The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Does the 4-7 have a wooden or metal horn? The books say folded. Does anyone have an approximate weight?
Thanks!

My VV 4-7 is one of the first Victrolas I purchased about 50 years ago.

Horn is wood. Weight is approximately 70-80 pounds (estimate).

This is mine from when I had it out doing the glycerin/denatured alcohol treatment on it.

Thank you, Gentlemen! Good info.
Just bought one locally on eBay. Liked the sound from a few others I’ve heard-and far better sounding than the 4-3.
This will be my first fully Orthophonic Victrola! Love that horn photo!
What is involved in the glycerine/denatured alcohol treatment? Does that help seal the wood?

Estey Organ wrote:Thank you, Gentlemen! Good info.
Just bought one locally on eBay. Liked the sound from a few others I’ve heard-and far better sounding than the 4-3.
This will be my first fully Orthophonic Victrola! Love that horn photo!
What is involved in the glycerine/denatured alcohol treatment? Does that help seal the wood?

Yes, the process is to restore moisture to the horn and ostensibly seal it. I didn't find it a difficult process on this small of an orthophonic horn, but I've heard some think it's messy or even unhelpful. Perhaps others will weigh in. Since I live in a hot and dry part of California and the machine spent its life here, I thought it best to try it. I find it's a terrific-sounding machine. While not a Credenza or one of the larger Orthophonics, I find the sound very pleasing. I live in a small house, so it fits nicely in the space. As far as comparing the 4-7 to the 4-3 (I own both), I can't say I think the 4-7 necessarily sounds "better," but will say it sounds "different." There is perhaps more of a rounded, full-body sound on the 4-7 as opposed to the direct forward reproduction of the 4-3 with its sparkling highs and mid range.

Here is one link on the forum addressing the horn treatment: http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... 9&start=10

Good luck with your "new" Victrola!

That rounded sound quality is what attracted me to the 4-7. I, too, live in a small space and my instruments take up most of the room!

Especially when one is a "Model T"...