The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I just got my first Victor Victrola, after wanting one for years. I got a 1912 cabinet model. I want to keep it running as good as possible. Unfortunately, being new to this, I don't know the ins and outs of caring for it as far as oil and cleaning. Any advice anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Tammy:

You didn't say if this has been overhauled recently, or if it is in as-found, but restore-able condition. If the motor has been serviced, and the reproducer (or sound box) has been rebuilt, you can find basic tips about oiling, etc., in any of the Victor Victrola manuals that appear on this page -- http://www.nipperhead.com/old/ephemera.htm

Along this line, there are a number of YouTube videos that show the servicing and repair of motors, reproducers, etc. For instance -- https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... OR+service


If your Victrola is in need of repair, and you're a do-it-yourselfer, you might want to start out by hunting down a copy of "The Compleat Talking Machine," by Eric Reiss. The well-illustrated book walks you through most repair and maintenance steps, and provides some excellent tips. Copies of the book can still be found on places such as Amazon -- https://www.amazon.com/Compleat-Talking ... 1886606226

It's also a good idea to check out the various jumps and pages of the Victor Victrola Page website -- http://victor-victrola.com/ There's a lot of excellent information buried there.

HTH,
OrthoFan

Thank you. It's actually in working condition and in great shape. It's a Victrola XVI. I was unsure of routine maintenance as far as oiling, etc. How often to oil, what to use, normal care. I hope to expand my collection. This is a great starter.

One tip that most folks are shocked to hear--it needs a new needle every time it plays a record!

I use Chamberlain steel needles, soft tone, in my Victrolas and they are pretty gentle on my discs.

The way I play a record: start the platter, then insert fresh needle. Run needle in the last few seconds of silence on the record, dust the tip, and put it back at the start. This wears the needle to fit the groove perfectly. When the record finishes, I change it, throw the needle away,(the gold cup on the machine is made for that) and repeat the process--usually several times, because I like Victrola music.

Have fun--mighty nice machine for a collection!

Thank you. I do always change the needle. I play probably 10+ records a day so I go through a lot of needles. Thanks for the tip on needle type.