The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I finally got a reply to an e-mail I sent nearly a week ago for a $30 Victrola that "needs work." He's working on getting pictures, but the "Victrola" is an Edison LU-37. From what I have briefly read, it was an upright introducer in 1922, and one of the last uprights Edison produced.

What should I look for in this? I know, typical broken spring issues, but anything else? I have no DD records, and neither does he, so is there another way to test the reproducer?


Anything else you guys can think of?

Thanks!

SSO,

In general, you will find the same sorts of issues as with other machines. The one item that can get a little pricey is the reproducer. If the diamond is missing or damaged, it will have to be replaced. A replacement diamond stylus will run $100+ (and some will question the quality) whereas a replacement reproducer will run $30-100+. Diamond disc records are not as common as shellac, however, there are plenty available and many will claim they sound better.

If the motor runs, $30 is not a bad price if you want to possibly take on a project machine.

Thank you, I appreciate the info.

The guy who is selling it basically has no idea if it works, so, I may just have to go and see.

That machine is the smallest edison cabinet model. The horn is tiny and and tinny in my opinion. If it were me I would wait for a larger model. Almost anything bigger from the S 19 up would be a huge improvement in sound. I wouldn't spend a lot of money on that model. I just saw a nice upright Oak C 19 go for 75.00 at a garage sale I missed on craigs list. I have seen a number of 250, (which is the larger horn) machines on craigs list for under 150 and that would be a much better choice. I got my C 19 for 25.00 at a auction. It didn't have a reproducer, but at 25.00 it was well worth it. I have an eye on a beautiful oak edison coming up soon at a sale near me, I will see what happens with it.
Some people may be fans of the small machine and perhaps it would suit you well. I traded mine which was in fine shape for a William an Mary console and was tickled to get in comparison. It needed work but its a much more worthy of timely repairs in my book, it looks impressive and sounds well too.

good luck
Larry