The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have been invited to give a few talks locally on phonographs. I have a VV-IX and a 4-3 (for orthophonic). What would be most bang for buck on Victrola models for both an orthophonic and an earlier machine that has sound quality to fill a room (or hall) but that two people can carry and move via vehicle? In your MHO?

Table models are easier to move, but the 4-3 is a nice Victrola for Orthophonic records.

I’d say a VV 2-55 or a Brunswick Panatrope 109 will do the job. Edison cylinder machines are great to take along for demonstrations.

I did a phono show a couple of years back in our local community, and the machine I used was indeed a VV 4-3; however, I should note I was playing only electrically recorded discs. The machine was in a largish hall with tile flooring, and there were some people who remarked they could not believe the clarity and loudness of the Victrola. This machine was in top mechanical condition with a soundbox from MicaMonster.

Depending on your means of transport, the Consolette really isn't that hard to move around. I can easily lift and move mine by myself. As Andy remarked, the Brunswick 109 portable is a good choice; I can only say that my Brunswick Seville reproduces both acoustic and electric records with ease. I never tried the 109 with acoustic records.

Good luck with your presentation.

Charlie

I use a Columbia Q and a Columbia AU to show the mechanics of a cylinder and disc machine, then a Vic I and a few other machines (Edison Amberola DX & Zonophone Home to display). For later recordings, I use an HMV 102-great sound and very portable.

I give a couple of talks a year at a local Elementary School, and sometimes church and historical society groups. The above listed machines are easy to carry and show a wide range of mfg years and improvements.

Good Luck!

Matt

When taking machines to illustrate talks I always include one with a large external horn, because this is what most non-collectors assume that a gramophone should look like.

epigramophone wrote:When taking machines to illustrate talks I always include one with a large external horn, because this is what most non-collectors assume that a gramophone should look like.

I agree. Don't underestimate the visual impact of the horn. Some of the other machines listed are kind of boring visually.

I wouldn't take a machine with an external horn unless it was a common Edison cylinder machine and "witch hat" horn. I see it as too risky.

For demonstration purposes, I'd take a common internal horn machine. These people aren't collectors and likely don't have a clue. A nice working VV-IX is likely to wow them (or not) just as much as a nice Victor III. Regardless of what you take, expect ⅔ of the audience to have their faces buried in their cell phones the whole time.