The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I came across what appears to be a 4-3 in decent condition on craigslist - https://longisland.craigslist.org/atq/d ... 34053.html. Since the listing isn't particularly close to me, I requested an additional image of the tonearm support bracket, which didn't look quite right (see the second Craigslist image). The below image is what I got back from the seller.

My first thought is that pot metal bracket snapped, and someone "fixed" it by drilling a screw through the smaller and larger portions of what remained. But I'm not an expert. From what I understand, there are two variants of tonearms/brackets on the 4-3: one with the traditional overhang bracket, and one without. Perhaps what I'm seeing here is some other variant (still broken)? What is the horizontal hole pivot pint/set screw?

I just recently was asked to fix an otherwise nice VE 8-30X with a similarly repaired tonearm bracket. To be fair, the owner had bought it that way 30+ years ago. At that time proper reproductions were not available, so the repair was a relatively decent way to keep the machine playing. Of course, nowadays you call Ron Sitko and $75 later you have a perfect replacement. A problem like this would not deter me from buying an orthophonic Victrola if it's otherwise ok and the price is reasonable.

Andreas

Cabinet condition seems nice, but $325 asking price is too high given that you will spend $ for a new bracket. Reproducer is pot metal and may or may not be in good shape. Door knobs don't appear correct either.

I would say that $150-175 would be a more realistic price.

AZ* wrote:Cabinet condition seems nice, but $325 asking price is too high given that you will spend $ for a new bracket. Reproducer is pot metal and may or may not be in good shape. Door knobs don't appear correct either.

I would say that $150-175 would be a more realistic price.

I agree that the price is too high. I had gotten her down to $275. But that was prior to realizing the issue with the bracket. I have a nickel-plated brass reproducer to match this machine, so a crumbling reproducer wouldn't be a deal-breaker. I'm going to make another offer in the $175-200 range.

But I'm also tempted to just make an offer on this one - https://www.ebay.com/itm/293034408140 - which is much easier for me to get to. I never really wanted a VE, but everyone has a price...

R J wrote:

AZ* wrote:Cabinet condition seems nice, but $325 asking price is too high given that you will spend $ for a new bracket. Reproducer is pot metal and may or may not be in good shape. Door knobs don't appear correct either.

I would say that $150-175 would be a more realistic price.

I agree that the price is too high. I had gotten her down to $275. But that was prior to realizing the issue with the bracket. I have a nickel-plated brass reproducer to match this machine, so a crumbling reproducer wouldn't be a deal-breaker. I'm going to make another offer in the $175-200 range.

But I'm also tempted to just make an offer on this one - https://www.ebay.com/itm/293034408140 - which is much easier for me to get to. I never really wanted a VE, but everyone has a price...

That machine is in Marlboro, Mass., not too far from me. I see 4-3s on the local Craigslist fairly frequently. The only one I see now is on Martha's Vineyard and is quite overpriced. In the last 5 years I'd say I've bought at least 3, never paying more than $100 for one. YMMV of course.