The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I may have to sell one of my phonos. Which one should I sell and which one should I keep? Both are Mahogany.

Later VV-IX (later model with wide tone arm) and large glass speed dial with a rebuilt 2 spring Burton Motor.

Early VV-XI tabletop.

I would keep the tabletop VV-XI, because it is not as common as the VV-IX. Of course the sound should be better on the later VV-IX, but I would prefer the other anyway.

Andreas

Alang has given you good advice. The Table model XI was made when every different Victrola model was unique to itself. There were wonderful differences and variety in the whole line of Victrolas. The floor model XI was made after a standardization of style. The floor model X had the wonderful classic Victrola style. The XI added a lock for the lid and slightly bigger. The XIV added a second lock for the record storage area and was slightly bigger. The XVI added gold trim and was slightly larger. They look like a series of brothers that look nearly identical but with a slight difference in age. Don't get me wrong, it is a wonderful style and Victor sold them about as fast as they could. The popularity of the whole line proved they made a good business decision. If you think about it, the table model XI was the last really luxury table model. It had real gold plating on all the bright parts and the cabinet had extra embellishments in the trim. The table model XI sold in small numbers just as the idea and demand for internal horn Victrolas was exploding. The floor model XI was the most popular floor model of the era and they sold by the train load. I'd suggest you keep the table model XI because you can always find a floor model XI. This is only my opinion. Jerry Blais
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My mistake... Your question was regarding a table top IX and your table top XI. My advice is the same however. The table top IX, although a fine machine, is much more common than the table XI. Jerry

Thanks to all for their advice. I will keep the VV-XI, I was also thinking the same thing as what has been explained here.