The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Just picked this up on Wednesday. Now my back is killing me. It was ½ mile from where I was working that day or I may have passed it up. I know it's the wrong reproducer (thorens No16) and the back bracket has some cracks, but still whole. I think I got if for a good price ($175) considering the cabinet is in very good shape,original grill, binders, and cloth (I believe.) The "A" binder has some wear (to many records) B has some scratching along the front, but the others are in good shape. The motor is a very gummy so it will need some work too. I've been reading up the last few months on these and (rereading the last few days) I haven't been able to find out if this low # had the brass or pot metal reproducer. I've come to believe the named Ortho's (Granada, Credenza, etc) had the brass and the #'d (8-12, 8-30 etc) had the pot metal. Is this correct? A few questions.

1) I took the back panel off but there appears to be another panel that's screwed and nailed on. Do I need to remove this for the flashlight test? I would think this is also glued on to make it air proof.(hold off till I get OSB, motor running-Thanks Gene)
2) Is this the brass or pot metal OSB and does anyone have one for sale? Preferably rebuilt but will possibly buy one that's not. Also missing one door knob. (I will be posting in the trader section if I don't receive a PM here)(pot metal thanks Gene,Winsleydale)
3) How do I remove the tone arm from the bracket? It is a very loose connection. There seems to be 2 screws(I took out) and 2 rivets on the underside. Should I buy a new one with those cracks? I see they go for $70 or so.


I will take more pictures if requested tomorrow. Any questions, criticisms are welcomed. Thanks in advance. Gary

The 8-12 came onto the scene in 1927 and was always sold with a pot metal reproducer. The brass ones were only sold in '25 or very early '26 (somebody correct me if I am wrong). What is the serial number on yours? Mine is 3537, also with the gold finish that was only offered very early in the life of the model before being replaced with an antiqued finish.

You did well for $175.

Those ortho binders are hard to find with their spines intact.

I have two 8-12s, both VE 8-12 X, one with its original induction motor, the other refitted by a dealer with a four-spring motor, and purchased new by my Great-Grandmother in pre-REA Virginia.

I think the 8-12 is one of the nicest Orthophonic Victrolas, even if it doesn't have quite the bass-response of a Credenza.


A buddy purchased a gorgeous 8-12 from gemering, and when Gene demonstrated it for us, with a 35-cent W.T. Grant "dime-store" electric dance record, it fairly knocked me on my &$$ - I couldn't believe how loud and rich it sounded !

Good luck cleaning it up - you have a fine machine there.

Sorry, thought I mentioned its SN1137 4th quarter 1927. (1st quarter they were produced) The binders was the reason I picked it up.I need to find some for my L door! I have read a few of your posts on the subject De Soto Frank, so I was expecting to hear from you. I learned a lot from those posts. I had thought I read you owned 3? I am looking forward to cleaning the motor, cabinet, adding a rebuilt OSD then letting her rip. It will be interesting to hear that next to my Edison A-250's 52000 series recordings. I'm still amazed at how well they sound.

DG -

I might have three of them... I acquired quite a few talking machines over the last two years...

Actually, when I think about it carefully, I am pretty sure I have two, ( my great-grandmother's ) and the VE 8-12X with the elecric motor intact from brianu.

A phono-phriend close-by has gemering's 8-12, plus a later example (dark walnut, three-ear crank escutcheon) from down in Adamstown.

So that's four accounted-for here in NE Penna...

G-Grandma's is the only one with the original folders intact, and one of the 12-inch folders is losing its spine covering...

My buddy with gemering's machine is a very particular electrical engineer, and a good audiophile ( in the best sense of the term ), and he is thrilled with Gene's machine....

My A 12" binder is busted up also but it is the only one due to it being full of albums. I tore the motor apart and regreased and reassembled. It is spinning like a top. My problem is I just noticed the brake mechanism isn't working right. I noticed a broken piece where the pen is pointing. Does anyone have a photo or info on how this should look and work?