The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Admittedly, at my age, sometimes just going to the local Costco turns into an adventure. But this one was a lot of fun and a learning experience for me.

A few months ago, good clients of mine said they desperately wanted a super-mint 9-55 Electrola. One of my remaining brain cells remembered from the TMF that there was a strange guy in my area who was restoring and selling them. Thus came my introduction to Wayne Robbins, known here as the Victrola Monkey. I've reported on him before (all positive).

Now came the Moment of Truth. He told me the unit was ready, and I dispatched my trusty restorer to the scene to polish it up and do a few minor repairs. Then set yesterday as the delivery date to my clients, who are about 3 hours away.

Wayne showed up at my door with the 9-55 packed in his truck, I hopped on board with an Edison Opera that was also being delivered, and off we went. We arrived at 1PM and after a few pleasantries set to work.

Geez, is this guy organized, from packing materials, ramps, lifting dollies, etc., he had it all. I was his helper and managed to sneak in a few pictures, but not many because, man, were we busy.

Long story short, Wayne got everything in place in their dining room, tested and adjusted everything, demonstrated the perfect functioning of the machine and radio, and my clients were absolutely delighted. We were packed up and outta there well before 4PM.

If anybody on the TMF is considering buying a 9-55 or other machine from Wayne, DO NOT HESITATE. He truly is one sincere, talented and well-organized fellow.

Raphael

Thank you Raphael for your very kind words and for making the connection between this machine and your client. This was my very first Electrola that I have electronically rebuilt and I am so pleased it was a success. This like my other VE 9-55 I have for sale, started out complete and in decent shape, but had a huge number of faulty electronic and mechanical components, such as bad capacitors, resistors, tubes, wires, and the crumbling pot metal parts of the changer and the loop antenna arm gear. Though it is quite satisfying for me to have resolved all those issues, I know it all would have never been possible without the help and support of many members of this fantastic forum.

It was also a pleasure to meet your refinisher, who made some minor blemishes disappear and gave the whole cabinet a once over that made it look like it just came from the factory. I look forward to hire him to resolve the couple of issues that exist with the top of the other VE 9-55 I have for sale. I will post before and after pictures of his work in the near future.

It's just wonderful that Wayne can restore the 9-55 Electrola. I see empty cabinets come up for sale from time to time and it's just sad to see a gutted machine. I don't know how many have survived, but it can't be that many.

Wayne delivered a couple of 9-55 machines to the Union show with his amazing packing and delivery truck and ramps. It was an awesome sight. For those that may have missed the images from that move, here is a link to that thread. As with Raphael's experience, this was really something else from a great guy.

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... =2&t=40813

Organized, beautiful, and well-executed.

The Victrola van with the ramps is brilliant. I like the presentation the big cabinet makes in the room--it should sound as nice as it looks.


(I just wish they would quit killing Atwater Kent speakers to make lamps out of)