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Re: Check Out My First XVI
Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2010 8:29 pm
by Retrograde
8 (or 8B?) is what the original 3-spring motor would look like. open file 18
I think 8B is the one since it's a geared crank.
Motor Guide
File 18
Check out the other pdf files and find the one describing these motors.
Re: Check Out My First XVI
Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2010 11:21 pm
by Zeppy
Retrograde wrote:8 (or 8B?) is what the original 3-spring motor would look like. open file 18
I think 8B is the one since it's a geared crank.
Motor Guide
File 18
Check out the other pdf files and find the one describing these motors.
Actually, it's none of them. The close one is #4, however the winding shaft comes out the opposite side of the spring barrel (as the picture is orientated, from above rather than below)
Re: Check Out My First XVI
Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 1:39 am
by AZ*
Zeppy's right. I had the mahogany version of this machine many years ago. As I recall, the speed control was at the back side of the turntable, not at the more conventional front right location. This seemed unusual, but it is correct for this model. It was a 3 spring machine, with 2 springs in one barrel, and one in a single barrel.
It had the narrow tone arm, Exhibition soundbox, and no semi-automatic brake. Mine still had the original albums, filled with patents-label Victor Red Seals.
Phonographist's machine appears to be made up of a bit of this and that. Not exactly a Frankenphone or a cobble, but certainly not as original as one would desire. The extra hole in the side of the cabinet detracts from the originality and value. I hope this was a bargain machine.
I'm not sure about the finish. It's hard to tell from the photos.
Re: Check Out My First XVI
Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 10:30 am
by phonographist
I appreciate all the info. Being somewhat new to the hobby I like absorbing more knowledge about these machines more specifically. What would a bargain or decent price be for a machine such as this? Just to help me out on future purchases. Thanks.
Re: Check Out My First XVI
Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 4:53 pm
by antique1973
phonographist wrote:I appreciate all the info. Being somewhat new to the hobby I like absorbing more knowledge about these machines more specifically. What would a bargain or decent price be for a machine such as this? Just to help me out on future purchases. Thanks.
Market values depend on your location. Prices are inflated where I am at
in California so that machine (if completed) can sell for around $600.
I sold my mahogany XVI for this much just recently but the motor was
overhauled and the reproducer was serviced also. The trick is to try
to research a model before you go to look at it, then figure out what
parts have been swapped or are missing. This can give you a better idea
of what you should be paying for it.
Re: Check Out My First XVI
Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 5:00 pm
by phonographist
Yea, I did some research on the XVI but wasn't able to really go over the phonograph until I went to pick it up in person. I paid $150 and figured that was a good deal because the gold No. 2 reproducer and motor are worth at least that much.
I was just curious about the value because of AZ*'s comment about hoping it was a bargain machine. It just made me think about it and I just wanted to make sure I made a good decision. Aside from the motor board, missing needle cup and holder, and the extra hole in the side, everything else is in really good condition.
Thanks again for the help!
Re: Check Out My First XVI
Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 7:52 pm
by antique1973
phonographist wrote:Yea, I did some research on the XVI but wasn't able to really go over the phonograph until I went to pick it up in person. I paid $150 and figured that was a good deal because the gold No. 2 reproducer and motor are worth at least that much.
I was just curious about the value because of AZ*'s comment about hoping it was a bargain machine. It just made me think about it and I just wanted to make sure I made a good decision. Aside from the motor board, missing needle cup and holder, and the extra hole in the side, everything else is in really good condition.
Thanks again for the help!
Yeah, you did just fine I think. Plus you can sell off the motor board/motor
to help offset the restoration costs.

Re: Check Out My First XVI
Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 10:08 pm
by AZ*
I agree that you got a good deal. Although I am not in favor of parting out perfectly good machines, my gauge for whether it is a bargain is if you could sell a couple of the major pieces and get your money back. Your analysis of the value of the motor and soundbox is along these lines.
The other consideration is how much you have to spend to put it right. I've seen people buy what they thought were bargains, but then spent a lot on repairs and replacement parts so their total investment exceeded the "usual" price for a similar machine.
The fact that this machine is oak and looks nice makes it more desirable than some others I can think of.
Re: Check Out My First XVI
Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 10:10 pm
by Zeppy
phonographist wrote:Yea, I did some research on the XVI but wasn't able to really go over the phonograph until I went to pick it up in person. I paid $150 and figured that was a good deal because the gold No. 2 reproducer and motor are worth at least that much.
I was just curious about the value because of AZ*'s comment about hoping it was a bargain machine. It just made me think about it and I just wanted to make sure I made a good decision. Aside from the motor board, missing needle cup and holder, and the extra hole in the side, everything else is in really good condition.
Thanks again for the help!
At $150, you did fine. I paid $200 for just an empty mahogony case of the same vintage.
Re: Check Out My First XVI
Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 10:21 pm
by phonographist
Thanks for the info. I feel better about the purchase now. I looked at the motor and it is a three spring motor, all being in separate barrels. I have been reading about Victor motors and I think this would be correct for this style of XVI. So I would only need to replace the fatter tonearm to a thin one, a needle cup and holder, and an oak motor board. Does this sound right? It came originally with an Exhibition sound box, but didn't Victor offer the No. 2 later as a replacement? If so, the No. 2 would be OK for my XVI. If that's the case, then the parts I need to find would probably cost around $150 or so. That would mean I could have a complete XVI for around $300.
Would anybody happen to have an oak needle cup holder, gold needle cup, oak motor board and thin tonearm?
