Early L-Door Victrola, VTLA worth it?

Django · Post by **Django** » Sun Jan 28, 2018 2:56 pm

https://www.ebay.com/itm/202156273922?ul_noapp=true

I was wondering if anyone on the forum knows this machine or has been to see it. I am considering buying it and having it shipped cross country. Even with the freight cost it seems to be worth the money, but it would be nice to have some first hand opinions. The serial number is approximately 400 machines past the VTLA designation, but still for all practical purposes, (not accounting for resale value), a VTLA, (the VTLA really being a XVI). I am surprised that no West Coast member has grabbed it. They may be more common out there with the better climate aiding survival, but in New England, this is a rare beast, especially in original condition.

Any freight advice would be welcomed too. I was wondering if with the motor removed if it would meet the size and weight requirements for Greyhound Freight.

Thanks,
George

VanEpsFan1914 · Post by **VanEpsFan1914** » Sun Jan 28, 2018 6:31 pm

I don't know if it'd be worth it resale-wise but it is very beautiful.

Django · Post by **Django** » Sun Jan 28, 2018 8:03 pm

VanEpsFan1914 wrote:I don't know if it'd be worth it resale-wise but it is very beautiful.

I think it is beautiful too. Resale is more of a concern for my heirs than for me. The seller is looking into freight cost for me and right now it is at $419.00 to New Hampshire.

estott · Post by **estott** » Sun Jan 28, 2018 8:41 pm

Seeing that Lyon & Healy dealer's plate right on the front is a little jarring- I wonder if this was loaned out to some public place?

Post by **tomb** » Sun Jan 28, 2018 8:44 pm

We had a thread on this machine a few weeks ago. I think it is the same machine. Tom

Post by **gramophone-georg** » Sun Jan 28, 2018 9:03 pm

Django wrote:https://www.ebay.com/itm/202156273922?ul_noapp=true

I was wondering if anyone on the forum knows this machine or has been to see it. I am considering buying it and having it shipped cross country. Even with the freight cost it seems to be worth the money, but it would be nice to have some first hand opinions. The serial number is approximately 400 machines past the VTLA designation, but still for all practical purposes, (not accounting for resale value), a VTLA, (the VTLA really being a XVI). I am surprised that no West Coast member has grabbed it. They may be more common out there with the better climate aiding survival, but in New England, this is a rare beast, especially in original condition.

Any freight advice would be welcomed too. I was wondering if with the motor removed if it would meet the size and weight requirements for Greyhound Freight.

Thanks,
George

Another George, by George!

If you can get the height (largest dimension) and weight you can calculate here:

https://shipbybus.com/shipgreyhound/instant-quote/

I doubt that it will weigh more than 100 lbs. It can be shipped intact with some foam rubber padding between the motor and horn.

Curt A · Post by **Curt A** » Sun Jan 28, 2018 9:19 pm

If you plan to ship this across the country, be sure that whoever gets it ready does it right. That machine is definitely top heavy, so the motor board/motor/turntable/tonearm/reproducer and crank should all be removed and packed separately. If not and the machine gets tipped the motor can rip out the motor mounts from the cabinet, not to mention other damage. Once all of the innards are removed, including any record albums, the doors and lid should be securely fastened with that shipping wrap that looks like Saran Wrap. Then wrap it in moving blankets and put more wrap around them, to hold them in place. It should be lifted carefully and preferably shipped flat on its back or securely fastened to the side of whatever vehicle it will be shipped in... Just my two cents...

Django · Post by **Django** » Sun Jan 28, 2018 9:23 pm

Curt A wrote:If you plan to ship this across the country, be sure that whoever gets it ready does it right. That machine is definitely top heavy, so the motor board/motor/turntable/tonearm/reproducer and crank should all be removed and packed separately. If not and the machine gets tipped the motor can rip out the motor mounts from the cabinet, not to mention other damage. Once all of the innards are removed, including any record albums, the doors and lid should be securely fastened with that shipping wrap that looks like Saran Wrap. Then wrap it in moving blankets and put more wrap around them, to hold them in place. It should be lifted carefully and preferably shipped flat on its back or securely fastened to the side of whatever vehicle it will be shipped in... Just my two cents...

I appreciate your comments and agree with everything you said. Thanks for the advice. It would be a shame to ruin such a nice machine.

HisMastersVoice · Post by **HisMastersVoice** » Sun Jan 28, 2018 9:46 pm

Don’t forget to remove the rear door pull if laying it on its back

travisgreyfox · Post by **travisgreyfox** » Sun Jan 28, 2018 10:56 pm

I was watching that one too. If it was closer I would have jumped on it! With all the trouble of getting a shipper and everything I would first ask for even more close up pics. It is a gamble buying anything sight unseen.

Early L-Door Victrola, VTLA worth it?

Early L-Door Victrola, VTLA worth it?

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Re: Early L-Door Victrola, VTLA worth it?

Re: Early L-Door Victrola, VTLA worth it?

Re: Early L-Door Victrola, VTLA worth it?

Re: Early L-Door Victrola, VTLA worth it?

Re: Early L-Door Victrola, VTLA worth it?

Re: Early L-Door Victrola, VTLA worth it?

Re: Early L-Door Victrola, VTLA worth it?

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