The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi there,
I just purchased a victor v phonograph, and I want to have it looked at to see if it is working ok. The auction house said that it is all original finish, etc. This is the first machine that I have owned.

I tried to play a record but the needle head kept flipping backwords and scratching the hell out of the record. Thank god it was a junk record! This happened mostly when using a soft needle.

Also, the wood horn seems to be separating for the silver base, and sagging a little when it is in the holder.

Do you know of any excellent people in LA to take it to? I got two names Steve Oliphant and Scott Corbett. I am new to this world so any suggestions are MUCH appreciated.

Thanks so much.

Justin

Where do you live? We are having our Golden State Phonograph Society meeting tomorrow at Marc Friend's house in San Fernando. Those of us not able to go to Union this year are going to have some phono-fun at Marc's house tomorrow. I live in Riverside, Ca. You could bring your phonograph over and have a host of collectors give you their opinions about what to do, where to take it, etc. The meeting is at 12 pm tomorrow until probably about 4. Send me a pm or post a reply here if you are interested!

Mike Sorter

jeigh44 wrote:
I tried to play a record but the needle head kept flipping backwords and scratching the hell out of the record. Thank god it was a junk record! This happened mostly when using a soft needle.

Do you mean that the soundbox changed angle while playing? Or do you mean it was repeating a groove?

Bill

Pictures of the machine, horn and reproducer would be helpful...

"I tried to play a record but the needle head kept flipping backwards and scratching the hell out of the record."

Send a pic of what you mean by this...

Also, a simple question, but since you seem to be unfamiliar with phonographs - which side of the record did you place the tonearm and reproducer? Facing the front of the machine - right or left?

Hi there meaning, the circular part that hold the needle would drag under a bit flipping the needle in the opposite direction. This happened when using a soft needle.
So no one has any suggestions on who to take it to in LA?

Thanks so much.

Justin

jeigh44 wrote:
So no one has any suggestions on who to take it to in LA?

Thanks so much.
Justin

Scott is a great guy and very knowledgeable. I would urge you to contact him.

jeigh44 wrote:Hi there meaning, the circular part that hold the needle would drag under a bit flipping the needle in the opposite direction. This happened when using a soft needle.

Justin

That is certainly odd.

If the stylus bar (to which I assume you are referring) is moving against the rotation of the record (assuming you have the tone arm in the correct position), I should think you would need the services of an exorcist, rather than a mechanic…

As said before, some pictures might help clear up this mystery…

Bill

"Also, a simple question, but since you seem to be unfamiliar with phonographs - which side of the record did you place the tonearm and reproducer? Facing the front of the machine - right or left?"

This seems like a very, very good question.