VV-VI Woes - Question on Tone & Base

[davo]

Hi Folks,

Glad to be aboard here.

I purchased a VV-VI and I think the tone arm is wrong, or something is missing from the base or arm. The base top and inside the tone arm don't look exactly like others I have seen online but I don't know enough to be sure. I have posted photos. If the tone is swiveled off the table top position (parallel with the side of the box), I have seen pictures where it stays in that position, but mine will fall off. So I think something is missing and not holding it properly or my base or arm is not the original part. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Davo

[estott]

There should be a pivot pin at the top of the black cast iron bracket that fits into a hole on the top of the arm. Looks as if yours is missing.

[davo]

Yes, the pivot is there and works ... sorry I didn't show it.

This is an arm for the same model that looks very different from mine:

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... f=2&t=8269

It seems like the base part should be slot and not open. Do see you what I mean.
It looks like the top part of a slot is broken off ... i.e. the diagonal edges.
(Base top close-up photo)

[alang]

The VV-VI in your link is an earlier version, which does not have the overhang support on the back bracket. Your back bracket looks correct, except maybe the ball bearings might be missing or just not visible in the pictures. In the groove where the tonearm goes in there should be a flat metal ring with 5 little cutouts and a little metal ball in each of these cutouts. These should be greased, so the bottom of the tonearm should ride freely on these ball bearings. From above the limit pin should then hold the tonearm in place. If you are missing these ball bearings then maybe the tonearm isn't held in place properly? Maybe you can also post a picture of the upper side of your tonearm?
Thanks
Andreas

[estott]

Here's my arm - it is different from yours, but mine is from 1914 and yours is at least a few years later- it has a drop in motorboard instead of a hinged board. You might have the arm from a late IX. When it is in place does the needle fall just about on the spindle?

I can't get my arm apart to check, but I think there should be ball bearings under the arm as well.

[estott]

Just looked at an Ebay auction, your arm is correct for a late model VI . I think your problem is missing ball bearings. Contact George Vollema - [email protected], he has everything.

[Uncle Vanya]

You have exactly the right arm for your very late (1924-25 vintage) machine. It appears that you are missing the ball bearings (all five of them) and the ball-bearing keeper. If you have not these parts, you could get by by filling the bearing space with ⅛" or 3/16" balls, which may be purchased in quantity here:

http://www.amazon.com/Diameter-Chrome-B ... s=1%2F8%22

or here:

http://www.amazon.com/Diameter-Chrome-B ... =3%2F16%22

[phonojim]

Do you have the 5 ball bearings and the notched washer which holds them in position? The tone arm is meant to rotate on these and will not work without them. You should be able to get these parts from a phono parts dealer such as Ron Sitko or George Vollema. The base should be notched as yours is. That is done to limit the travel of the tone arm in combination with the pin in the large end of the arm. The mahogany cased VIs were made after after about 1920, so your arm style is correct for that machine.

Jim

[davo]

Hi Folks,

Thank your for your responses and direction.
To answer your questions, no I do not have ball bearings or a washer/holder.
I will contact the people in the various links/email and try to get the parts I need.

Thank You Again!
Davo

[davo]

Hi Folks,

Getting my VV-VI up to snuff.
I've found that my pin doesn't seem to hold my arm 100% correctly.
I don't have pictures of this but has anyone had this issue?
I had to tape my pin from the top so that the arm doesn't fall when the victrola is bumped and
to lessen the weight of the arm on the disc.

Any suggestions?