The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

is $150 a good deal on a VV 8-4? Its in pretty good condition

Yes, that's a fine price if it's decent and the reproducer isn't shot.

He sent me a few pictures.... the metal looks broken?

Pot metal reproducers that are cracked like the one in the photo are not repairable. Buying a replacement is expensive. Here is a good one that sold on ebay. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rebuilt-pot-me ... 7675.l2557

That's definitely not an Orthophonic reproducer on that tonearm. And there's a broken governor weight on the record. Governor weights and springs are an easy fix, but getting the correct reproducer won't be cheap.

That’s a fine price, even without any reproducer. You’re buying the big horn, which is the second-largest orthophonic horn they made. Quite a good performer. Assuming decent cosmetics and an operable motor, you’re fine at that price if you plan to listen to records.

The back bracket looks good, but if cracked or broken, repops are available.

Finding a serviceable reproducer is easy as pie; just plan on getting it rebuilt (recommend Wyatt Markus aka micamonster on here) for $125 or so, in order to truly get the best out of the machine.

Fear of potmetal, and the accompanying aggrandizement of brass body reproducers, is for the weak-minded. Sure, some of them have turned to dust or are otherwise too far gone, but most have done all the destabilization they’re going to do. The exception may be for those kept in places that aren’t climate controlled, so they keep going through extreme temperature cycles. But that’s not their fault.

What is that odd looking knob in the foreground? Looks like something from the 60's. Exterior of the cabinet is also important.

Have you seen photos of the whole machine and compared it to photos in LFTD or Paul Edie's Victor Victrola site? Sometimes machines are offered for sale with legs cut down or off.

If you are serious about collecting phonographs, I suggest you purchase the recommended reference books such as LFTD, VDB and The Compleat Talking Machine.

Do you have a closeup photo of the back bracket? While I agree it looks ok in the photo you posted, it may have been glued back together at some point. While serviceable, it would affect price paid.

Yeah that knob in front is wrong, and the ID plate has been relocated and - from the looks of it - affixed with thumbtacks.

Here is how it ought to look.

I don’t plan on getting it. There are quite a few things that are wrong!

I’m waiting till find a good credenza to put next to my Cortez! But this one (in good condition) sounds almost as good as the credenza no?

I don’t have a closer pic, he said he would be sending a video and more pics tonight