perhaps telling question regarding collecting came 
> when asked what the maximum amount they would pay for a phonograph 
> manufactrued by Edison, Victor, and the like.  The absolute highest any 
> of them said they would pay is $500.
>
> Thus, one might say that the interest is out there.  The hobby of 
> collecting phonographs or any other "antique" of interest is thriving 
> and well.  This IS a reason to be optimistic for the hobby.  However, 
> especially in todays economy as well as where prices have gone over the 
> years, cost may be the primary inhibitor for any significant exansion 
> into the hobby.  It was cost that was noted as THE primary reason 
> nobody would be actively involved.  Several did indicate a desire to 
> inherit my machines :)    My son in law said he "wouldn't mind owning 
> 3-10 machines".  At least I now know my machines are going to a good 
> home!
>
> I hope you found my little survey as interesting as I did.
>
> Ron
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