The best Black Friday shopping trip: my VV-XVI L-Door

[victrolaguy88]

I was home in Upstate NY for Thanksgiving and came across a VV-XVI L-Door on craigslist for $200 so I jumped on it really quick and brought it home. In examining it, the motor is in fantastic shape. Someone took the time to clean it and regrease it. Runs nice, smooth, and quiet. The guy I got it from didn't know much about it besides that they wanted it out of their house and wanted some extra cash for the holiday season. The L Doors were locked and he told me there were other things inside, but didn't know what.

After carrying it up 3 flights of stairs to my apartment, I gave the cabinet a good cleaning and attempted to open up the cabinet doors. Luckily the Victrola key I had opened up both doors and revealed the mystery as to what was inside.

In the pullout drawer laid the original gold plated Exhibition reproducer, in need of some work, and a nice Victrola No. 4A in fairly good shape. Also inside, a nice blue Victor tin full of needles, and 2 sample packs of Victor needles. It was like opening up presents on Christmas day. The only thing that is missing on it is the knob that goes on the shelf that pulls out underneath the horn and it's original castors, which I'm all on the hunt for.

The machine also has another reproducer that was attached to the tone arm when I bought it. It has an aluminum mica but has no information on it. I've included it in the pictures below. If anyone knows anything about it, I would greatly appreciate it!

This is now my favorite piece in my small, but growing collection.

[fmblizz]

Nice find....

It's like a sore dick,,,, you just can't beat it...

fmblizz

[phonogfp]

Good going! Is that the one out of Webster?

George P.

[victrolaguy88]

Thanks! This one came out of Victor, NY. It was only a 30 minute drive from my parents house. Can't beat it!

[phonogfp]

Yes - Victor, not Webster! Got my suburbs confused... That guy's had it on Craigslist for a long time. I called about it last summer but the seller wasn't very helpful. I'm glad you got it.

Victor's about 45 minutes from me. Where do your parents live?

George P.

[victrolaguy88]

My father lives in Waterloo and my mother is in Newark. I was born and raised in Lyons, NY and have since moved to Philadelphia for graduate school.

It is a very nice machine. I love the looks of it and I've been using my Victor No. 2 reproducer on it. Produces a great sound! I'm going to work on rebuilding the gold exhibition and the Victor 4A over winter break in a couple of weeks. Should be a great collection of stuff when I get it all done!

[phonogfp]

I know Waterloo and Newark well. My wife was also born in Lyons!

Should you ever want to visit, we're in Mt. Morris - right down I-390. Just send me a PM.

Good luck in grad school. That's what I was doing 35 years ago, and it's still serving me well.

George P.

[victrolaguy88]

Thanks George! I'd love to! I'll be home for a few weeks starting in mid-December. I'll PM you if I have some time when I'm home. Take care!

- Nicholas

[phonogfp]

Sounds good - I'll be around throughout December & January. Meanwhile, enjoy that Victrola!

George P.

[FloridaClay]

Congrats on the great find!

Clay