The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

So my wife is getting me a machine for Christmas. I don't have anything to play 78s on...and I'm wanting to venture into them instead of just cylinders. I'm looking at 2 uprights...I want both but sadly don't have the room and I absolutely can't make up my mind lol. Price is not a concern as they are about the same. One is a L door, other is an Oak XVI. Only issue there is seems to be that with the oak there's some flower pot issue with a slight ripple and discoloration on top. L door looks great and has album's. Which would you choose?

L-Door.

Rich Gordon

Hands down you should go with the L door. Though, it should be noted that some of the albums are not correct for the machine and belong with a later XVI.
-Stephen

I would go for the machine to the left of the L-door.

I'm with Rich and Stephen and vote "L" door. The "L" door was built early in the Victrola era when each model was unique and different from other Victrola models. It's a historic Victrola. The oak XVI is a fine machine but it was built when Victor standardized the Victrola style. It closely resembles its little brothers the XIV, XI, and X.

Jerry Blais

Thanks guys. I've just been going back and forth and I really love the look of the L door, but the oak looked neat and has a good sound. Something kept tugging at me about the L door and that's what ima go with. It'll be fun to rebuild the reproducer, I believe it has an exhibition.

I'd like to find a key too!

There's always your birthday for the oak one! You married the right gal.

Jerry

Here are more pics

Jerry B. wrote:There's always your birthday for the oak one! You married the right gal.

Jerry

Haha yeah I'm lucky!! But they are constrained to my "man cave"...but I think I can convince her to let me put it in the living room

Unfortunately it seems like this is a one time deal as he has family driving thru this area, and they are gracious enough to stop by on their way home and meet me so I can pick up the machine...otherwise I couldn't get one. So that's why I was being so scrupulous with the decision. I think I bothered a few users on here trying to decide haha.

Now I need some good 78s to show the wife it was a good purchase lol