Restored Victrola vv-50

[JayL]

Hello!
I'm new to the hobby and would like to purchase my first Victrola. I did my research and I know what I want, but unfortunately my budget is under $500 . So my top choices are vv-50 or vv - vi . I do not think I will be capable restoring things on my own, so I would like to purchase it from a reputable dealer, that specializes in victrola restoration .
I found this :
http://www.victrolarepairservice.com/Sales/VV50.html

Does this look like a good deal, and can you guys recommend this seller ?
Or is it to high, and I should look somewhere else ?
Kind Regards,
Jay

[Jerry B.]

Hi Jay,
Welcome to the Forum. Before you buy anything I'd suggest visiting the "Yankee Trader" section of the Forum. You will find current and older listings that feature inexpensive and well as very rare and expensive machines. Don't be in a hurry. Take some time and educate yourself. The machines you mention, the VV-50 and VV-VI are good quality but inexpensive models. Also, don't rule out other inexpensive but high quality Victors like the Victrola models IV, VIII, and IX. These are table models. If you'd like an upright, Victor models X and XI are inexpensive but high quality. All of the above models in inexpensive because they are common. But common is not always a bad thing. If you are looking for classic good looks and quality, you can't go wrong with any of the machines I have mentioned. Others can probably make good suggestions. I think any of the models I've mentioned can be purchased anywhere from $100 to $300. Machines at the lower end of the price spectrum might be more of a project but ones at the higher end should be in good original condition and ready for generations of enjoyment. Victrolas can be expensive to ship. Your best bet might be to find collectors local to your area, use your new knowledge and buy a nice Victrola. There are probably members of the Forum in your area. Jerry Blais

[Torjazzer]

Hello!
I'm new to the hobby and would like to purchase my first Victrola. I did my research and I know what I want, but unfortunately my budget is under $500 . So my top choices are vv-50 or vv - vi . I do not think I will be capable restoring things on my own, so I would like to purchase it from a reputable dealer, that specializes in victrola restoration .
I found this :
http://www.victrolarepairservice.com/Sales/VV50.html

Does this look like a good deal, and can you guys recommend this seller ?
Or is it to high, and I should look somewhere else ?
Kind Regards,
Jay

Welcome to the hobby! The vv-50 is a great place to start; it was my first machine too. Any collector I have met loves these machines for their sound and build quality. However, the price quoted here is high. Be patient and you'll find a local machine for much cheaper.

[briankeith]

$450.00 for a VV-50? OUCH!!!!!

[JayL]

Thank you for your advice and suggestions . I really like Victor models with big horns, but that is way out of my price range .
Of course I would like to save money and purchase things locally, btw I'm located in Horsham, PA . But I'm not confident in my ability to be able to repair or restore the item, so I would rather pay a bit of mark up to the seller, who specialized in restoration and I know my item will be taken care of and ready to use.
What do you guys think is the fair price for HMV 102 in the fairly good condition ? I might be able to get one, for about the same price as vv-50 that I posted a link to, in my first post.
Regards,
Jay

[Torjazzer]

Thank you for your advice and suggestions . I really like Victor models with big horns, but that is way out of my price range .
Of course I would like to save money and purchase things locally, btw I'm located in Horsham, PA . But I'm not confident in my ability to be able to repair or restore the item, so I would rather pay a bit of mark up to the seller, who specialized in restoration and I know my item will be taken care of and ready to use.
What do you guys think is the fair price for HMV 102 in the fairly good condition ? I might be able to get one, for about the same price as vv-50 that I posted a link to, in my first post.
Regards,
Jay

I recently attended an auction where a very nice condition HMV 102 was sold for $160. Both seller and buyer were experienced collectors, so that should give you an indication about current market value. That being said, there are some rare models. There seems to be a buying trend in the UK at the moment and the HMV 102 has become wildly popular. This has driven the prices sky high. They are nice little machines however I wouldn't pay anywhere near $450 for one.

[JayL]

I recently attended an auction where a very nice condition HMV 102 was sold for $160. Both seller and buyer were experienced collectors, so that should give you an indication about current market value. That being said, there are some rare models. There seems to be a buying trend in the UK at the moment and the HMV 102 has become wildly popular. This has driven the prices sky high. They are nice little machines however I wouldn't pay anywhere near $450 for one.

Thank you for letting me know . I have a feeling, that I might not be able to get a machine for a long long time ))
I guess my only options will be trying to find something dirt cheap and try to restore it myself

[gramophone78]

Thank you for your advice and suggestions . I really like Victor models with big horns, but that is way out of my price range .
Of course I would like to save money and purchase things locally, btw I'm located in Horsham, PA . But I'm not confident in my ability to be able to repair or restore the item, so I would rather pay a bit of mark up to the seller, who specialized in restoration and I know my item will be taken care of and ready to use.
What do you guys think is the fair price for HMV 102 in the fairly good condition ? I might be able to get one, for about the same price as vv-50 that I posted a link to, in my first post.
Regards,
Jay

There is no steadfast rule to "worth". What may be worth $100 to one collector, may be worth $200 to another. Therefore, the best way for you to get a handle on worth is the follow Ebay and other auction sites.
Since you are not willing to get too involved in the restoration or the tech. end of a purchase. A reputable dealer may be your best option. This forum does not offer opinions on dealers because many are members of this forum. As Jerry mentioned.....you may want to keep your eyes on our "Yankee Trader" section. Many items come up all the time. You are also welcome to post a "want" ad in that section asking if a member has a certain model you would like.
I hope this helps you to make a good purchase in the near future.

[briankeith]

There's a very sharp looking minty HMV-102 currently on EBay from across the pond, 251182962080 is the item number.

[JayL]

There's a very sharp looking minty HMV-102 currently on EBay from across the pond, 251182962080 is the item number.

It does look nice, but with shipping and everything it would come close to $450 -$500 or so.
I guess, I'm willing to wait and shop around, I would rather spend that much money on the nice floor standing unit, or a nice restored unit and some records.
It is not that I do not want to get involved with restoration, but the lack of knowledge and lack of time ( I have 5 kids at home ) , would prevent me from doing so.
So, I keep my eye out on Trader section and I will post wanted add.