The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I've found a victor M front mount machine that is in very good condition, but it's missing its horn, elbow and soundbox, possibly the winding handle and record hold down but not sure, I'm tempted to take it on as a project, are the parts easily available? not too familiar with Victor machines

Cheers

Ever since the Smiths stop making front mount parts it has been difficult to complete front mount machines. Unless it's dirt cheap and you're ready for a long restoration, I'd pass. If it has the support arm and traveling arm the restoration will be much easier.

Jerry B.

Hi- You mention several parts it needs--- As Jerry said, if you have the tonearm and support arm, it won't be hard to find the rest- Elbows and reproducers show up frequently on Ebay---- Horns fairly often-- Original crank and record hold-down will be tougher, but excellent reproductions are available. The "M" is one of my favorite machines. They look great.

Brad Abell

To continue Brad's good advice... If you don't have the appropriate support arm and traveling arm, I'd suggest you find those first. Plus they need to be sized together. If you find a support arm first, it must be paired with the appropriate size traveling arm. The opposite is true. Those parts are difficult to find. The horn that goes with a certain size support and traveling arm is easier to find. Remember, when you swing the needle towards the spindle it should touch or come very close.

Jerry Blais

I've completed a few machines from parts. It's almost always cost me more than if I would have purchased a complete example in similar condition.

More good advice!

George P.