The Anatomy and Physiology of a VV 4-7

[Oceangoer1]

All the phonographs that I acquire get a full tear down. That is why I currently have ¾ of a phonograph in running condition (I usually have none in working condition!)

So to add to the mess of projects and parts lying around semi-restored, I picked up this VV 4-7! The finish is cleaning up very nice with GOOP, and once it finally stops raining and being humid, I can work on the finish around the legs. I hope I'll continue this thread as a project log, because I finally found a machine that DOESN'T need a ton of finish work, which is usually what is holding up my projects.

One thing that kind of puzzled me is the horn in this machine. It is the small sized folded Orthophonic horn, made of wood, but it lacks a metal connection piece from the tonearm. I have a 4-40, an 8-30, and used to have a Colony, and I've personally inspected a 4-3. All of them have a metal horn piece that connects the wood horn to the tonearm, and this piece is usually pretty heavy. The 4-7 just has a wood column (probably made of the same wood as the horn) and is also very light weight compared to other machines of its size. This probably has to do with the horn design.




So my question is: Does anyone know if any of the other Orthophonic floor models use this tonearm-to-wood connection? Also does anyone know if there is any metal in this horn at all?

[EdiBrunsVic]

The 4-7 is a good machine. I am interested in reading about the restoration process.

[OrthoFan]

So my question is: Does anyone know if any of the other Orthophonic floor models use this tonearm-to-wood connection? Also does anyone know if there is any metal in this horn at all?

The second series Victor VV-4-4 (Granada) seems to have used a nearly identical horn, with a wooden throat connecting the horn to the base of the tonearm, in place of a cast-iron fitting. The only difference seems to be that the throat is centered and not off to the side. See -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSBNLm9fhgo (The first series Granada used the same horn installed in the Consolette, as did the short-lived Colony.)

I believe that the VV-4-20 was also fitted with the same horn as used in the 4-7, but it was turned sideways, and the throat extended somewhat. Whether a cast-iron throat connection was used, I don't know.

Also, I believe the tiny folded horn, used in the VV-1-90, was "all-wood" without a cast-iron throat. Hopefully, someone who is lucky enough to own one will chime in about this.

OF

[Oceangoer1]

Today I shellacked and sealed the horn, cleaned the cabinet some more, repaired the bun feet, and treated the cabinet for insects. And I also got new grille cloth.

Just now, after having the machine on its side to work on the feet, I dropped the cabinet while trying to pick it up Two screws from the lid hinge popped right out along with a chunk of wood, so I will quickly repair that. I was mad because I wasn't planning on taking the lid off, which can be a real pain....aligning, screwing, having someone hold the lid up for you.....

[Oceangoer1]

I painted the crank bronze to match the hardware. Most of the bronze finish had come off. I also gave the knob a coat of black paint because it was down to the bare wood. And since the knob receives the most handling, I gave it a coat of polyurethane. I try really hard to stay away from poly, but I had a can lying around and its a pretty durable finish.

I used Rustoleum Metallic "Oil Rubbed Bronze" for the crank, which Is pretty close to matching the bronze of the tonearm, brake, etc. I may use it to touch up the tonearm wear spots.

[Oceangoer1]

Small size Orthophonic horn is shellacked and sealed with silicone! (It's probably sideways, but if you click on the picture it corrects itself)

[AZ*]

I've been following your thread with interest. My VV 4-7 is one of the first machines I acquired back when I was in high school in the 1960's. I still have it.

The bronze spray paint is a trick I've used several times on these Orthophonics. I learned about it at a lamp parts shop when I saw one of the workers turn a shiny brass fixture into an antique bronze one with spray paint. I usually top mine off once it's dried with a matte clear coat.

I've never removed the horn, but I did replace the grille cloth about 20 years ago.

[EdiBrunsVic]

The progress looks good!

[Oceangoer1]

Progress has been a little slow, as I've gotten distracted with some other projects. The horn and record storage are back in the cabinet. (Record storage has a chip out of one of the panels). I destroyed the pot metal back bracket and will paint the base tomorrow. (Last time it took me 2 weeks to bust up a bracket, this time only took an hour or so, because I started with pliers!)

The motor is being weird, I think the dried up grease on the gears is causing the issue with it running slow. It winds up smoothly, but then won't run very well. I'm giving it a clean and hope to have it back in the cabinet soon!

-Connor

[Oceangoer1]

Tonearm is put back together. Base has been painted to match the new bracket.

The bronze finish has worn away in lots of places, which is pretty common. I have found that Rub N Buff in Ebony does really well to fill in the worn spots. I have done the first section, and will be doing the gooseneck today.