The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I'm looking to buy a Victor 1-90. I can pickup within a reasonable distance of NYC. I'd also pay the cost of shipping, if a seller is willing to pack and drop off with USPS, UPS, or FedEx.

I know this is a less common machine, but figured it's worth a shot before settling on second choices

Thanks in advance!
RJ

Bump . . . It doesn't need to be a pristine machine. And if it helps, I'm willing to buy without the soundbox.

Thanks!

The 1-90 is a surprisingly difficult machine to find. In 5 years of going to shows at Wayne (and Danbury), I have seen exactly three of these for sale. (Fortunately one of them went to me, but I digress...) As far as I can tell, a 1-90 has never been offered for sale on this board.

Do keep your eyes open on Craigslist too as they do occasionally show up there (but are generally quite beaten up.)

I wish you good luck on your search.

I agree- of all the tabletops- you picked what is likely the most difficult and scarce one out there. I've seen more Berliners!

Yes, those Orthophonic table top machines, 1-90 and 1-70(though not quite an Orthophonic} are tough to find. The 1-90 costs $75.00, and the 1-70 was $50.00. For $10.00- $35.00 extra, you can get a floor model Consolette. That machine was a bargain. It took me years to get a VV 1-70 and 1-90. Good luck with your search.
Harvey Kravitz

In the 40 years I've been involved with the hobby, I've only come across one VV-1-90, which was for sale at an antiques show/sale in Minneapolis, circa 1983. I agree, they are very hard to come by.

Keep in mind, the VV-4-7 ( http://www.victor-victrola.com/4-7.htm ) which is about the same size as a Consollette, is equipped with the same style bifurcated horn as the 1-90, though larger. I've seen dozens of these for sale on Craigslist, ebay, etc., over the years at reasonable prices, for instance -- https://newjersey.craigslist.org/atq/6106561450.html .

If you're specifically looking for a table model, the HMV 130 or the HMV 104 -- http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... ?f=2&t=281 -- offer about the same performance, and actually may be easier to hunt down. Those for sale on Ebay-UK often sell in the £150.00 - £250.00 range, which isn't too bad with the current exchange rate, though shipment costs may be a bear.

OrthoFan

Thanks for the personal experience on this! I think it's fair to say that I'll need a stopgap while I continue my search for a 1-90, since it could take a very long time. The 2-star rating for rarity and price on Victor-Victrola.com gave me false hope.

I've thought about the table-top HMVs. But in the end I want an American machine that came out of the Camden factory. Ideally I'd get a 4-3, but I fear that any floor model will take up too much space in my apartment. This is why I gravitated toward the 1-90. But now I think one of the orthophonic portables is the most realistic and attainable option. I'll probably go for a 2-55.

Good choice. The VV 2-55 is very loud and clear. For a small machine, they pack a lot of punch. Even though they are small, they are heavy and built like a tank.
Harvey Kravitz