4.5" Thorens Discs
By Nancy Fratti
Hi!
The 4.5" Thorens box is still in production...even though the name has changed. Reuge bought out Thorens a number of years ago.
A brand new mechanism, without case can be purchased for approx. $250.00 (I say approximate because you never know when Reuge is going to raise their prices). AND brand new discs are available too.
HOWEVER!
Through personal experience of having sold quite a number of these over the years, I am finding that the NEW discs are a tad off on their punching and will 'hang up' on older model machines. SOLUTION: only play older discs on older machines....or as a more drastic solution...have the star wheel gantry moved on the old machine to accommodate the new and old discs. I DO NOT SUGGEST doing this yourself...actually, I don't suggest doing it at all.
I usually have a number of 'used' older discs on hand. They cost $8.50 each. I can send you a listing of titles if you like. Send me your mailing address if you're interested.
There are many variations on the design of the mechanisms....some had totally brass movements (the gears, that is) and some of the 'newer' ones had a nylon worm gear. While this does not really effect the price, it points to the brass being earlier than the nylon and the fact that you won't have the problem with the nylon gear cracking at some point in its life (if it hasn't already). Replacement parts for the 4.5" Thorens are available...combs, star wheel gantry, dampers, springs, etc.. I can send a list of them if you're interested. Most of the new parts are interchangeable with the older mechanisms.
Value is a subjective thing....you're not dealing with an 'antique' box, but it is a fun collectible and definitely has a value. If you were to try to buy the identical box NEW, from a retail store, the price would be around $500 -$600, depending upon where you saw it...different stores have different mark-up ideas. I have sold the older ones in the $375-$425 range, depending upon the number of discs.
If you have any other questions you can e-mail me at the address below or call at 518-282-9770 (9am-7pm, M-F).
ENJOY!
Nancy Fratti
MusicBoxLady@Juno.Com |
(Message sent Fri 1 Nov 1996, 19:22:28 GMT, from time zone GMT-0800.) |
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