Reproduction Instruments
By Philip Jamison
Several firms have sold "reproduction" instruments successfully. In fact, these are not usually exact reproductions. David Ramey's Encore Banjos, for example, are an improved version in many ways, though they look old. Dean Organs in England has a Ruth 33 reproduction which imitates the voicing of the original, but is not an exact copy of the facade, and they use blowers. On the other hand, Siegfried Wendel's Weber Maesto reproduction even has a copy of the original electric motor! I might also mention Marc Fournier's Limonaires which have been popular for some years.
As for resale value, Dave Ramey has seen his Encores sold as originals at auction! Actually, the instruments reproduced are so rare in their original form and their popularity so high that a good copy should retain its value. (They must sell for well less than a restored original, however.) This would include a nice Bruder reproduction. I can also say there would be a small market for replacement parts like pipes and keyframes (many have been converted to roll-operation).
I would encourage Jaeger & Brommer to build one replica and use it to sell more. If it is well-made, it should be a success. By the way, what Bruder will you reproduce? Wilhelm, Gebruder, or...?
Can we have a vote? :-)
Philip Jamison
West Chester, PA USA |
(Message sent Sun 9 Feb 1997, 18:44:37 GMT, from time zone GMT-0800.) |
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