The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I've been looking for a 8-series Orthophonic Victrola for several years now after having briefly owned an 8-4 junker I parted out. These almost never show up on Craigslist, except for maybe an occasional overpriced Credenza here and there. This week however, I found a cheap Credenza in NH (link posted in Ebay/CL alerts), another one in upstate NY, and an 8-4 not too far away, all $200 or less. And then Monday, I was on Facebook marketplace, and after contacting someone about the Credenza in NH and not hearing back, I found an 8-9. For $150. I don't think I've ever moved quite so fast to get a machine.

So anyway after a bit of a trip past farms, stables, and back roads, I got to the house and checked out the machine. The lid was a bit scraped up, but nothing terrible. And that was the worst thing I could say about the machine. The back bracket is intact. The reproducer is present and working. All the decorations and pulls are on the machine. Even the needle cup was there. And to top it off, I brought a strobe disc to check the speed and it was exactly perfect. I don't think I've ever had that happen before! Both springs seem to be good, but they really need lubrication. I suspect I'll let Ron Sitko take care of that for me. The machine needs a really good cleaning, which I will happily do as time permits. Also there was some kind of very old nest in the record storage area, but it was probably just moths, nothing invasive.

I've looked up the serial number and this is one of the very last ones, just 16 or so lower than the highest known number.

I did notice that the finish on the inside of the machine is fairly matte, but the outside finish is glossy. Is this normal for this machine?

Anyway, here are some "before" pics. I don't think I'll need to post "after" pics on this one! Enjoy!

Congrats. I always did like that model but never had the opportunity to own one.

52089 wrote:I did notice that the finish on the inside of the machine is fairly matte, but the outside finish is glossy. Is this normal for this machine?

Every 8-9 I've seen is like that, yes.

Nice find, welcome to the metal horn "8" series club, I'm sure you'll be very pleased for years with your machine.

Sean

I had passed it up due to lack of space and wanting to stay married, (it was very hard to pass that machine up at $150.00). That was a great find. I was going to put it on the forum, but then it disappeared. I'm glad that it went to a good home where it will be appreciated.

It's always a good time to buy a VV8-9! This model is supposed to look a bit dingy. And here is a letter to the trade posted previously by barnettrp21122...

Really nice find ----you deserve

Really nice! I miss mine. Congratulations on such a nice example of an interesting model/machine.

Matt

Thanks for the pics! One of my favorite machines. Mine is a bit glossy in the outside too, but it has had an over-varnish at some point in its life. That sounds bad, but really, it's still a very nice example.