The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi everyone, I know this is more or less a complete shot in the dark, but how much a VE 8-35 be worth in fair-to-average condition? Imagine the finish being in decent shape, with some marks and scratches. I believe it is missing the reproducer, although I cannot confirm it.

I'm looking at one on Craigslist about 2 hours away, and am trying to figure out what it's worth, so I know if it's worth the time to drive there or not. It is also missing all of it's binders. (At least, that's what the tiny picture shows.)

Since this is an acoustical phonograph (one of the last Victor made, am I correct?) it does not use any tubes or capacitors to operate, correct? It's just a 4 spring converted to an AC motor, with a plug, right? If the motor doesn't work, am I basically SOL, or do I have options?

I didn't know whether to advise the guy to plug it in or not, as long as the cord was OK.

I like that model, and I've heard the sound quality is very good.

Does anyone have any info on it? I'm curious as to how big it is. I can't tell if it is "VV-330 console" wide, or "entertainment center" wide.

Thank you everyone.

Is that the electric motor model (8-35X) that's been listed for some time? I can see that chips of veneer are missing from the doors, so I'm wondering about the sides and lid. Before driving any distance, I'd suggest you ask the seller to send some photos of the back, top and both sides, as well as the grill. Also try to find out if the motor is in working condition. (It will probably have to be re-wired, in any event.)

The 8-35 is a fantastic sounding model, with as much bass as a Credenza, but a louder, less directional sound quality. According to "Look for the Dog," the cabinet measure 38.5 inches, by 40 inches by 20.25 inches deep.

In comparison, the Credenza was about 46 inches high, by 31.25 inches wide, by 22 inches deep.

Here's the info page from Victor-Victrola.com -- http://www.victor-victrola.com/8-35.htm

Personally, if the sides and top and motor are good, and the grill is undamaged, I'd go for it--if it's the one I think it is. Unless it's a basket case, the motor could probably be repaired or replaced for not too much. All told, I think it would be worth investing a few hundred bucks over and above the asking price.

For comparison sake, there's a VV8-4X, fitted with a slightly smaller horn, for sale in San Francisco for $500 -- http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/atq/1822625716.html -- which the seller claims "works great." (Of course, the photos are too dark to see anything.)

For fifty bucks less, you could also get a junior model 4-7 -- http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/atq/1812972936.html -- which would be great if it were half the asking price.

Problem is, I live on the other side of the country


No, it's only been listed for a couple days. I e-mailed the seller yesterday, asking him to "try" and plug it in, and if he would, send me around 8 pictures of it from all sides.


Lets see if he responds.

SignatureSeriesOwner wrote:Problem is, I live on the other side of the country


No, it's only been listed for a couple days. I e-mailed the seller yesterday, asking him to "try" and plug it in, and if he would, send me around 8 pictures of it from all sides.


Lets see if he responds.

It couldn't have been this one I spotted then, since it's listed in Craigslist Inland Empire, in California -- http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/atq/1775045549.html

As you can see from the photos, it looks pretty bad, even for $200.

I know that a few members on this board have 8-35s; some in pristine condition with all albums. Hopefully, they can give you an idea of what they're going for. The last one I saw for sale in the Bay area sold for $950.00, sans albums, but that was about ten years ago.

Like the 8-9 which I own, the 8-35 has a metal horn which I believe provides a brighter, louder and less directional sound than say, a Credenza.

The main thing which seems to separate the "average" 8-35 from the "cream of the crop" 8-35 is the original record albums that came with the machine. If they are included and in good shape, that can drive the price up considerably, or at least it did a few years ago.