Help me in my quest...

[Charles]

I'm 47, and might be having a  mid-life crisis.

As a lad, always wanted a lava lamp. Admired them every time I saw them, but for some reason never bought one. Two weeks ago I noticed a
coworker down the hall had a small knockoff one.

For some reason, seeing this lame, dormant one triggered something. I
wanted one, but a cool one. I once saw a Grande in a recording studio
here in Memphis, and began toying with the idea of now buying one of my
own. I started on the Internet with Amazon, and learned that although
these things are relatively cheap, the quality has really slipped and a
ton of people are getting foggy lamps that seem to stay foggy about half
the time, if not more.

Wanting to avoid the hassle of shipping and returning numerous times, I
hit the local head shops. One had nothing BUT grotesquely foggy lamps
(and one lantern), and an unused Colossus in the corner with a busted
lamp that was "on sale" for 800.00 down from three grand.

I found a Lumisource tower at a record store that I dig...its very clear
w/red goo and I have taken the plunge and ordered a companion black
tower. At a different head shop I got a Portfolio rocket that was pink
and orange. . Late last week at Target I bought a 14 1/2 inch
blue/transparent lava lite. The goo is great but it is slightly foggy
and doesn't seem to be getting better with repeated use.


The future: I want at least one more 14 incher to make a pair, I want at
least two 52 oz-ers (resisting urge to buy all 4 of the Google branded
ones), and I want a multicolored Grande. I found a place in town that
has one new for 250 bucks!!!!


Sorry this is so long. I would *love* people's input on how to achieve
these goals...I think I've hit all the head shops, Targets, and
Wal-Marts in the greater Memphis area. It looks like I'm stuck with mail
order...

[Keith]

Ebay and Craigslist are your best bets. Look for lamps made before 2002 for the best quality. (made in America, not China) Be choosy, some older lamps have been over-used or mistreated.

[Keith]

And welcome to your newest addiction ;)

[Keith]

If you choose to use ebay, check out the lamps that this seller has:

http://shop.ebay.com/sellbabysell/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_fr...

He is well known for the quality of his lamps and is very helpful if you have any question. He is know here as Bohdan
http://oozinggoo.ning.com/profile/Bohdan

There are several others here who sell on ebay also. Check the discussions to see if anyone has posted things for sale.

[matt01165]

OK here's the deal 250 bucks would have to be an original giant not a grande. What color is it? many times Spencer's in the local mall carries grandes for 50 bucks as well as 52 oz.for 19.99 Of course these are all chino as are any 20 oz.. If you must have one shipped insist on fed ex shipping or prepare for the worst.It is starting to warm up and that is bad for shipping lava lamps. try to find the 32oz ones they are discontinued but still can be found everywhere in chino and USA fabrication. OK I'm almost 44 and if you think lava lamps are evidence of a mid life crisis try going it alone like me no kids no wife no dog cat or even a goldfish

[Charles]

Did the Giant precede the Grande and is it about the same size?

What would a 250 oz pre-China Lava Lamp still in the box be worth? 250 bux seems a bit steep....

[Brian]

giant came before the grande. the giant is a u.s. made grande, basically.