The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have promised my wife that I would buy no more phonographs or victrolas unless I discuss it with her first (I have 6 machines). I would like to have an outside horn victor someday but they do seem to be scarce or high priced and I am not ready to buy anything right now but where should I be looking if I decide to become more agressive? Thanks for any guidance.
John

I highly recommend the Victor III. You'll get your best bang for your buck because it has a powerful double spring motor, the full size tone arm, is large enough for a variety of horns and the cabinet has great style.. It was second only to the Victor II in sales so it is frequently found today at reasonable prices. Jerry Blais

I agree that a Victor III is the best if you can have only one. Get one with a black panel horn. I sure love mine! This forum would be a great place to buy an honest machine for a fair price. Just place a want-ad when you are ready.

Thanks to you both. I was kinda thinking the First or the Third after looking in "Look For the Dog". I like their simplicity. I agree with you also, Jerry, about the larger motor, and think you give good advice.
I am working insidiously on my wife and the bank account and I'll put up an Ad here when Blue Skies arrive again.
Cheers,
John

I've been following this thread with some interest, as I too have a desire for an external horn Victor ( but alas am meeting spousal resistance to any more talking machines ! )...


Do the Victor IV, V or VI have any special advantages over the III, aside from aesthetic differences ?

I had previously had my mind set on a V or VI, but they are beyond my reach, price-wise...

Hi Frank and John-- I agree with Jerry B. A Victor III is a great "only one" machine-- The Vic I is a great looking machine, but has a single spring motor and (the early version) has the smaller turntable.

A Vic III has a double spring motor (as does the IV) and a turntable that can handle 12" discs if you so desire. The V and VI are obviously great machines, but (especially the VI) are more expensive than a nice III. The III and IV use the same motor, and are essentially the same machine mechanically--- the difference being that the III is oak and the IV is mahogany-- so choose your wood preference and go with either of those two-- you'll have a great machine either way!

Brad Abell

Do the Victor IV, V or VI have any special advantages over the III, aside from aesthetic differences ?

No, there should be no difference in performance among the Victor III, IV, V, or VI. They all have the same size tone arm, share the same reproducer, have multiple spring motors, and can be fitted with large horns. They originally cost more for cosmetic reasons and the V and VI have three spring motors. The IV, V, and VI cost more today because they are not as frequently seen today compared to the III.

The Victor II is the most common in the Victor I through Victor VI lineup. You get a lot of value from a nice clean Victor II but if you are going to use it as a player, hold out for a Victor III.

Jerry B.

Thank you, Jerry.

If you have the money the Victor V is a fine machine- it doesn't have any difference in performance that a Victor III but it has a larger motor and a larger and more substantial cabinet. The only thing that the VI has over it is a luxurious finish.

But I agree with the other posters- a II or III is a fine machine to start with