The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Is this the correct lid support for the Victor VTLA I recently acquired (#6420)?

Thanks,
Bill

Take a look here...
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=34090

James.

Thanks. I wasn’t quite sure since my slightly later L-door XVI doesn’t have the saw teeth.

I have never seen a VLTA and was surprised to see that style support. I googled the request and learned something new too. The hard part is remembering all the bits.

James.

My Victrola VTLA VV-XX needed that same sawtooth support, but was missing when I got it. Fortunately, I found it in the bottom of the cabinet.

I found it in the bottom of the cabinet.

Many were replaced because it proved to be a major nuisance to just close the lid. The "flat top" VTLA proved impractical because the reach from the edge of the cabinet side to the turntable was difficult for a smaller adult. The domed lid was a good solution and the improved appearance is talking machine history copied by nearly all manufacturers.

Jerry B.

I have had a number of VTLA's over the years and the saw tooth lid support was broken in greater than 50% of them. After a couple of weeks of using it you will quickly understand why. The gravity design works so well that when you go to close the lid you need to keep your other hand on the saw tooth lid support to stop it from grabbing. I know because I have come to more than one surprising stop just before the lid is actually closed. That sudden stop puts tremendous pressure on the stay.

Needless to say it was short lived design and the smooth "non stop" design quickly took over. The new design is also heavier gauge stock.

John

Yes, I was wondering why that design was ever used. The VTLA has the domed lid, but the only thing the sawtooth rod does is to allow the lid to stop partially closed. The support rod does have to be held to keep it from catching and I’m not sure why anyone would want a position other than fully open or fully closed. I can see how someone could push down or put too much pressure on the rather thin rod resulting in it bending or breaking.

Bill

I agree with Bill. The sawtooth design is a nuisance, and I get surprised by the unexpected stop on mine every so often.