There are many fine organizations or chapters out there that would be of
interest to phonograph collectors.
MAPS and CAPS are two of the best, no argument there. OTAPS is another that
I've heard good things about. There are great organizations in most every area
of the US as well as organizations in other countries.
I belong to three: MAPS, CAPS, and WIMAPS. The latter is the Wisconsin
Chapter of MAPS. I would encourage people to search out a group that may be
close to where they live. The social interaction with other collectors is
beyond value. When a new collector interacts with a group it can be a bit
intimidating to share items from your collection. It's a perception issue . .
. that is common to any group. Some collectors have more advanced (or
developed) interests and that can be intimidating to some newbies. It is not
that the perception is intended . . . it simply is what it is. A smaller group
that interacts can be of great benefit to the new comer. Even a new comer has
something to offer. A question that may take a discussion to new levels, etc.
Some of the regional chapters also have newsletters. I look forward to all the
publications with great anticipation. Each has a focus that is unique.
With that said . . . I need to point out that I value my phonograph friends
highly. Rarely do I encounter someone that treats me dishonestly. When I do,
I simply make the choice not to encounter them again. It's a hobby and I try
to keep that perspective. I do understand business, though, and the hobby
would not enjoy as much participation without the high caliber of many
phonograph dealers. Most are members of this group.These people are the
ones that show up at the various shows, write books, repair the unrepairable,
stockpile those odd tid bits that we all need at one time or another, take the
time to answer a question, and have answers to what part goes with what
machine. All have a personal interest in increasing interest in the hobby.
Many of us were encouraged by a dealor or two along the way.
Now I've spent my two bits. It's an enjoyable hobby. New comers, don't be
afraid to ask questions. Dont' be afraid to contact another collector. Don't
be afraid to share.
:)
Wayne H
My website is at http://www.phonomantiques.com/
From john9...@pacbell.net Wed Mar 12 20:06:16 2008
From: john9...@pacbell.net (john robles)
Date: Wed Mar 12 20:06:36 2008
Subject: [Phono-L] Phonograph Organizations
In-Reply-To: 755296.8496...@web38804.mail.mud.yahoo.com
Message-ID: 237677.69875...@web83006.mail.mud.yahoo.com
I echo those sentiments on behalf of GSPS, the California chapter of MAPS,
which I founded with a handful of collectors about ten years ago. Not bad for a
club about whom one collector said you won't last six months.
We also have a publication, a monthly newsletter, which we find delight in. I
hesitate to say that any one publication is the best, when all our publications
have value to the readers. Certainly the CAPS publication is the highest
quality publication, with glossy cover, color pics, etc. I certainly enjoy
getting it. But I enjoy the less technically advanced ones too, which also have
good content. They all add to the enjoyment of the hobby.
John Robles
wayne holznagel ethanu...@yahoo.com wrote:
There are many fine organizations or chapters out there that would be of
interest to phonograph collectors.
MAPS and CAPS are two of the best, no argument there. OTAPS is another that
I've heard good things about. There are great organizations in most every area
of the US as well as organizations in other countries.
I belong to three: MAPS, CAPS, and WIMAPS. The latter is the Wisconsin Chapter
of MAPS. I would encourage people to search out a group that may be close to
where they live. The social interaction with other collectors is beyond value.
When a new collector interacts with a group it can be a bit intimidating to
share items from your collection. It's a perception issue . . . that is common
to any group. Some collectors have more advanced (or developed) interests and
that can be intimidating to some newbies. It is not that the perception is
intended . . . it simply is what it is. A smaller group that interacts can be
of great benefit to the new comer. Even a new comer has something to offer. A
question that may take a discussion to new levels, etc. Some of the regional
chapters also have newsletters. I look forward to all the publications with
great anticipation. Each has a focus that is unique.
With that said . . . I need to point out that I value my phonograph friends
highly. Rarely do I encounter someone that treats me dishonestly. When I do, I
simply make the choice not to encounter them again. It's a hobby and I try to
keep that perspective. I do understand business, though, and the hobby would
not enjoy as much participation without the high caliber of many phonograph
