Shabby Chic VV-405 in Michigan

[estott]

Oh, the larger consoles like this are fine machines with well designed horns a bit larger than the big uprights like the XVI. Victor considered refitting their late console cabinets with compact exponential horns and Orthophonic tone arms but decided to introduce a completely redesigned line instead.

[dennman6]

It's a shame that VV-405 cabinet would require so much work. I am surprised that there is such a lack of interest in a "flawless" VV-405, as estott phrased it. Outside of a nice VV-230 this is the one "console" or "lowboy" Victor model that I would crave the most, and the second runner up would be the VV-400. I think the VV-405 is pretty gorgeous with that finish, and I had to turn one down in September 2000 because I was in the middle of a move. At that time the seller wanted $600 for it and it had a rebuilt No.2 and regreased motor, all done at his shop. He would've even given me "easy back-breaking time payments" knowing I was to move(I was a frequent 78 buyer & we'd chat at length about music & machines). But at the time money was tight and every square inch of the U-Haul counted. Last time I saw Pat he'd just gotten a new full-size pickup and commented to me, "Well that oughta handle two Credenzas at once!" Didn't totally get the reference then, but 10 years later I had a Credenza of my own:)I am in the same camp as Uncle Vanya, estott, & need4art, as I think they are beautiful machines and just shake my head at today's economy where a VV-405 is a $200 machine now. Better for buyers, of course, But in 2000 a Credenza would've been more than $600-go figure.

[estott]

I've got one of these stored. It's beautiful- bought in the early 1970's from the house of the original owners. A real beauty- but with a Credenza in my house I'd seldom play it.

[dennman6]

I've got one of these stored. It's beautiful- bought in the early 1970's from the house of the original owners. A real beauty- but with a Credenza in my house I'd seldom play it.

How ironic. A "confluence of great minds" seems to be difficult. From your signature, you live where I was born-Albany, NY. I "sprung"(Victrola reference) to life at Albany Medical Center on New Scotland Ave., between Madison & Allen. Just a few blocks from the competition, St. Peter's hospital. Not far from where Kessler's pharmacy & cafe used to be. As it happens, I'll be back to the area in August for my great aunt's 98th birthday, with my mother & sister in tow. Perhaps I should make an effort to see any local collectors in the area during my week there? Too bad for me I'll be flying, rather than driving an empty U-Haul to central NY

[estott]

Greetings! I'm somewhat in that neighborhood being located between Lake and Quail, just a short distance from New Scotland Ave.

[dennman6]

[quote="estott"]Greetings! I'm somewhat in that neighborhood being located between Lake and Quail, just a short distance from New Scotland Ave.[/quote

This may be a more interesting trip than I had thought, even with Aunt Lucy turning 98.