The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have an opportunity to buy an uncommon VE 12-15E at a fairly low price. Cosmetically it looks good, but it is not working. This is an all-electric model, which I know nothing about restoring.

So, is this is worthwhile restoration project? What kind of costs should I expect best/worst/normal case? I could probably locate and change tubes myself, but the rest would have to be referred to a pro.

Thanks in advance for all opinions and suggestions.

Kevin

The most expensive component in that set is the UX-210 amplifier tube. These have always been in demand by the audio crowd and, as a result, have a hefty price tag. If the one in this amp is bad, expect to pay at least $100 for a replacement. A shouldered 10 tube would work as well and those are a little less expensive, say about $60-$80.

I haven't seen a schematic for the amplifier, but there will likely be some capacitors that need to be replaced. Whenever I'm servicing a vintage tube radio or amplifier, I always replace all of the capacitors, as the old ones are very failure-prone.

Depending on your comfort level, I don't think this would be beyond the capability of someone with basic soldering and troubleshooting skills. If you decide to do it, take your time and go slow.

I'd certainly jump at the chance, the 12-15 is a beautiful looking machine. There are plenty of folks out there (and here) that could assist you in getting it done properly.

Sean

They are nice machines, small and compact. Units with serial numbers below 2600 use AP-997-C "Tomcat" amplifier, that one uses the 10 for output tube and 199 for the preamp, if you don't care about looks you can use military VT-25 tube, usually a lot cheaper. The main components in that amp that fail are the 3 large tapped power resistors for the voltage divider. Modern 50 watt adjustable units are pretty much drop in replacements. Also you have to make sure the 886 or 876 ballast tube is good.

Units above serial number 2600 use the AP-736 (SPU-24) amplifier. This one uses a 50 for the output and a 26 for the preamp. Again the weak spot is the large tapped power resistor under the chassis. This one also has a tendency of burning up the power transformer.


Chuck