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Victor Talking Machine turntable operating backwards

Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2018 7:41 pm
by Alan
I am seeing Victor Talking Machine VV V1, serial no# around 580000 photographs of victor talking machine with this model having its turntable running counter clockwise and the sound box, (Reproducer) is set up for counter clockwise, Is this right? or are these Francophone ?

Re: Victor Talking Machine turntable operating backwards

Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2018 7:53 pm
by Curt A
It wouldn't make any sense for the turntable to be running backward... Is it a Frankenphone? Can't tell anything without pictures...

Re: Victor Talking Machine turntable operating backwards

Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2018 8:40 pm
by VanEpsFan1914
Sounds like someone just put the needle down on the wrong side of the record. That happens a lot and I believe people think it makes the phonographs look more "antique."

Re: Victor Talking Machine turntable operating backwards

Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2018 9:01 pm
by gramophone-georg
VanEpsFan1914 wrote:Sounds like someone just put the needle down on the wrong side of the record. That happens a lot and I believe people think it makes the phonographs look more "antique."
One of the most annoying trends ever, along with showing Diamond Discs on needle type machines. Whenever I see one of those 2 things or a vinyl LP on the turntable of a windup, I know I'm dealing with a seller without a clue.

Re: Victor Talking Machine turntable operating backwards

Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2018 10:54 pm
by tomb
That seems like a high serial number for that model. Tom

Re: Victor Talking Machine turntable operating backwards

Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2018 11:50 am
by JerryVan
tomb wrote:That seems like a high serial number for that model. Tom
Well, that makes sense as the last ones were made to run backwards.

NO, of course not, just teasing. I suppose the springs could be installed wrong and it could be made to run backwards, but very poorly. Still, there would be no way to wind it backwards, as the winding ratchet would not allow it and the crank would unscrew.

As a funny aside, it is totally possible to install the insides of a Model T Ford rear axel backwards. The result is a car that goes backwards when you push in the clutch. A very surprising event if you don't realize your error. Yes, it's happened MANY times, (but NOT to me!).

Re: Victor Talking Machine turntable operating backwards

Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2018 12:37 pm
by De Soto Frank
Jerry - have heard that story about the Model T, I think might also hold for the Model A.

It is also possible for two-stroke gas engines to run "backwards", if you can find a way to spin 'em over.


I think it was the Messerschmidt micro-car from the 1950's, that for "reverse", you had to shut the engine off, and re-start it running backwards ?

Re: Victor Talking Machine turntable operating backwards

Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2018 1:19 pm
by gramophone-georg
JerryVan wrote:
tomb wrote:That seems like a high serial number for that model. Tom
Well, that makes sense as the last ones were made to run backwards.
They were obviously anticipating the Beatles but couldn't anticipate that shellac would be out of style by then. Victor was a very forward looking company!

Re: Victor Talking Machine turntable operating backwards

Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2018 1:45 pm
by HisMastersVoice
Simple fix, move the tonearm to the correct (right) side of the turntable and all will be well.

Re: Victor Talking Machine turntable operating backwards

Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2018 2:38 pm
by Jerry B.
True story... I friend sold a Victor V to an advanced collector of mechanical arcades, gaming devices, and other very expensive high end curiosities. I received a call from my friend asking if I'd make a short out of town trip to investigate why the machine would not play a record. Yes, you guessed it. The needle was being placed on the wrong side of the record. The new buyer was embarrassed beyond description but all was good.

Jerry Blais