The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello all! I need suggestions for this machine. It has the earlier double barrel and I think one of the mainsprings are either broken or has become unhooked from inside the barrel maybe? Would you suggest just finding a replacement motor that’s working or had been rebuilt or removing the mainspring barrels and having someone fix them. I know this particular machine isn’t very valuable or sought after but I paid $50 so it worth a try getting it back up and running. I’ve already sourced a rebuilt exhibition reproducer for it and the proper knobs. I just need to get the motor situated. Thanks in advance for any suggestions or insight.

I would personally inspect the springs to see if they might have become unhooked and if so, try to fix that myself. If that's not the case, I would send the spring barrels to Ron Sitko or one of the other usual suppliers, simply because I don't do springs myself.

Having said that, you could possibly find good springs in barrels or a complete motor for this, but I suspect neither is an easy find. You might want to post to Yankee Trader and see what happens. Good luck whatever you decide.

I'd inspect the spring too, it's the original motor, so I'd want to keep them together.

If you are reluctant to dig into the motor but are able to remove the spring barrels, I would do so and send the barrels to Ron Sitko for service/repair.

Jerry B.

Just as an FYI: these single spring barrels are really easy to work with, compared to the deeper double barrels. Installing the bottom spring on those is always a bit more challenging, especially if they are new and strong.

Andreas

alang wrote:Just as an FYI: these single spring barrels are really easy to work with, compared to the deeper double barrels. Installing the bottom spring on those is always a bit more challenging, especially if they are new and strong.

Andreas

I'm going to look into buying a couple springs or just sending it out.

I agree, pushing a bottom spring down in a double barrel is like alligator wrestling, with the bite included. But to the OP, don't mess with springs, like the others said send it out to Sitko. Don't belittle the value, these are nice little machines, I actually favor the IV but these are fun and afford entry level hobbyists a way to venture in.You can also try George..I haven't heard from him in awhile, I assume he still is in operation.

Great Lakes Antique Phonograph
George Vollema
231-745-7175

"You can also try George..I haven't heard from him in awhile, I assume he still is in operation."
Great Lakes Antique Phonograph
George Vollema
231-745-7175

George is in operation, BUT he won't be back to his shop until the first part of May... Michigan winters have gotten to him, like they did to me 39 yrs. ago.

Your Victrola VI is a nice machine, especially for $50, which was great. If I'm not mistaken, yours is the more unusual 12" turntable model (someone correct me if I'm wrong).

That was one of my first machines and I always enjoyed playing it, even if it isn't as flashy as an outside horn machine (and certainly not as expensive).

Curt A wrote:"You can also try George..I haven't heard from him in awhile, I assume he still is in operation."
Great Lakes Antique Phonograph
George Vollema
231-745-7175

George is in operation, BUT he won't be back to his shop until the first part of May... Michigan winters have gotten to him, like they did to me 39 yrs. ago.

Your Victrola VI is a nice machine, especially for $50, which was great. If I'm not mistaken, yours is the more unusual 12" turntable model (someone correct me if I'm wrong).

That was one of my first machines and I always enjoyed playing it, even if it isn't as flashy as an outside horn machine (and certainly not as expensive).

This is my first Victor believe it or not. Ive owned about 3 Edison cylinder phonographs, a couple standing phonographs and a table top, I currently own one Talking Machine Company Model A. I have never been able to find a Victor locally for a good price and when I have I either don't have the room (I live in a 1 BR apartment in Downtown Houston with my fiancee) or they have been sold. This one needs some work but I figure since I only paid $50 for it, putting a little money in it shouldn't hurt. I think if I can manage to stay under $200 in repairs I should be OK. I'm already another $45 into it after buying a rebuilt Exhibition reproducer.