The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello Victrola community,
My wife and I have a 1920 VV-IX as shown here...http://www.victor-victrola.com/IX.htm.

It's normal play speed is 78, however I was wondering if there is a way to play 33 or 45 speed vinyl records. We love the look of the Victrola and would love to play some newer records on it for hosting friends/family. It seems the Victrola is able to slow considerably, but when we try to play a LP record, the needle does not catch.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Sorry, you are out of luck for that application. Your phonograph will destroy those types of records.

James.

I agree, the sharp needle with larger point and heavy reproducer, will never play your 33 ⅓ or 45's. The soft vinyl or plastic record will be damaged if even attempted to play on a Victrola or any early wind up machine.

My advise, stick to a good electric turntable which was made for these records.

Many years ago I read something about the pounds per square inch under the tip of a new steel needle. The author stated that you can not put a new needle in an Exhibition reproducer and lift it with the soft portion of your finger. I thought that was ridiculous so I tried it. To my surprise and great pain, I found that statement true.
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Victrolas were designed to play then current records. Many Victrolas will not play late 78's with satisfactory results because the records are too soft. Jerry

It is technically possible to do it, using the right needle and the right LP - one of the heavy vinyl monaural ones is better, and counter balancing the soundbox with a lever and weight - but the sound will be very very poor and it will ruin the record. I've done it just to see if it is possible and will not do it again.


If you want to do this for the purpose of playing music for your friends, it will not work.

Thank you for the information! Looks like I will be buying a new record player...

you can play LP's with your Victrola if you can slow it down to 33 rpms. make a paper cone with a 8.5 x 11 sheet and stick a sewing pin on it with scotch tape. it won't be really loud nor good for the record but it works.

Chadkjames wrote:Thank you for the information! Looks like I will be buying a new record player...

You can find vintage turntables or phonograph record players on kijiji or craigslist for pretty cheap. You still need electricity to run them , but they are designed for vinyl. Some of them will also play 78's by turning the stylus head upside down and changing the speed from 33 to 78

As seen on another posting, the consequences of such a proposition:

Torjazzer wrote:As seen on another posting, the consequences of such a proposition:

It's amazing how many people try to play 45s and Lps on windups and how many peoople don't know what they do , but they do ! I have sold a lot of gramophones and when the buyer comes back with the cash after getting it from an ATM and says I can't wait to play my Jimi Hendrix when I get home ! Lost sale !