The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello
I am new to this forum, I have a Victor Talking Machine Portable type in the quarter sawn oak box I will have to look at he model but I remember looking it up and finding it was made in 1908 I think.
Thank you for any input
I purchased my talking machine at a yard sale. I was blown away with how it sounded when I put a record on it and I just could not pass it up. It actually was the last 50 I had at the time, but I really did not care.

I found the 78s mentioned in the subject line for just a couple bucks each at a Restore store in our area
the Hopalong is The Legend of Phantom Scout Pass and Hoppy's Good Luck Coin
Are any of these rare? All are in good usable condition.

I cannot wait to listen to them... Don't really care about the value just curious and its more the feeling that these invoke. Its like it brings something up from the past in my memory yet I am not old enough to have experienced these in my youth...I am of the 8 track era LOL


I almost forgot I also found one that says it is from the Soviet Union.. thought that was quite odd.
Katrina

From your brief description (photos always help), you probably have a VV-50, which was made in the 20s. (I assume you are taking the 1908 date from the patents on the ID plate, which do not correspond to dates of manufacture. Here's a web page on that model:
http://www.victor-victrola.com/50.htm

"Rare", "valuable", and "useable" are all subjective of course, but offhand I am not aware of any of those records being worth more than few dollars.

If you have a VV-50, you should be aware that it was designed to play records made before about 1925. The records you mention are from the 40s or 50s and will sound better on a regular electric phonograph.

Search through the site and you'll find out about rebuilding your reproducer for best sound. Also remember to get a supply of steel needles and use each needle only once.

Welcome to the board and the hobby. You'll find both are addictive.

Thank you for the welcome.
I guess your answer leaves me with a question. How do I tell when a record was made?
I really am interested in blues and jazz are those going to be things I will find?
I find a ton of Orchestra music some great some not so great.. Some waltz music too.
Time for some research I see.

Barngem wrote:I guess your answer leaves me with a question. How do I tell when a record was made?"

I suggest starting your research here: http://tedstaunton.com/site_map/site_map.html

Barngem wrote: "I really am interested in blues and jazz are those going to be things I will find?"

Yes

VintageTechnologies wrote: Yes

Don't condescend to the new collector. Don't be a jerk.

He'll find what he'll find.

Barngem wrote:Thank you for the welcome.
I guess your answer leaves me with a question. How do I tell when a record was made?
I really am interested in blues and jazz are those going to be things I will find?
I find a ton of Orchestra music some great some not so great.. Some waltz music too.
Time for some research I see.

True; research is always valuable.

As for dating records, I might suggest the Online 78 rpm Discography, which has some good information. If you want more specific information on Victor records, I would suggest the Encyclopedic Discography of Victor Records, which covers their recordings up to the RCA takeover in 1929.

As for looking for good blues and jazz records: you might check out sites like the National Jukebox or YouTube to find bands or artists that appeal to you, and search through consignment shops, flea markets, yard sales, Craigslist etc., for such records.

Check out offers of boxes of 78s: you never know what you may find. Perhaps something that you had not even considered will catch your fancy: that's the Wonderful World of Collecting!

Bill

Wolfe wrote:
Don't condescend to the new collector. Don't be a jerk.

He'll find what he'll find.

?

VintageTechnologies wrote:

Wolfe wrote:
Don't condescend to the new collector. Don't be a jerk.

He'll find what he'll find.

?

Sorry, I forget that sarcasm doesn't always translate over the web. You weren't being a jerk - I was.

Wolfe wrote:

VintageTechnologies wrote:

Wolfe wrote:
Don't condescend to the new collector. Don't be a jerk.

He'll find what he'll find.

?

Sorry, I forget that sarcasm doesn't always translate over the web. You weren't being a jerk - I was.

Well
First off I am a she not a he....LOL

So don't give the new collector a hard time she will find what she finds.

I am playing the Hopalong Cassidy right now it sounds great.

I do have a VV50 just checked.

Fun record I found Eileen Barton... If I knew you were coming I would have baked you a cake.