Newbie question on Victor phonographs

[doctor t]

What type of record do all of these beautiful Victor phonographs like a Victor Type M or Type 3 play? 78s?

Tod

[Victrolaboy]

Yes these all play 78rpm records ONLY but 78s that are electrically recorded will not play well on a Victor Monarch or any early phonograph. These were designed to play acousticly recorded records.

[doctor t]

Thank you.

How do you know that a given 78 is acoustically recorded as opposed to electrically recorded? By it's date?

- Tod

[Victrolaboy]

Electrically recorded records from the 1920s will have it printed on the label "Electrically Recorded" or on Victor records look for "VE" on the label. This stands of Victor Electric. Also, electrically recorded 78s from the 40s will have a run in grove on the rim.

[71769]

What about phonographs like VV 1-70? Can they play electrical recorded records without damaging the record?

[52089]

What about phonographs like VV 1-70? Can they play electrical recorded records without damaging the record?

Yes and no; the 1-70 is an Orthophonic, which was designed to play the early electrically recorded records like Victor "scroll" label, Columbia Viva-tonal, etc. You are still better off not playing anything after 1940 or so.

Opinions do differ on this; search the board and you will fond other threads along this topic.