The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

It isn't just the lack of bearings that's the problem- Columbia Grafonola arms have usually swolen and increased the friction. If you can take the arm apart and remove some of the metal you can improve things a lot.

I don't know if Silvertones have ball bearings, but I've never found one with a frozen up arm like Columbia. I believe that Silvertone used mostly brass in their arms.

WOW! Thanks for all of the advice and information. I'll keep you guys posted.

Paul

If you're gonna get a floor model, get a XVI, XVII, or XVIII.


Do it right. Show it off, and make their jaws drop

Thank You!

You left out the VV-XX, SSO!

Henry wrote:I'll add my voice to those who praise the VV-XI.

I fixed up a VV-XIA for my mom, I too love that machine. The tonearm just glides so much smoother and more precisely than any of my other Victrolas including orthophonics, it's almost spooky. Only thing I had to do to it was replace one side's damaged veneer and the usual cleaning/lubing. She's got the Credenza now but I want to keep the VV-XI in the family so I might give it to my sister. I'd definitely recommend it.

Estott made some good points regarding other brands. With the Brunswick you'll have the option of playing lateral cut, Pathé, and, in many cases, Edison Diamond Discs, all on one machine. A Starr will allow you to play both lateral and vertical cut records. I'm still rooting for the VV XI however .

SonnyPhono wrote:You left out the VV-XX, SSO!

VV-XX?



Paul, The models I mentioned (XVI,XVII, and XVIII) are the cream of the crop as far as upright Pre-Orthophonic Victrolas go, but they are harder to find. The XVI is probably the easiest of the three, due to the fact it was produced for over 10 years.

I've never heard an XI play before, but, I think they are a bit plain for my tastes. The cabinet seems a bit uninspired, IMO.

Maybe my XVII has just spoiled me

It's a good value, both then and now, however. Almost a million were made, so they are as common as dirt, and parts will most likely always be easy to find.

SSO, here are some pictures of the VV-XX. Pretty nice phonographs!

Ah, ok. It's basically an XVI then.

I didn't see it acknowledged on Paul Edie's site, but I remembered it being part of the XVI line.




I'd love the one on the far right, btw.


How is that one so mint? I mean, even the record books are flawless!