Talking Machine Mystery

[Harlyworkr]

I have my grandfathers Talking machine and I want to get it working. I found a crank but it has another hole I have never seen. Can someone tell me a little about this machine please and what goes in the 2nd hole? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[FellowCollector]

Hi,
Whenever there is an additional hole(s) near an original crank hole it almost certainly indicates that a different motor with a different crank shaft position has been installed at some point in the past.

Doug

[Phono48]

Hi,
Whenever there is an additional hole(s) near an original crank hole it almost certainly indicates that a different motor with a different crank shaft position has been installed at some point in the past.

Doug

Proven by the motor board being a completely different colour to the rest of the woodwork. The replacement mororboard is a Victor one, just not the correct one.

[Jerry B.]

The Victrola XIV was a nice middle of the line machine with mahognany being the most popular choice. Since it's a family piece, in my opinion, it's worth locating the correct motor and motherboard to replace current inaccurate ones. Also, there are quality woodworkers that can make that incorrect crank hole disappear. It's really worth the extra dollars to accomplish this goal. It really shouldn't be too difficult to locate the correct spring motor and motherboard.

Jerry Blais

[audiophile102]

I have inherited a few antiques from my parents and grand parents, but alas no talking machines. What makes yours worth the effort to restore is the provenance. You have an opportunity to hand down something akin to a time machine. Your descendants will hear your grandfathers music as he heard it. I would spend a lot to have that, but fortunately for you your Victrola is pretty common. 270,000 were produced and parts are not that difficult to find. Replace the motor board and motor to start with. Try not to go very far with the cabinet beyond cleaning it. Filling the wrong hole for the crank will require some wood working skill, but worth it. Good luck with the restoration. http://www.victor-victrola.com/XIV.htm