Typical value of VV 8-30

[TonyJ]

I have two Victrola machines in my small collection, a VV XI and a VV 4-7 and after adding the 4-7, I've gotten the itch to add a Credenza style machine if the right one comes along. Spotted an 8-30 about 3-½ hours away on Craigslist that looks pretty nice from the pictures, although I can't tell the condition of the arm support or reproducer. They are asking $700 and wondered if that's about what the ballpark for these machines are (provided the support and reproducer are intact). They don't seem to pop up that often, but then again I don't want to make an uneducated decision and make the long trip and overpay either. Thanks!

[FloridaClay]

Humm. Well, maybe if everything is in good order, including the finish. Recent completed sales have been all over the place on eBay, from $200 or so to $1,000.

Clay

[De Soto Frank]

For $700, I would suggest that the machine should have no broken/ missing parts, grille cloth be intact, finish / cabinet be presentable, and generally be functional and presentable as-is, needing perhaps only cleaning of the cabinet and cleaning & re-lubrication of the motor.

A broken tone-arm bracket can be replaced for around $80.

To replace a broken / cracked / crumbly reproducer (beyond repair) could set you back anywhere from $100 - $300 for a nice pot-metal version.

Forum member Gemering has recently sold two nice two-door Credenzas for less that $700 each.

If you're getting a nice machine, I guess you're doing okay, but at that price, it should "need nothing". I think this is towards the high-end of their spectrum.


Location might also be a consideration... I wouldn't want to try to have one shipped, unless it was a forum member like Jerry Blais doing it on one of his X-country trips to a show...

Good luck !



( Should add: if the machine has all of its lettered record binders (Dark-brown pebbled "leather" finish, marked: A, B, C, etc.) with the spine-covers intact, that could add $100 or $200 to the value. )

[Edisone]

Over many years, my 3 (in widely varying condition) have cost: $25 (1988 or 1989), $175 (Dec 31, 2011), and $60 (A few weeks ago - actually $50 plus I awarded $10 for his kind offer of delivery). The $175 is electric, has the brass reproducer, and is extra nice. The $25 example is electric, had a broken tone-arm bracket, but was otherwise not bad. The latest $60 model is a mess, but the electric motor works, the grille-cloth is perfect, and it had a surprise brass reproducer wrapped in a 1932 newspaper & stuffed down into the horn. No idea why. Anyway, I am saying that $700 is the price of a perfect Credenza, or at least a very nice one.

[TonyJ]

Thanks for all the feedback - good to know they turn up from time to time at more reasonable prices. I think I'll just keep an eye out in the ads on the forum as well and be patient. I did get one response from a local member here who may be selling an 8-35 so that might be an alternative. As far as the $700 CL machine, I did get one additional picture that shows that the tonearm bracket is cracked and does need to be replaced, but didn't get a good picture of the reproducer.

[De Soto Frank]

Over many years, my 3 of widely varying condition have cost: $25, $175, and $60. The $175 is electric, has the brass reproducer, and is extra nice. The $25 example is electric, had a broken tone-arm bracket, but was otherwise not bad. The latest $60 model is a mess, but the electric motor works, the grille-cloth is perfect, and it had a surprise brass reproducer wrapped in a 1932 newspaper & stuffed down into the horn. No idea why. Anyway, I am saying that $700 is the price ONLY for a truly perfect Credenza, preferably stuffed with records.

I'm not out to be super-critical, but how long ago did you find these machines at such seemingly reasonable prices ?

I have not seen a decent Credenza for less than $300 or so over the last few years... and unfortunately, the ones that have been in that ball-park were too far away from me to have been realistic purchases.

I do agree that $700 should buy a "perfect" example...

[FloridaClay]

Yes, the prices Edisone bought his machines for in days gone by are far from typical these days. While anything is possible and there are, of course, exceptions, I would not expect to see them from anybody other than possibly an inexperienced local seller who had not done his or her market research and just wanted to get rid of one in a hurry at a fire-sale price for some reason. And those instances are getting fewer and further between because anybody who can do an internet search would know better. A good brass-cased Orthophonic reproducer by itself can easily bring in the $400 range now.

Clay

[rizbone]

Don't despair. They are still out there. I picked one up in Laurel MD for $225.00 last year before buyer's premium and tax. Someone had wedged the crank in so winding it and unwinding it produced no resistance. I got it home and took off the back and had a good laugh. I have seen a few at auction in the last few years and generally they go for around $400.00 if they are in good condition.

[OrthoSean]

Coinopwarehouse in Hagerstown, MD just posted a Credenza for sale for $275 and it looks like it needs a good cleaning, but it's all there. If it were closer to me, I'd already tell him "SOLD"! Call Lloyd at (703) 801-1459.

Here's the photo he just posted...

Sean

[Edisone]

see above