The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have a reasonably successful weekend phonograph DJ business ... regular gigs, small following ... nice for some extra pocket money. I play local bars, restaurants, parties, wedding cocktail hours etc. I've done it for a couple years now with my two HMV 102s and a PA system. They sound great and are very reliable.

I feel like I have to bite the bullet, though, and step things up visually. People really enjoy the music, but often don't know what's going on at my table until they come up and see it, then they are transfixed.

So, looking to invest in a matching pair of horn machines. Something really eye-catching. Something people will even want to be photographed in front of. Preferably Victors, so I could potentially adapt my HMV reproducers to play later electrics. I know sound quality overall might suffer, but I think it's a trade off I'm ok with.

So I guess I need something not too rare, in order to round up two of them. I really like the idea of the little Victor E, possibly with larger flower horns. I like the smaller footprint for ease of transport, and for fitting on smaller tables, but with the large horn so I could leave my PA at home in more instances.

Would be interested mainly in mechanical restorations, but preferably original cabinets and paint.

I'm not really a collector, but I've tried to learn some. Any ideas of "pairs" that might be a better fit for me, or does my plan seem sound?

If you want a back mount Victor, go for the Victor III. It has a substantial case and a strong 2 spring motor. You can use either the black flower horn, or the black and brass horn. The III sold well, so it isn't hard to find one.

I agree with estott. Your best value for your money is the Victor III. A Victor IV or V would also be a good choice but you'll generally spend more. The Victor E you mentioned is an attractive little machine but the lettered Victors have motors that generally sound like little cement mixers. If you really want two machines, you might consider a front mount machine for display and the rear mount Victor for performance.

Jerry Blais

I agree with the suggestion of Victor III machines. I understand that you want a matching pair, because as DJ you always have to prepare one machine while the other is playing. I did that once with my Vic II and a Columbia single spring and it becomes old pretty quickly. The motors are simply undersized and you spend more time cranking than anything else. So do yourself a favor and use the more robust Victor III instead. For more visual interest, instead of a matching pair you could also pair Victor III with a Columbia or later Zonophone with similarly sized motor, but that won't make it any cheaper.

Andreas

Thanks guys, I'll have my sights set on Vic IIIs then. Yes, I am used to a full wind per side. Tedious, but people love to watch it!

Oh, now I don't know. The more I look at this combo, the E with medium horn, the more I like it.

http://www.victor-victrola.com/SELLING%20VicE.htm

I just love the small cabinet and platter.

I wouldn't mind the motor noise, and I'd venture to say nobody else would either. Question is, could the little E handle the "large-size" flower horn (although I guess those are pretty rare?)?

(Funny thing is, this machine seems to have been purchased by someone in the little town next to me )

Hi,

I have setup one of my II's (humpback) with a large BW horn. The downside IMO there is a limit to what the smaller tone arm / large horn can do. Another downside, is a large horn takes up a good amount of space, the large BW is 35" long. I used a No. 4 reproducer when I ran with this configuration. So it can be done but IMO a larger machine (like the III) would be better for your application.

-Mike

SteveM wrote:Oh, now I don't know. The more I look at this combo, the E with medium horn, the more I like it.

http://www.victor-victrola.com/SELLING%20VicE.htm

I just love the small cabinet and platter.

I wouldn't mind the motor noise, and I'd venture to say nobody else would either. Question is, could the little E handle the "large-size" flower horn (although I guess those are pretty rare?)?

(Funny thing is, this machine seems to have been purchased by someone in the little town next to me )

SteveM wrote:I really like the idea of the little Victor E, possibly with larger flower horns. I like the smaller footprint for ease of transport, and for fitting on smaller tables,

The Victor E also has a 2-spring motor but obviously the springs are smaller than on the Victor III. If you have your heart set on the Victor E with its attractive cabinet, smaller footprint and weighing much less than the Victor III then go for it! The rear mount Victor E will be harder to find than the Victor III but aside from the noisier motor it will play well for you. You might also consider the rear mount Victor M (Monarch) which also has a 2-spring motor but the cabinet is slightly smaller and a bit more attractive than the Victor III which might appeal to you as well. The rear mount Victor M turns up much more often than the rear mount Victor E but both turn up less often than the Victor III. Just some food for thought. I have five Victor III's in the collection and they play great but they are relatively hefty compared to the Victor E's in my collection so if I had to move them around as it sounds like you will be doing then go with the rear mount Victor E (and maybe the rear mount Victor M). The Victor M will be close in weight with the Victor III. Good luck.

Doug

Victor III is what I vote for. Availability, affordability, durability & you can use a #4 reproducer. Plus upgrade your horn options. Plus they have that classic Victor looks. My photos may be upside down as I'm posting from an iPad.

Thanks gents, that's a lot of food for thought. I've spent most of my work day looking at machines and trying to figure out what everything means It is probably going to come down to what is easiest to find and afford (relatively), and I don't want to sacrifice volume.