The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Yes I need a needle cup but that is at the bottom of my "need" list
Wasn't sure if there are also supposed to be small bowls on either side or if they just stay as a wood receptacle (as-is)?
I've seen the bowls on eBay.
Are all the center cups and lids the same or is there a specific one I need for my model?

Kryptosmaster wrote:Yes I need a needle cup but that is at the bottom of my "need" list
Wasn't sure if there are also supposed to be small bowls on either side or if they just stay as a wood receptacle (as-is)?
I've seen the bowls on eBay.
Are all the center cups and lids the same or is there a specific one I need for my model?

No, only the center has a cup and lid. The two wooden "bowls" are for new needles, typically 2 different volumes. You put the used needles in the cup and periodically empty it as needed.

Hi Richard,

When you get the Victrola working, remember to primarily use acoustic records. The record on the turntable is a Victor record, but is electrically recorded (Orthophonic).

Player-Tone is right about a good source for help and parts. Contact Ron Sitko when you can. He is a good contact for your needs.

We have relatives in Mesa, by the way, so we know about your area.

Don

That was one of my future questions.
How can you tell, without a bunch of tedious research, when a Record is acoustic or before 1925(the cutoff date I've read about)? I think I noticed an "E" on the label of some indicating electronic recording?
On that subject, how can I make sure I don't accidentally play those vertical recordings if I happen to unknowingly pick some up in the future?
I just tossed that victrola record on there for looks when I was taking pics.
Is it a matter of using a different needle? How can I tell when a record is "shellac" instead of vinyl?
I have a ton of later 78s that I would like to play but obviously don't want to ruin them. I am looking for a 60s console radio, turntable and 8-track combo that would work for the later ones but I don't quite understand why this machine would ruin them?

EdiBrunsVic wrote:When you get the Victrola working, remember to primarily use acoustic records. The record on the turntable is a Victor record, but is electrically recorded (Orthophonic).
Don

Sigh---here we go again. You can play just about any 78 records you want to on the XI, with these major exceptions: vertical-cut (e.g., Edison and Pathé label) and vinyl (late '50s era). I play all others---acoustic, and Orthophonic and later electricals up through the big band era into the early '50s, on my XI with Exhibition, using a fresh needle for each side (though you can safely stretch that to two sides of a 10" 78). As always, YRMV, and I'm not saying you should or you shouldn't, only that I have had great results with no perceptible record wear. Caution: your box must be rebuilt with new diaphragm (if needed), fresh pliable front gaskets and new back flange, and properly adjusted needle bar!

Vertical-cut records are usually so marked (except the Edisons, which are ¼" thick so there's no mistaking them!). Some early companies even marked "Vertical ' or "Lateral" on records. As to vinyl, it looks and feels different (shiny and smooth) than so-called "shellac."

Thank you.
Feel free to direct me to other threads if some of my questions have already been beaten to death.
I was considering picking up some of those Tungs-tone needles as they don't have to be replaced after every play.
Is this a good idea? Seems a lot less hassle? I understand they no longer make these so I'd have to lurk on eBay?
I guess there's still a lot to learn.... Needle type, needle tone, etc

EdiBrunsVic wrote:
We have relatives in Mesa, by the way, so we know about your area.

Don

I'm hoping to maybe find some local enthusiasts along the way.

50 bucks a steal if there ever was one! Congrats!

Kryptosmaster wrote:That was one of my future questions.
How can you tell, without a bunch of tedious research, when a Record is acoustic or before 1925(the cutoff date I've read about)? I think I noticed an "E" on the label of some indicating electronic recording?
On that subject, how can I make sure I don't accidentally play those vertical recordings if I happen to unknowingly pick some up in the future?
I just tossed that victrola record on there for looks when I was taking pics.
Is it a matter of using a different needle? How can I tell when a record is "shellac" instead of vinyl?
I have a ton of later 78s that I would like to play but obviously don't want to ruin them. I am looking for a 60s console radio, turntable and 8-track combo that would work for the later ones but I don't quite understand why this machine would ruin them?

The easiest way to tell a Victrola electric recording (Orthophonic) is by the label. Acoustic recordings from 1908 to 1913 looked like this: That label was then replaced with the Victor batwing from 1914-1925 (still acoustic). Here is that label: The batwing label was then replaced with the Victor 'scroll' in 1926 when the electronic Orthophonic process was introduced. Here is a pic of that label. It is fine to play early Orthophonic records (pre 1929) on the XI. Newer 78s (40s & 50s) can't be played with the heavy reproducers because their shellac mix does not have the same abrasive properties to handle the heavy reproducer and steel needle (made for light electric pick-up). The shellac of early Orthophonic records is just like the acoustic records, it was made to handle the steel needles and weight of the Orthophonic sound-box. It just won't sound as good on an early phonograph, but record wear won't be any faster than an acoustic record. Record wear on an early phonograph will be slightly more than an Orthophonic phonograph anyway due to the poor tracking angle and rigid diaphragm of the early machine.

Kryptosmaster wrote: How can I tell when a record is "shellac" instead of vinyl?

The shellac mix is very rigid, giving it a distinct sound when tapped lightly with your finger. The record should give a ceramic like sound when tapped, almost like a food plate. A vinyl 78 will give the dull thud of plastic.

Shellac records are also more heavy than vinyl.