Is this Columbia bvt worth it?

Mormon S · Post by **Mormon S** » Mon Dec 10, 2018 8:15 pm

I posted this machine a while ago but I wasn't interested in buying it because it was 6.5 hours away, and was $350. They reduced it to 275, so I asked if they could ship and they said yes, for $100. Is it worth 375? The arm that connects the reproducer to the horn is present, but rusted, and the curved arm is missing (but I could find this on yankee trader). The reproducer also seems to be in poor shape.
thoughts?

JerryVan · Post by **JerryVan** » Mon Dec 10, 2018 8:39 pm

In my opinion: No, not worth it. You will most likely never find the correct tone arm. Plus, no lid?

Mormon S · Post by **Mormon S** » Mon Dec 10, 2018 8:49 pm

JerryVan wrote:In my opinion: No, not worth it. You will most likely never find the correct tone arm. Plus, no lid?

Only the end section of the tone arm is missing, but I don't think it would be THAT hard to find one. I will ask the seller of they have the lid, but I assume not...

Jwb88 · Post by **Jwb88** » Mon Dec 10, 2018 9:20 pm

It will probably be extremely hard to find the parts, but on the other hand, this is a much more desirable/interesting model than your standard, uh, Standard cylinder player. I'd probably go for it, but I don't make the best decisions if you're considering the resale value/time to completion. I can see myself attempting to make a temporary connecting arm out of pipe or sculpey or paper mâché, which I'm sure wouldn't work, but I'd still try

Curt A · Post by **Curt A** » Mon Dec 10, 2018 9:25 pm

The curved end piece that connects the tonearm to the reproducer is almost impossible to find loose and is the most important part of the setup... It is a specific design and unless you are able to create a duplicate, forget it... I know because I have had to source two of them for Columbia backmount machines and have never found one available for sale.

EdiBrunsVic · Post by **EdiBrunsVic** » Mon Dec 10, 2018 9:26 pm

I think I would pass on it and keep looking.

Curt A · Post by **Curt A** » Mon Dec 10, 2018 9:33 pm

The part you need is a "J" shaped piece of tubing that is inserted into the tonearm and curves downward and backward to connect to the reproducer - no standard tubing will work. I had to make one for a BKT, which is a simpler piece of tubing with just a 90 degree bend to connect, since the reproducer neck is vertical. The reproducer on the BVT is angled in the carriage, so it requires a downward and backward bend to connect.

If you want it for the parts, it might be OK, but not at $375. I wouldn't pay more than $150 in its current condition because it will take years, if ever, to put it back right.

Curt A · Post by **Curt A** » Mon Dec 10, 2018 9:38 pm

You might want to see if they will sell you the 2 minute Indestructible cylinders...

Mormon S · Post by **Mormon S** » Mon Dec 10, 2018 9:55 pm

Update: the seller says they have the lid, and they might have the j shaped tubing, but they dont have the crank. If someone has a crank, or knows what type of crank it is, I might go for it. I just really like this machine, so even if it doesnt scream "big profit", it something I would like to have.

Phonolair · Post by **Phonolair** » Mon Dec 10, 2018 10:03 pm

Could be the picture, but the mandrel shaft looks bent down to the bed plate.
The cylinder on the mandrel may actually be touching the bed plate.

Personally I would pass. Save your money towards something nicer.

Larry Crandell

Is this Columbia bvt worth it?

Is this Columbia bvt worth it?

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