New to Forum, Can We Play What's This Wire?

[LisaMKE]

Hi! I'm the proud new owner of a VV XI (1920) and while it runs ok, I can tell I'm going to have to have the motor cleaned and the springs looked at. I bought it from a woman who has always had it in her family so the cabinet is in really nice condition. I don't think it was played much if at all since its heyday. What I'm wondering is what is this wire in the picture coming off the tone arm? I've looked at a bunch of pictures online and I haven't seen it. I looked at the instruction manual, no wire. Can someone tell me what it is and what it is supposed to be attached to? Thank you! I"m enjoying reading all of your posts. Thanks for letting me join.

Lisa

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[OrthoSean]

Welcome!

That wire was attached to a battery which operated a small light to illuminate the turntable in your machine. This was actually an accessory and not original equipment with your machine.

Good luck, your XI looks nice!

Sean

[gramophone78]

Welcome to the forum. Yes, the two leads go to a small battery. I use two "AA" (equal 3 volts) size and just tape the wires to each end of the battery with a wire bridge on the back ends.
Then, if your bulb is still good, you can touch the flat rod to see if it will light up. The battery can be stored under the motor board.


*Note* do not follow the instructions regarding drilling a hole in the tone arm. There is no need to do this.
Also, if you need to changed the bulb....just pull out on the light deflector. A flashlight bulb will be fine. If you use a 9v bulb, you can use a small 9v square battery. You will brighter light... .

The original bulb's were the early flat type.

[LisaMKE]

Ha! Thank you! I knew you all would know. I would have never figured that out on my own. I will try out a battery and see what happens. I've played her (I've named it Irene) a few times and I am getting the random earthquake thump and then sometimes while the turntable picks up speed, as soon as I put the needle down, it starts to slow down and the speed indicator hits to nothing. I'm thinking she's all gunked up and could use a cleaning. My $200 Victrola is probably going to cost me another $200. LOL.

I'll have to look and see if there is a little bulb. That wire comes out of something attached to the tone arm which I hadn't seen in any pictures. Very interesting! Thanks for helping the newbie.

Lisa

[gramophone78]

Ha! Thank you! I knew you all would know. I would have never figured that out on my own. I will try out a battery and see what happens. I've played her (I've named it Irene) a few times and I am getting the random earthquake thump and then sometimes while the turntable picks up speed, as soon as I put the needle down, it starts to slow down and the speed indicator hits to nothing. I'm thinking she's all gunked up and could use a cleaning. My $200 Victrola is probably going to cost me another $200. LOL.

I'll have to look and see if there is a little bulb. That wire comes out of something attached to the tone arm which I hadn't seen in any pictures. Very interesting! Thanks for helping the newbie.

Lisa

Sounds like basic motor maintenance after many years will be needed. Depending on where you live. There are guys that do this. You may want to check out our "links" section. There are a few good guys listed in there. Again, you may find one near you... . depending on what is required....under a $100 (shipping not included) would be a rough guess.
Best of luck on your new toy.

[VintageTechnologies]

...I am getting the random earthquake thump...

The mainspring grease has dried out. Some people try to squirt something inside the spring barrel, but the surest way to fix the problem for good is a complete disassembly, cleaning and lubrication of the spring, along with the rest of the motor. A job like that should not cost $200, in my opinion. Some of us do the job ourselves, but that certainly isn't for everybody, particularly removing a coiled spring from the barrel.

[Phonolair]

Welcome to the forum Lisa, if you are enjoying your Victrola you'll enjoy this forum.

as soon as I put the needle down, it starts to slow down and the speed indicator hits to nothing. Lisa

Besides the motor maintenance as mentioned earlier, make sure you are using new needles and vintage records. Also make sure the motor is wound up enough, don't be afraid to wind it up, you'll feel it when the spring starts to get tight.

Best Regards, Larry

[LisaMKE]

How can I be sure I'm using the correct records? I know I cannot use vinyl. I've only bought a few but I judged them based on how they felt and weight. LOL. After reading about main springs there is no way I'm ready to tackle that. I was looking at Victrola Repair Service and figured after shipping etc, I'd spend about that much. I did recently find a guy near me (I'm in Milwaukee) who does repairs who I may also try. I just want to make sure I get someone who knows what they're doing.

When I cranked it I just went until I felt like I shouldn't anymore. As far as needles, the machine came with a bunch but I can't tell if they're new or used so I planned on just buying new ones. I understand I need a new needle with every play. This whole thing makes my husband laugh because we spent $$ on a Sonos and here I am loving the Victrola. Ha! My six year old calls it the spinny thing.

[gramophone78]

How can I be sure I'm using the correct records? I know I cannot use vinyl. I've only bought a few but I judged them based on how they felt and weight. LOL. After reading about main springs there is no way I'm ready to tackle that. I was looking at Victrola Repair Service and figured after shipping etc, I'd spend about that much. I did recently find a guy near me (I'm in Milwaukee) who does repairs who I may also try. I just want to make sure I get someone who knows what they're doing.

When I cranked it I just went until I felt like I shouldn't anymore. As far as needles, the machine came with a bunch but I can't tell if they're new or used so I planned on just buying new ones. I understand I need a new needle with every play. This whole thing makes my husband laugh because we spent $$ on a Sonos and here I am loving the Victrola. Ha! My six year old calls it the spinny thing.

Without getting into a big explanation; I would try and read some of the thread posted in "Music" that pertain to this very question "what records can I play?".

Needles, are only good for one play... two, if you play the same song over. Anything over this will cause damage to your records.
You can see if a needle has been used by placing it between your thumb & index finger with the point facing away and slightly up into a light. If while rotating the needle you come upon a shinny spot.....that's a used needle and toss it out. If the is no bright spot while turning.....go for it.

Needles can be bought and are not expensive.

One last thing I would like to add regarding the motor. If you lift your motor board up, there is a paper lubrication chart. Try to follow the directions and maybe after this and some good play time.....the motor may come around and work good.
Just a thought... .

[OrthoSean]

Another motor rebuild option is Ron Sitko - he has no web presence, but you can reach him at 518-371-8549. His prices for jobs like this are by far the most reasonable and his work is second to none. He would charge nowhere near $200. Give Ron a shout, he's a very nice and helpful guy and an absolute asset to this hobby.

Sean