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I'm helping a lady learn about a Victrola which has been in her family. When I asked for a photo, I was expecting to see...well...a big Victrola! I don't know much about these portables - can someone educate me about this one?

Thanks,
George P.

PS: Sorry about the sideways shot. I thought I had straightened it, but not when it posts to this forum.

After I posted this, it occurred to me that I had a faint memory of an article on portables having appeared in The Sound Box (now The Antique Phonograph) some years ago. Sure enough - I checked the online Index:

http://www.antiquephono.org/back-issues ... honograph/

...And there in the September 2010 issue is an excellent article by Carsten Fischer titled, The Best Portables in the World. In it, six portables from Columbia (US and UK), Victor, Edison, RCA Victor,and HMV are pictured and described. Thank you Antique Phonograph Society!

(The portable pictured above is - I believe - a 2-55, and it is fully described in the article.)

George P.

do you have to be a member of some sort to access that article? I'm just curious what the six best portables in the world would be.

The VV 2-55 (which I have) is fully orthophonic, being equipped with a No. 5A soundbox. This is the VV 2-60, as evidenced by the presence of a No. 4A soundbox, among other small details such as the needle cup.

brianu wrote:do you have to be a member of some sort to access that article? I'm just curious what the six best portables in the world would be.

You'll find this helpful:

http://myvintagetv.com/updatepages1/cha ... tables.htm

winsleydale wrote: This is the VV 2-60, as evidenced by the presence of a No. 4A soundbox, among other small details such as the needle cup.

I agree. I just picked up one of these at Wayne. These are a bit less common than the 2-55, but the 2-55 is a better machine.

You'll find an ID plate and serial number under the turntable.

http://www.victor-victrola.com/2-60.htm

With a rebuilt reproducer, if the pot metal is good enough, the 2-60's can sound really good.

Here is a clip of Mattrx's playing a good electrical recording.

http://youtu.be/Pw-Pmlw37eg

52089 wrote:

winsleydale wrote: This is the VV 2-60, as evidenced by the presence of a No. 4A soundbox, among other small details such as the needle cup.

I agree. I just picked up one of these at Wayne. These are a bit less common than the 2-55, but the 2-55 is a better machine.

You'll find an ID plate and serial number under the turntable.

http://www.victor-victrola.com/2-60.htm

Thank you, fellows. I'm a bit out of my element with portables, and I appreciate a little expert help!

Best to all,

George P.

52089 wrote:

brianu wrote:do you have to be a member of some sort to access that article? I'm just curious what the six best portables in the world would be.

You'll find this helpful:

http://myvintagetv.com/updatepages1/cha ... tables.htm

Thanks, 52089, for the link to answer Brian's question. At this point, you need to have copies of The Sound Box or The Antique Phonograph to access all the articles shown in the online Index. Very soon, APS members will be able to access online any back issues which have sold out!

George P.