The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello to all... New user to the forum. I'm new to the game and am hoping to learn as much as possible from all of you. After "lurking" for a while, I can see that there is a ton of knowledge here. As a kid, I always admired my Grandmas Victrola. I have no idea what model it was, but always told her that some day I wanted it. Well, I joined the Navy almost 29 years ago, and the Vic is no longer around. Neither is G-ma for that matter.... Anyhow, I came across a VV-220 a few weeks ago on craigslist for $160.00. I went to Seattle to have a look and promptly snatched it up. All of the hardware is gold tone and all of the pieces are there. I pulled the motor (after many hours of reading post from this site) and cleaned and re-oiled it. I have a reproducer rebuild kit on it's way (also based on your opinions, I went with Walt "cyber-tigger"). The wood appears to be mahogany, but may be a bit faded. Orange oil is in the works... I can get abour 20 smooth cranks on the handle without any "binding" feeling and without the needle on a record, get about 4.5 minutes of spinning on the turntable. All-in-all, I think I got a great deal. It's a very nice, sturdy machine and I can't wait to get the reproducer rebuilt so I can see how it really sounds.. Let me know if I did alright or wasted my cash..

Hello Scott, welcome to the forum and to this adictive hobby. And congratulations to your first Victrola. I think you will have much joy with it. Also price wise I think you did well, even though many will tell you that console models aren't very popular with collectors. But for the price you paid for a complete and working machine you can't go wrong, and I personally like console models very much. It sounds like you're doing the right thing, read and learn before making wrong restoration choices. And for the future you will see that lots of knowledgeable and helpfull collectors are here to give you advice.
Have fun
Andreas

Thanks Andreas. I'll post a few pics when I get home.

Just in case you have not seen it, here is a little info about the 220

Welcome aboard Scott. Start making room in the house, your going to need it

I would also like to welcome you, Scott.

There is a wealth of knowledge here amongst the forum members and fellow collectors (and probably more than a few empty pockets, too, because of this hobby)!

Retrograde wrote:Just in case you have not seen it, here is a little info about the 220

Thanks Retro. That's one of the first sites I found.

Here it is!!

hi scott
welcome to this vast void of knowledge, information and us crazy collectors
i think you got a good deal, looks in very good condition!, i personally quite like the console models however there is no way my parents will let me get one!, as long as you love it thats the main thing!, happy collecting!!

The Columbia record on the turntable is newer than the Victrola. You may want to try the older acoustic records from the era of the Victrola.