The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

This is another of my father’s phonographs.
Two questions =
I admit I am ignorant regarding all things furniture related but has this machine been painted? And if so what is the best method to make the outside look like the beautiful inside finish?

Secondly, the platter mechanism does spin after cranking but it quickly slows down and doesn’t really play the record. Any ideas on how a newbie might fix this?
Btw, I know the picture disc is of a different era and should not be played on this machine.
Thanks, Bill

I can't tell if it's been painted. I see hints of grain in the photos. Search the board for information on safely cleaning your machine. Goop, GoJo, and New Life Furniture Masque are all recommended, as is Kotton Klenser. Instructions and tips can be found throughout the board.

(BTW, your C-250 looks like it would also benefit from a quick cleaning.)

Your going to have to put in some effort to bring back the beauty of the cabinet, but that's the easy part. Servicing the motor will take some research. You will find plenty here and you can look up You Tube videos. Be careful not to go too far with the finish. It's only original once. If you don't think you can handle a motor service, go to the Tips, Tricks and tutorials for help. Take your time and preserve your VV-300 for future generations to enjoy.

I doubt if the outside has been painted. The outside of machines is much more susceptible to environmental conditions. Your first step is the thoroughly clean the finish. Use the search feature of our Forum because there are many threads regarding this subject.

If the spring motor lacks power it is generally a weak or broken spring issue. If you carefully wind the motor, do you reach the end of the springs with a full winding? If you never reach the end you have a broken spring. There are also many threads on spring replacement if you go that route.

Thanks for not playing that Vogue.

Best wishes, Jerry Blais

I do not think it has been painted either, just has years of dirt and grime plus some slight fading.
Post some pics after you clean her up. I love this model victrola. If I found one I would sell my VV 260.

This may sound like a dumb question, but are you using an old needle which has been in the machine a long time? A used needle will drag on the record, sometimes enough to stop it - especially on a plastic surfaced record like the on e in the picture.

that plastic record wil provide a ton of drag in it's own right. try it with a correct Shellac record

estott wrote:This may sound like a dumb question, but are you using an old needle which has been in the machine a long time? A used needle will drag on the record, sometimes enough to stop it - especially on a plastic surfaced record like the on e in the picture.

It was a used needle but I tried it with a shellac 78, not with that picture disc