The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have not been playing the Victrolita (VV1) much, as it seems that the weight of the tone arm on the record is pretty extreme.

Is there an appropriate range for the weight of the tone arm on acoustic phonographs?

How does one measure it?

I have seen some reference to counter-weights, would this be worth exploring?

Would it be appropriate to use a later Victrola tone arm (is this even possible)? I would, of course, keep the stock arm with the player for whoever might end up with it in the future).

Sorry for all of the questions-I am new and am trying to learn.


Thank you all in advance.

It is true that most acoustic machines have a rather high tracking weight.

There have been some attempts to modify that by using counterweights; however, the tone arm design on the Victrolita does not allow for that - it requires a tone arm with a goose-neck to be effective.

As for using another tone arm: I doubt that any other Victor arm would be compatible. You would have to replace the back bracket as well - and the nearest replacement I can think of is from a VV-IV: not exactly a 'later' machine.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

Bill

A non standard tonearm is unlikely to track correctly, and incorrect tracking will wear your records as much as heavy needle pressure. A counterweight is useful, as here :

A Victrolita was never a quality machine. It was the cheapest in the Victor line up in 1925. They are a good machine for display and play an occasional record. For a good entry level machine to play 78's, I'd recommend a Victrola VI from about 1915 onwards. They are built solid, attractive, and will give you many years of enjoyment. That was my first machine when I started.
Harvey Kravitz