The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Well I got the bug for some reason to buy a phonograph. I searched and finally found the one for me. See what you guys think and give me some feedback. I'm 100% green to this so would take any advice. Thanks. It's a 1920 Victrola VV-XI Walnut with a Wurlitzer Cincinnati plate also on it. The way I understand it is they started to sell these in their stores in mid 1920 s to boost phonograph sales. Oh yeah by the way I paid $300 for her and she plays as she should.

What type of needles is best to use. I have a few records to get me started. I have a few 1903-1904 12 inch and a lot of 1930s+
Should they be soft or loud or something in between? Thanks in advance to all.

Congratulations, Jarrod, and welcome to the forum!

Using the search function, you can learn a great deal here encompassing an enormous amount of knowledge.

Best,
Fran

Congratulations on a very nice looking Victrola. Most were in mahogany and I love the graining in walnut. Jerry Blais

Jarrod,

I usually use loud/medium tone needles. There is no "best", it's just what you feel sounds best for you. Just change them often as they dull quickly, then begin to cut, (ruin), your records. Looks like you got a nice machine.

Congratulations! Where, approximately, are you located?

Ashland Ky. NE part of state

Yes, it looks great! PM sent with more ideas for records.

Nice machine, but realize you are on a slippery slope to becoming an OCD collector of antique musical stuff... There is still time to save yourself... Hope you have a great Christmas with your new acquisition...

Ooh, nice one! Could that possibly be a walnut cabinet? Whatever it may be, it sure looks good! Congratulations!

Jarrod

I was sad to see that your first phonograph wasn't an Edison.

You don't want to be one of those Victor guys


Just kidding everyone. You found the right place for good advice and a bit of humor too.


Kevan from Canada

Henry wrote:Ooh, nice one! Could that possibly be a walnut cabinet? Whatever it may be, it sure looks good! Congratulations!

I believe that is "American" Walnut.

Nice veneer feature for this model.


The XI was one of Victor's "bread & butter" machines, producing over three-quarters of a million of them.

Some collectors pooh-pooh them because they are relatively common, but they are a good machine.

I have one in "Golden oak", and it is a personal favorite.

Most of them turn-up in "alligatored" red mahogany.


Welcome to the hobby and thanks for sharing !

Frank