The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have always wondered why electric Victrolas are worth only about the same as a similar spring driven model. Why don't current prices reflect the rarity of a VE machine? Jerry

This is a good question, ans it is usually the most expensive Victrolas that were electrified, like the XVII, XVIII. I rebuilt a VXVI in the Wild West Town shop, most. I think most are intimidated the the antiquated wiring and the fire dangers it could cause. I think most actually rewire them with authentic, but new wiring, that is what I did. Make sure you take the motor apart, and clean and re grease it. A synthetic motor grease or a synthetic 40 weight oil might work well.

I'm not sure I have an answer to your question Jerry, but i do have a personal opinion/experience with a VE-XVI.
I was offered a stunning VE-XVI at a very reasonable price, it had been owned by a collector and was meticulously maintained.
I opted not to buy it specifically because it was electric and it was mostly due to a fear about the motor.
I have restored tube radios so I don't fear electric devices, but I figured I would have a hard time replacing the motor
if I ever needed to in the future. At that time I may have also been under the impression that an electric motor perverts some
of the romance behind a spring driven gramophone.

As I said, not a scientific reason as to why the VE's are less popular, but just my personal experience.

The price reflects both rarity and demand. Despite being rare I don’t think there is a high demand among the average collector.

I can’t speak for everyone, but I personally love the wind it up & let it play charm of these early machines. It is great not needing to place a phonograph in relation to an outlet, or being able to play when the power goes out. Also when showing people my machines they are fascinated by the fact that there is no electricity needed, especially considering how loud and clear they sound. When a plug is sticking out the back it looses some of its magic, even though the electricity is only being used for the turntable.

Even if I lived in the 1920s I would have taken a VV over the VE without even considering the extra cost of the VE. Besides, I would have probably still had gas lights in the 20s considering I tend to be old fashion.

If I can't crank it up I don't want it

Speaking only for myself, I find the electric models intimidating. If it's mechanical, I can usually figure it out if it needs repair. Electic and tubes just scare me and are expensive to repair if you need to pay someone to fix it for you. That being said, I do have one electric machine, an Aeolian which still is spring wound but the electric motor winds the spring.

I guess this makes me a bit of a statistical outlier. I really enjoy the electric machines. When demonstrating a machine for someone new, I will usually use one of my spring wound machines for the aforementioned reasons but for casual playing on a relaxing evening I enjoy not having to constantly crank the machine up. Just pick a new record, change the needle and play away. I know my VE 8-35 gets lots more playing time than my VV 8-12.

What I have really come to love recently is the early all electric machines, Victor or Brunswick. Now, those are a lot of fun once they have been rebuilt, rewired, and adjusted. With a true volume control, it’s no wonder the acoustic phonograph was on its way out in the late 20’s.

For me winding the machine is part of the fun. I don't mind it, even when relaxing.

I have nothing particular against electric motor phonographs, having played with electricity and repaired vacuum tube radios most of my life. The only thing that puts me off is anything with pot metal parts. That said, I have only one electric motor machine, a Brunswick console with the typical Ultona reproducer. The only problem with it is speed regulation - it is real finicky. The motor's electric circuit is opened and closed by the governor's contact with a metal wire brush. It works by the same principle as an Edison Class "M" phonograph. I don't recall now, but that Brunswick's motor may run on either AC or DC. A synchronous AC motor would have been much better.

As I said in an earlier post, this Victrola Electrola with radio and record changer is certainly getting some respect on Ebay right now. Makes me feel good about owning a VE 9-54!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151067772071?ss ... 1423.l2649