The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Here is another photo of the inside of the VV IX. There is NOTHING left of the original wood horn baffle setup, nor is there the panel to which the iron horn is attached. Just behind the bracket on the LEFT is a rabbet, duplicated on the other side--this is all that is left of the panel. I can see some cut out spaces in the front where the horn sides must have ended,just in front of the louvers.

your point?

Not to be negative (as it's your business) but, I just can't see why anyone would even consider spending money to restore a very common machine.....unless a family heirloom. Even if it is.....you could buy a mint one for very little money off Craigslist. There is a tipping point where a machine is really just "parts". IMO, this one has tipped the scale right over.... . Why is there another thread on this same machine??.

gramophone78 wrote:Not to be negative (as it's your business) but, I just can't see why anyone would even consider spending money to restore a very common machine.....unless a family heirloom. Even if it is.....you could buy a mint one for very little money off Craigslist. There is a tipping point where a machine is really just "parts". IMO, this one has tipped the scale right over.... . Why is there another thread on this same machine??.

Here is the thread.
I wouldn't begrudge someone for wanting to work on a machine. No skin off my nose either way.

gramophone78 wrote:Not to be negative (as it's your business) but, I just can't see why anyone would even consider spending money to restore a very common machine.....unless a family heirloom. Even if it is.....you could buy a mint one for very little money off Craigslist. There is a tipping point where a machine is really just "parts". IMO, this one has tipped the scale right over.... . Why is there another thread on this same machine??.

Just my take on things, for what it's worth (and it may not be worth much)...

Everybody needs to start somewhere, especially if they are new to the hobby and just starting out. In my personal opinion, it is wiser to cut your teeth learning on an item that may not hold much value outside of the seeds sown of self-satisfaction knowing that you rebuilt/restored it yourself.

If you happen to make mistakes along the way, they are not expensive ones... but rather tools for learning what does and doesn't work, what should and shouldn't be done.

I Think my point has been missed. As I stated....a person is entitled to do as they wish. However, when a machine that is not of real value or rarity is in a condition where key parts are missing and or damaged..horn, decal,etc....the cost to replace/repair outweighs the "worth" to restore. Based on the other thread regarding this machine....I see at least one other machine in the background of the poster. So, I don't think a true beginner is an issue either.
However, as I wrote before....this is just my opinion on this machine. Most of us know what this model sells for on CL any given day .