The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I just purchased a working VV-111 for $40. The cabinet needs some major renovation. I am looking for top and bottom doors for the cabinet. I also need to replace missing knobs. The top of lid needs new veneer as well. Can you buy veneer from an old cabinet and reuse? My cabinet is mahogany. I have included a picture. Any thoughts or suggestions are greatly appreciated. I am a newbie. This is my first go around. Thanks.

Kevin

Here is a pic of the veneer on the top of the lid.[

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Try George Vollema ([email protected]) but in my opinion even for $40.00 you may quickly spend more than the machine is worth. Work out your complete costs before you start laying out money.

estott wrote:even for $40.00 you may quickly spend more than the machine is worth

I would unfortunately have to agree with this statement.

Much as I hate to say it, IMHO this one is not "worth" completing. You'll find that just getting decent doors, knobs, and hinges with cost you several times what you've paid so far. I'd suggest parting it out, perhaps keeping the reproducer, crank, and a few other small parts. The motor can be easily sold on ebay, most likely for as much as you paid for the whole machine.

I'd suggest looking for another one, but until that time this one could still be made playable to cleaning it, rebuilding the reproducer and lubricating the motor - all very useful experience for a beginner. It could still sound quite good.

Thanks for the help. I contacted George. He thought he had a couple of VV-111s. But wasn't able to find them. The machine works great. Runs quiet. It is just the cabinet that needs work. It appear a to be a bleak picture that is being painted. How much do you think I could sell this for in its condition knowing that it works well. Still don't want to give up the good fight completely yet. Are there other models that have compatible door sizes to the 111?