VV-VI Tone Arm Trouble

[mattrx]

I picked up this VV-VI off Craig's List today. It cranks and plays (I will rebuild the reproducer later this month), but the tone arm does not track properly. There is too much resistance right to left, and left to right. My later VV-VI has bearings to reduce this resistance, but this one does not seem to have them. I have included pictures of the tone arm base and the bracket/horn in which it fits. Can someone give me any ideas as to what the problem is? Is it simply an early and poor design, or am I missing parts? Otherwise it seems to be complete, and original. Any help is appreciated, as always!

[antique1973]

The ball bearings are probably missing. Maybe some thick grease in there will do the trick until you get some bearings. On the larger floor model Victrolas there are depressions in the turret where the bearings rest. Can you see dips in your turret?

[Uncle Vanya]

For heaven's sake! The early Victrola machines use pivots rather than ball bearings, in the manner of the rear mounted Victor open horn machines. Early examples of the VV-VI and VV-IV, thise machies without an overhang support on the back bracket, use a simple spindle as a pivot for the tone arm. this is not quite as friction- free as the ball bearing and overhang support arrangement used after Mid-1913 or therabouts, but should give satisfactory service if well lubricated and in good order. With these early "hornless" machines it is imperative that the spindle upon which the tone arm pivots be absolutely straight, and perfectly perpendictular to the turntable, lest the ring on the bottom of the tone arm dra against the back bracket casting. The tone arm reinforcing ring should not touch the back bracket at any point.

[Jerry B.]

Our wise Uncle is spot on correct. You've found an early VV-VI with the 10" turntable. I'm sure your tone arm problem is minor and probably in proper adjustment by now. Nice find. Jerry

[Zwebie]

I agree with Uncle Vanya. I can see in one of your pictures that the front edge of the base of the tonearm has been rubbing. Carefully loosen the set screw, and remove the shaft. Lay it on a flat hard surface and tap out any of the bend with a neoprene hammer. Then lubricate and reinstall. You'll be amazed what a difference it will make. Good Luck, Bob S.

[mattrx]

Thank you very much Uncle Vanya! I took the post out and sure enough there was about a 2 degree bend just above the perpendicular pin. Hammered it out and now listening "Hear Dem Bells" on an old Columbia disc (A2634) from 1918! It tracks MUCH better and has got to be easier on the records. I really appreciate all the help members of this forum have given me. The advice is invaluable.

Matt

[mattrx]

I spent some time yesterday cleaning the VV-VI and then use some shellac thinned with alcohol to add some shine back to the machine today. I need to sand it a bit, but I was very pleased with how much better the cabinet looks after these few simple efforts. Thanks again to advice posted (elsewhere) on the forum.

[EdisonPhonographGuy]

Very nice. Aren't these guys here great? I'm learning something new every day.