The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Since I’m planning to get a Credenza hopefully some time in the near future. I want to ask some of you: How heavy is a Credenza compared to a console radio phonograph from the 1940s? Like a Magnavox or a Zenith. Really specific question I know. But I just want to know what I’m getting into. Wherever I buy one locally, or from the Yankee Trader section. Thanks.

I don't know about the 40s stuff, but the Credenza is a monster. I had to load mine into a car myself (the lady I bought it from was elderly) and it almost killed me! I got the wife to help me unload it at home, but it was struggle!

I'm not sure how heavy a 1940s radio console is, but it's probably lighter than a Credenza. According to Robert Baumbach's book The Victor Data Book, a Victrola Credenza weighs 182 lbs. That's light compared to some of the larger Victrola Electrolas of the late 20s.

Two of us loaded and unloaded mine. I removed the motor board, but it didn't change things by a lot. At home I had to remove the lid and doors to do some work on them and I moved the machine to it's present position with those removed. With the doors, lid and motor removed the machine wasn't bad at all. The lid is fairly substantial and the four spring motor is not a lightweight, so the stripped down cabinet was much more manageable.

Compared to the Viva Tonal Columbia 800 series it light.

You beat me to the Columbia 800. It's almost a pleasure to move a Credenza after handling one of those.

Jim

larryh wrote:Compared to the Viva Tonal Columbia 800 series it light.

And petite...

travisgreyfox wrote:I don't know about the 40s stuff, but the Credenza is a monster. I had to load mine into a car myself (the lady I bought it from was elderly) and it almost killed me! I got the wife to help me unload it at home, but it was struggle!

You lifted it and loaded it yourself? Wow! What car did you use to transport it? Did you put it in like this? Lol.

We might use a Chevy Blazer to transport the one I’m interested in. That’s if my yard sale that I’m throwing this weekend to fund it goes successfully and it’s not gone before next Thursday...and In case that happens... To the Yankee Trader section!! I’m sure one of you has an extra Credenza to sell me it my initial plan doesn’t work out. Yes I am that desperate lol.

AmberolaAndy wrote:

travisgreyfox wrote:I don't know about the 40s stuff, but the Credenza is a monster. I had to load mine into a car myself (the lady I bought it from was elderly) and it almost killed me! I got the wife to help me unload it at home, but it was struggle!

You lifted it and loaded it yourself? Wow! What car did you use to transport it? Did you put it in like this? Lol.

We might use a Chevy Blazer to transport the one I’m interested in. That’s if my yard sale that I’m throwing this weekend to fund it goes successfully and it’s not gone before next Thursday...and In case that happens... To the Yankee Trader section!! I’m sure one of you has an extra Credenza to sell me it my initial plan doesn’t work out. Yes I am that desperate lol.

That picture makes me cringe, (no offense meant to the perpetrator).

Have to be hoping not to run by Smokey and get pulled over out on the road with that.