The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

My great-grandmother's original VE-8-12 ( now mine ) was apparently re-fitted with a 4-spring motor, probably by a dealer. G-g-ma lived in rural Virgina before the Rural Electrification Act .

I'm happy with that machine as-is, but am curious about the induction motors that Victor used in their electric machines.

How well do they run: steady speed, quiteness, etc ?


I have run across a few machines lately that have the induction motor, but are otherwise commonplace... just wondering if it works well enough to be desireable ?




Thanks !

Induction motors, like any well-restored windup, run just as steadily and can be very quiet, depending on the magnetic coils. I've had some that are silent, some with a slight hum, and others that have an objectionally loud "buzz." I've not had much success in lessening vibration, trying what the Victor repair manuals suggest, inserting wood shims between the coil and frame. I've had better luck finding an identical model parts-motor with better coils and swapping them out.
I understand the electrical properties of the coils vary from model to model, and it's important that those installed are identical in this regard.
IMO there's not much extra value, if any, attached to acoustic machines with induction motors. However, they're very convenient if you're one to play lots of records every day.
There are several good videos on Youtube covering induction motor repair.
Bob