The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello Everyone,

I am pretty new to collecting these machines. I only have a Victrola VV-XI and a Victor MS I just purchased and am very happy to own.

I inherited my Victrola VV-XI, it was originally my great grandfather's. The data plate is scratched up but still mostly legible. Does anyone know of a way to purchase a reproduction data plate? I don't want to replace the data plate, I just want to be able to have a copy that looks brand new and has my model # and serial # on it. Does anyone make these kinds of data plates? I'm also looking for a replacement knob for the door. One got lost over time. Also, is there a part that the knob screws into or does it just screw into the door?

Thank you in advance.

Mike

Hello Mike!

Glad to hear you're collecting. A Victor MS is a beautiful machine and a VV-XI with family history is something to be very proud of indeed.

You won't want to replace the data plate. look on the forum for threads to restore it. If you have parts on your machine then try to keep them there (unless they are like the rubber gaskets on the reproducer & then they need replacing.)

Try to keep them original as you can except for repairing mechanical bits. You'll like that better in the long run.

Mike,
Welcome to the forum !!!
I just recently parted out a XI. The cabinet was just not worth or favorable for restoring. Sometimes it happens.

PM me with your mailing info and I’ll be glad to send you a knob. Also, check and see if any other parts you might need and let me know.
You will find a wealth of knowledge from members of this forum !!!

Take care,
Terry

Thanks for all the information. I did recently have to replace that rubber gasket on the reproducer. It was in really bad shape.

PM on it's way. Thank you very much. I'll double check to see if anything else needs to be replaced but the rest of it seems to be in great shape. Oh, the lid does have some peeling veneer. Are there repair tips in the forum for veneer repair? It's not bad enough to replace the lid.

Hi Mike:

In case you haven't seen it, here's an online instruction manual for your model:

https://www.nipperhead.com/old/vicxi.htm

Just click on the thumbnail images to make them full size for viewing or printing.

I noted you referred to replacing the gasket. In addition to the coupling connecting the reproducer to the tonearm--sometimes referred to as a gasket, you'll also want to replace the rubber gaskets holding the mica diaphragm in place if they have hardened.

If your Victrola has an Exhibition sound box (reproducer), you can find the basic repair steps here:

https://www.nipperhead.com/old/reproducers.htm

The process is similar for the Victor No. 2 sound box, if that's what's installed on your tonearm.

See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKNgxv1wzok (Victor No. 2 sound box overhaul)

HTH,
OrthoFan

Thanks for the links and info. Mine is the Exhibition sound box.