Victor Improved Concert Reproducer

[Zeppy]

I just picked up a Victor Improved Concert, and was wondering if anyone has played with one of these before? I haven't taken it apart yet, but looking down the side, it looks like it has an orange gasket? Any know what size it it? And is the diaphragm the same size as an Exhibition? It also doesn't look like there are any balance springs on it.

I just wanted to get some input before I start putzing around with it. No clue what the sound quality is going to end up being, but I simply must have every model of reproducer that Victor ever made.

[FellowCollector]

I believe these were a transitional Victor reproducer and are somewhat scarce. And I believe the diaphragm is of the same dimensions as the Exhibition. They're a neat looking reproducer. I've only found three or four in my travels over the years - one was mounted on a very early VV-IX! They appeared in both nickel and gold plated versions.

[Zeppy]

I've been hunting for one for a while. Saw one in gold, and had to grab it. As far as I know, there were offered as an option to the Exhibition for a few years. But if it was an option, I would think it would be superior to the Exhibition in some way. Just not sure how. It doesn't have any isolator. It doesn't seem to have any springs or pivots in the needle bar. Not sure about the diaphragm size. The reproducer is slightly larger than the Exhibition, so perhaps the diaphragm is closer to the size of the No. 2?

I plan on rebuilding it. Looks like it should be fairly simple. Probably easier than either an Exhibition of No 2, as there doesn't appear to be a need to balacinging it. So has anyone ever rebuilt one of these?

[OrthoSean]

Yes. They are the same sized mica as the #2 and very simple to rebuild. They aren't the most impressive sounding reproducers, but like you, I had to have one just because! Volume wise they are about as loud as a #2. They've got a bit of a flatter (smoother) sound than an Exhibition. Mine had an orange-reddish one piece gasket in it, I replaced it with the #2 replacement gaskets Ron Sitko sells along with a new mica. With no springs and such to deal with, it's a simple rebuild.

Sean

[FellowCollector]

Thank you for the clarification, Sean. I must remember as I sit in my easy chair perusing messages to not rely heavily on my memory. I haven't looked closely at any of my Improved Concert Reproducers in a looooong while. They are definitely a neat looking and sounding reproducer. As I recall (ohhhh boy ) there were examples with the 'Victor Improved Concert' lettering in relief and some with recessed lettering. I believe that all of mine have the relief lettering which is likely the most common version. Best, Doug

[OrthoSean]

You're right, Doug! Mine has recessed lettering and is nickel plated. I've seen both types of lettering. I haven't played my Improved Concert in a few years...hm...something fun to do this evening, perhaps!

I could swear years ago I saw one that was the same size as an Exhibition complete with the same back flange on a machine at the same auction mine came from. There were two VV-IVs (the early ones with metal grills) from the same estate at this sale. I was 11 at the time and had $50. The one with the smaller reproducer went for $60 and the one I got was all of $40. I've never seen another Improved Concert like that one and I'm almost certain my memory isn't playing games with me, but it could be...

Either way, I'm happy to have the reproducer. I even still have the nice little IV packed away in the attic...it was the first Victor machine I ever owned.

Sean

[Zeppy]

Could be you're thinking of the Exhibition that primarily came with the Victor O. I know they appeared occassionaly some of the early VV-IV. They have the same back as the Improved Concert, and they have a bezel in the front that holds the thing together rather screws in teh back, so the front looks more Improved Concert like than Exhibition.

Another of the scacer reproducers I'm trying to get a hold of (I have the Zonophone version, but not the Victor).

[FellowCollector]

Hey Sean, You're a lucky dog to have found that early VV-IV with the metal grill. Nice find! That is one of several machines I've looked for that still eludes me! Please keep me in mind if you ever decide to trade it or part with it! Not likely though since it sounds like it is one of the first machines you ever bought! Best, Doug