VoV: Where the Orthophonic Victor gets its Start

[MarkELynch]

For all you collectors that aren’t getting your fingers greasy from fixing motors or trying to find that next bargain here is some interesting reading from a 1926 edition of “The Voice of the Victor”. For those of you not familiar, the VoV was Victor’s house publication sent monthly (about) to each dealer containing product announcements and sales and technical tips.

This edition explains the process behind creating an Orthophonic product. Pictured is an early horn test for the 10-50 Automatic machine.

Mark

[Phono-Phan]

Great information. Thanks for sharing.

[audiophile102]

Like so many publications issued by phonograph companies om the 1920s, this one read like a heroic saga proving the high quality of Victor's products. It's always fun to read this stuff, but the very best is the Edison publications which always market the man himself as a hero of the world. Thanks for posting this.

[Inigo]

nice reading, thanks!

[MarkELynch]

Recall that the audience for VoV was not the general public, it was strictly published for the Victor dealers. In my opinion there was no need to glorify anything. The story that Mr. Jackson tells perhaps could be classed as a heroic saga but it is actually about a company run by businessmen intent on making a profit. The idea of a structured product development cycle was probably ahead of its time. You can read about the executives measured approach in the carefully documented meeting notes. These notes are archived in the Hagley museum.

https://digital.hagley.org/2658

The development steps he describes fit many of today’s product development models exactly!

Mr Jackson starts by describing what today might be called a Marketing Requirements Document (MRD). The MRD says what the marketing guys think will sell including features, quantities, pricing, etc.
The MRD tries to make the case to Management for “Why do we need this product?”
Next, the engineers and designers do their work and create drawings and samples for review.
The materials procurement team gets involved to secure materials.
Multiple design reviews follow to refine the product.
The factory gets involved to develop tools and methods in cooperation with the engineers.
Prototypes are built and reviewed, design drawings are finalized.
Finally, the factory builds and ships the product without the need for engineering or executive involvement.

Mark