The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello Everybody,
I have a bit of a dilemma on my hands. I found a listing for a Victrola XVI Electrola for $75. The exterior finish is very worn but looks like it might clean up nicely. The biggest problem is that something with the electrical components is broken, and it does not work. Is this worth getting? Would it be too complex to fix this one up?

-Steve

Buy it and worry about the electronics later. Cheers


Bill K

Outer cabinet looks stripped, but if that doesn't matter to you and you have the skills to do a proper restoration, I'd go for it. It's a nice model with a large horn, and should sound great with a rebuilt sound box.

Henry wrote:Outer cabinet looks stripped, but if that doesn't matter to you and you have the skills to do a proper restoration, I'd go for it. It's a nice model with a large horn, and should sound great with a rebuilt sound box.

I know that I could restore the cabinet as I have plenty of experience with that. I am concerned about fixing the electrical because I have no experience with that at all. Though, it is really tempting at $75.

-Steve

I've owned several of these early electric Victrolas, and I don't think any of them ran when I bought them, but I was able to get each of them running with a simple cleaning and lubrication. No guarantees on this one, but if everything is there, I would recommend buying it.

You could always throw a spring motor in there while you work on the electric one (or while it's out, if you decide to send it out). It would be a fine machine either way.

If the wood cabinet is solid and only needs refinishing, I don't see that as a bad deal. The motor may simply need cleaning and lubrication, or some other simple fix. At worst, you might have to buy another motor on eBay or advertise for one on this forum. I'll bet motors and other parts are easier to come by than decent cabinets. Replace the reproducer's rubber gaskets and you will have a nice machine.

It's not should I buy it, it's will I kick myself in the butt for not.---enjoy

If you can afford the $75, I would buy it...really pretty cheap for the machine..if you are able and don't you will regret it....

Probably nothing more than a loose wire or the lack of a plug. The motors on these were built like tanks.

ps - That's what I paid for my identical VE-120 . You won't be sorry !