Victrola VV7-10 - a few questions

[Big Beat]

I am being offered a Victrola VV7-10. It's a late 1920s Orthophonic model with a built-in RCA radio. So far I only have these few pics. My main concern is the crackled metal on the reproducer and tone arm support. How serious is that type of damage, would these need to be replaced and if so, how difficult is it to find these parts?

I am somewhat familiar with older Victrolas but have zero experience with Orthophonics. At $250, is this machine worth checking out? Is this considered a desirable model or nothing special? What should I be looking out for if I do decide to go check it out? Obviously, I will check to see if it plays and the condition of the cabinet, etc., but anything specific for an Orthophonic that I should be aware of? Thanks!

[Big Beat]

Here's what "Look For The Dog" has to say about the Seven-Ten:

[barnettrp21122]

The reproducer shell looks like toast. You may be able to harvest useable pieces from it to assemble a final unit, which I'd estimate to be at least $150.00 if you have it done by an expert. The tone arm bracket runs around $90.00 for the part alone. Having the radio brought back by an expert would be at least a couple hundred dollars, IMO. The valve piece connecting to the orthophonic horn and radio driver may be of pot metal, which nearly always has disintegrated.
Unless you can do the electronic restoration work yourself I'd recommend a good-sized acoustic machine without the radio.
Bob

[Big Beat]

Thanks!

Ouch... so I take it that radio-phono combos are less desirable than plain acoustic machines? And that Orthophonic Victrolas used pot metal where previous models did not? My experience is with models VV-IX, VV-XI and VV-50. All of these came with a No. 2 reproducer and none had such issues with either the reproducer or the tonearm support. I did once have an issue with pot metal on a Brunswick, but I thought Victors were immune to that.

I wanted to try out an Orthophonic, because these are supposed to have better sound than the earlier Victrolas that I am familiar with. But now I wonder if I should even bother. Are they all made with pot metal, or did I just find a bad one?

[GregVTLA]

The Orthophonic series is plagued by pot metal, but you can find machines that are still workable. I've seen back brackets that were totally in fine shape, and some are a bit cracked but nothing a little Krazy glue can't fix!

I have a 7-25 which has the same valve as the 7-10, and although it was tough to move at first, since I've taken it apart and sanded it for a better fit I've had no trouble. I wouldn't consider the valve a threat, especially if you aren't an avid AM radio listener. I'm no radio guy. In mine, the radio never worked and I never got much enjoyment out of it. It was basically just added weight to the cabinet for me.

Your reproducer will likely need to be replaced though, they usually cost like $100. Orthophonics can be hard to get started due to the high cost of replacing pot metal parts, but they're oh so worth it. If I were you, unless you're super attached to this 7-10, I'd find a medium or large orthophonic machine that didn't need quite as much help. Something like an 8-12, 8-4, 8-30 or 8-35. There are also the harder to find 8-7, 8-8, and 8-9 models. I have an 8-7 and that's the best sounding machine in the house!

When going to inspect any orthophonic machine, be sure to note condition of the back bracket and the reproducer. A new back bracket is $75, so if that's broken then point it out to the seller and try to lessen the price. If both are broken I usually stay clear.

Hope I helped. Good luck in your search!

Greg

[Big Beat]

Thanks!

I just checked eBay, and most of the Ortho reproducers on there look just as bad as the one in the photo above. When you talk about replacing the reproducer, does that mean there are some available that are not pot metal, or does that mean that it's a matter of finding a pot metal one that's less cracked than the one you already own?

[GregVTLA]

Thanks!

I just checked eBay, and most of the Ortho reproducers on there look just as bad as the one in the photo above. When you talk about replacing the reproducer, does that mean there are some available that are not pot metal, or does that mean that it's a matter of finding a pot metal one that's less cracked than the one you already own?

There are a few that are not pot metal around, but those are very expensive. I'd just look for the pot metal ones in nice shape. Usually there are a few good ones at the Wayne show.

Greg

[PeterF]

These are super cool units. They have a scaled down but complete folded orthophonic horn, which sounds great. The valve, if frozen, will likely be found in the phono position, where it can enjoyably stay until you get the courage time and funds to tackle the radio side of things.

Orthophonic soundboxes can be found. People obsess on pot metal, and certainly this example suffers from the disease, but it’s easy to find good ones too. I have an extra for you if you decide to grab this machine. Back brackets are available as reproductions, reasonably priced.

The Radiola 16 is common and simple, and also won’t be difficult to get going when you get around to it.

[Victrolacollector]

Very nice looking machine. The plus side is that after the work is done, you will have a nice phonograph with a radio which is the best of both worlds.

The only negative is be prepared to spend about a few hundred to get a rebuilt reproducer and back bracket for the tone arm. The radio is not that hard to get going, I think it’s a Radiola 16 with a couple of caps using about five 01A tubes and one 112A tube. If it is a battery source for power you could rig it easily upto an ARBE-III battery eliminator which uses regular power out of an outlet. I would also check out that Radiola 16 and make sure the dial drum turns. If the dial drum does not turn it is probably frozen due to it being constructed of Pot Metal, usually they start swell and break and freeze up, and I have seen the dial cable which is a copper or bronze material break, for me these were hard to install.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[JerryVan]

If you're not super fussy about being 100% correct, you could get an Orthophonic reproducer from a portable Victrola. They have a cover over the face of the reproducer. They're pot metal also, but usually of a better grade that makes them better candidates for rebuild and also a bit cheaper due to being for a portable/suitcase model.