Page 1 of 1
Victrola VV 8-12 (new acquisition)
Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2018 5:33 pm
by dennislpr
I purchased this Victrola VV 8-12 a couple of weeks ago. The tone arm back bracket was in very bad shape and it had to be replaced. But when I open the rear panel I found that the metal connector that goes between the tone arm and horn was in pieces. I tried to find it here on the forum, but no one had it so I had to made it myself. Here are some pictures of the final product and also a couple of videos so you can hear it play. What do you think?
YouTube Videos:
https://youtu.be/JGwH50dcz3k Jean Sablon "La Valse Au Village"
https://youtu.be/YX1Yl6aJnQQ George Duning / Morris Stoloff – Theme From "Picnic"
https://youtu.be/F1cb9Mtuv7g Dinah Shore "Eternally"
Re: Victrola VV 8-12 (new acquisition)
Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2018 7:12 pm
by OrthoFan
I think it sounds very good. It seems to handle those later production 78s very well. It will probably sound even better--more bass presence--with some good condition Orthophonic or Viva-Tonal discs.
OF
Re: Victrola VV 8-12 (new acquisition)
Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2018 9:48 pm
by VanEpsFan1914
Amazing fabrication! Keep 'em spinning--this is what restoration is all about!
Re: Victrola VV 8-12 (new acquisition)
Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2018 10:23 pm
by dennislpr
Here are two more Youtube videos of it playing a Victor Orthophonic Record and a Columbia Viva-tonal Record.
https://youtu.be/nvZKYWUGuBw Las Tenazas (?Como va a ser?) (The Pincers)
https://youtu.be/qeIG653UAaQ Novaya Zizn. Waltz
Re: Victrola VV 8-12 (new acquisition)
Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2018 1:33 am
by AZ*
You did a great job. It is imperative that all connections are sealed and tight (no air leaks). I own a number of Orthophonics and the connections from the soundbox to the horn must be as airtight as possible. About 30 years ago, I acquired a beat up Credenza. I had read about how great they were, but the sound was disappointing until I opened the back, found a loose connection and fixed it. What an amazing difference! You have done the same thing with your 8-12. I even wrote an article for the MAPS ITG on this subject a number of years ago.
Enjoy your machine!
Re: Victrola VV 8-12 (new acquisition)
Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2018 4:35 am
by Jwb88
Fantastic job! Sounds great to me. Always makes me happy to see skilled people making replacement parts/repairs.
Re: Victrola VV 8-12 (new acquisition)
Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2018 3:14 pm
by AmberolaAndy
AWESOME repair! GREAT sound! One day I’ll get my VV 8-4 sounding that good.
Re: Victrola VV 8-12 (new acquisition)
Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2018 10:05 pm
by startgroove
Nice workmanship. Looks great even though it will not be seen under normal circumstances. Cheers, Russie
Re: Victrola VV 8-12 (new acquisition)
Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2018 2:48 pm
by dennislpr
Here are some pictures of the machine as well, thank you for all the great comments.
Re: Victrola VV 8-12 (new acquisition)
Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 10:18 am
by GregVTLA
It truly is a beautiful machine, and your craftsmanship is excellent!