Page 1 of 2

Electrola VE 9-54=E

Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2016 3:05 pm
by MrBOB
Hello, I'm a new on here. I just Purchased a Electrola VE 9-54-E, does anyone have info on this piece? Are they difficult to work on? I'm not sure if it's good or bad but I payed $50 for it. Would appreciate input. Thank you

Re: Electrola VE 9-54=E

Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2016 4:16 pm
by barnettrp21122
Wow, if it's complete and unmolested you got quite a deal! I've been waiting for one of these myself! :)
Please don't plug it in if you haven't already. The electronics need to be addressed by someone qualified to put power to it correctly.
The changer, if original, often needs adjustment, cleaning and lubrication but operates very well once done.
The electric pickup will no doubt need rebuilding to replace hardened rubber components and re-magnetize the magnet.
It's a worthy project! Please pm me if you'd like more info.
Bob

Re: Electrola VE 9-54=E

Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2016 11:45 am
by startgroove
Nice find! I am a collector who loves early record changing machines, yet I don't have this one. That is a rare Victor, one which deserves attention and preservation. Value is not as high as one would expect something that is this rare to be, due to the lack of widespread interest (compared to the earlier horn amplified machines in the rare category).

Yours can be rebuilt to play as well as it did when new, however, the electronic work, and the record changer work, should be done by someone who is familiar with, and capable of, the necessary work.

The radio section is a Radiola 64, of which nearly all parts, and a schematic, are available online. There is one tube in the amplifier (UX250) which runs at close to 400 volts, so be careful if you choose to poke around in the amplifier. Information on your set is also available here: www.radiomuseum.org/r/rca_9_54.html?language_id=5

If you are mechanically inclined, the record changer is not too difficult to get working. In the back of the book "Look For The Dog" by Robert W. Baumbach, is a section (page 302) which describes how to troubleshoot, lubricate, adjust and otherwise repair your changer.

Good luck with this project. If you need advice, or further information, feel free to contact me. Russie

Re: Electrola VE 9-54=E

Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2016 12:13 pm
by Henry
How do you change the language in the linked site to English (from Spanish)?

Re: Electrola VE 9-54=E

Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2016 1:59 pm
by Mr Grumpy
Henry wrote:How do you change the language in the linked site to English (from Spanish)?
You should see some flags under the Radio Museum logo. Select the English/American one.

Re: Electrola VE 9-54=E

Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2016 4:02 pm
by startgroove
Try this link: http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/rca_9_54.h ... guage_id=2

BTW, you might also want to ask some of the folks at this site: http://antiqueradios.com/forums/index.php

Re: Electrola VE 9-54=E

Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2016 4:42 pm
by Henry
Mr Grumpy wrote:
Henry wrote:How do you change the language in the linked site to English (from Spanish)?
You should see some flags under the Radio Museum logo. Select the English/American one.
Not on my screen! Anyhow, thanks to startgroove for providing the English link.

Re: Electrola VE 9-54=E

Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2016 6:11 pm
by CharliePhono
And here is a link to an additional picture and some blurb about this machine being owned by a couple of silent film stars: http://www.radioblvd.com/ConsolePhoto.htm

Re: Electrola VE 9-54=E

Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2016 10:27 pm
by EarlH
I usually like his band, and then he opens his trap and ruins the record! I've always felt that way about Rudy Vallee. I've had this picture for a long time and have no idea if he owned one or what the deal was as nothing is mentioned on the back. But it's got your machine in it anyway.

Re: Electrola VE 9-54=E

Posted: Fri Nov 18, 2016 8:46 am
by estott
The only Vallee vocal I unreservedly like is "Deep Night", though in The Palm Beach Story he sings "Good Night Sweetheart" rather charmingly.