The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

The discussion of the unusual Exhibition reminded me that there can be confusion between a Victor horn machine and a Victrola. When we write about a horn machine such as a Victor IV, we should always write Victor IV instead of an abbreviated Vic IV. The same is true with a model IV Victrola. We should always write Victrola IV or VV-IV. It becomes confusing when someone makes the statement that the unusual Exhibition was found on the Vic IV. Was the writer talking about a Victor IV or a VV-IV? I am not pointing fingers because I have been as guilty as anyone. Jerry

I understand your point Jerry, but Victor wasn't really too good in that perspective either. My Victor II "Humpback" says "Vic II" on the data plate. But I agree that it makes statements easier to understand if textbook terminology is used.
Andreas

Does this mean we cannot ask anymore questions about whatchamacallits, or the doflop thing under the whatchamacallit?

No, I think it's more about the cherry wood Edison Cylinder Roll Victrola from Columbia

The confusion is most common when talking about the Victor IV and VI and Victrola IV and VI. The ID tags on horn machines frequently say Vic II or IV but I think all Victrola tags say VV-IV. I don't have a Victrola IV or VI. Does anyone have one that says Vic IV? Jerry

All good points Jerry but pretty "hoity toity" for someone who just got his finger whacked off by an Amberola 30!

Hang on a minute,if we're on the subject of terminology why do you guy's across the pond call a gramophone a phonograph? Gordon.

I've had my thumb elevated for most of the days so I have plenty of time to think about these details.

debndunk wrote:Hang on a minute,if we're on the subject of terminology why do you guy's across the pond call a gramophone a phonograph? Gordon.

Eldridge Johnson dropped the designation "gramophone" for legal reasons and chose "Victor," combined with the neutral term "talking machine," instead. Therefore, "Victor gramophone" is as historically incorrect as "Victor phonograph."

While Victor in the US dropped the "Gramophone" term , all Victor "Talking Machines"sold in Canada up to 1923 had a separate "Berliner Gramophone" tag attached