$50 Victrola find

[johnny899]

Hello,

I thought I might share a pretty good craigslist find (in my opinion). Its for a 1918 Victrola VV-IX. I contacted the seller and he told me it's working with just some minor grease buildup in the motor which caused some small bumps. Also he told me the sound box is in good condition and the case (as you can see in the listing) is in restorable condition as well. I live in Massachusetts where things are generally more expensive than other locations and this is the first time I;ve seen a working Victrola under 80 bucks. I wanted to hear the communities thoughts and opinions as well as any moving tips you might have. Thank you.

Link to craigslist ad: http://southcoast.craigslist.org/atq/4639719699.html

[miker2001]

The reproducer is worth $50. When moving it I remove the reproducer. Remove the crank and the turntable. You can unscrew the tonearm or pack something like a couple old shirts around the tone arm so it doesn't flip around. Remove the needle cups of anything else inside the machine. I tie up the machine with nylon, soft rope. And move it on its back. Tie the lid down. Also tie the doors down.
For $50 you can't go wrong. It will be worth the learning experience

[De Soto Frank]

Ditto what Mike said.

Besides being a very decent ( if super-plentiful ) model of Victrola, this is interesting being in brown mahogany.

The nickel plating looks excellent, and the finish looks like it might clean-up pretty nicely.

This machine in similar condition usually seems to trade between $125-$200, depending on the source.

Good luck !

[Curt A]

Definitely go for it... It will be a good player and a good intro machine to get you hooked...

[Phonofreak]

The machine is actually a Victrola XI, not a IX. It's a real good deal and it has a dealer plate which is a bonus. Go for it and enjoy it. Once it is oiled, cleaned and the reproducer rebuilt, you will enjoy the magic of nearly 100 years ago.
Harvey Kravitz

[miker2001]

It looks like there might be a record brush to the right of the turntable. They regularly sell for $20 or more on eBay if it's in good shape.

[Henry]

What Harvey said. It's a later-model XI (see the plate) with the newer carving shapes on the upper ends of the front corner posts, fat tone arm, three (instead of four) horn slats, window speed indicator/regulator, etc. Go for it.

[FloridaClay]

I'll join the chorus. Go for it. VV-XIs are plentiful, but they are decent machines and this one looks like a pretty good example. $50 is certainly a fair price.

Clay

[johnny899]

Thanks for all of your responses! I accidentally typed VV-IX. Do you think it's worth it to French Polish the case after applying lemon oil and furniture masque?

[estott]

Thanks for all of your responses! I accidentally typed VV-IX. Do you think it's worth it to French Polish the case after applying lemon oil and furniture masque?

First give the case a good cleaning before you do anything to it, GoJo hand cleaner does a great job.