The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Last weekend I went to pick up an 8-30 I saw on facebook marketplace, ended up paying 450 for it, and it turned out to be full of late 1920s dance songs. Thats a big bonus for me! The pot metal on the reproducer looks fine, but the bracket was already broken so I took it out and ordered a new one yesterday. Some parts of it have packing tape pretty well stuck, but I've been able to get it mostly off the tonearm.

Congratulations! It’s a bit tough to see in the photos but it looks like the finish on the top is in good shape. Enjoy!

Bill

Congratulations on a terrific machine. My Orthophonic is my go to player. You might try some WD-40 on a rag to remove sticky stuff from your tone arm.

Jerry Blais

You will love that 8-80. I have owned one since 1998 and it has always been my go to machine for pre 1932 electrics. Once you get a chance to test the reproducer you may learn that it plays quite well and doesn't need to be rebuilt. I have had several of them that played well even though they didn't look good.

Jim

VV-8-30 ROCKS!!! Have fun !!!

Congrats!

The cabinet is in beautiful condition. Were the reproducers on those really made of pot metal? Didnt know that.

Jonsheff wrote:The cabinet is in beautiful condition. Were the reproducers on those really made of pot metal? Didnt know that.

Early models had brass reproducers.

Brass reproducers were long gone by the time the 8-30 was introduced. They were supplied with 2 door Credenzas and have been found on some early 4 door ones as well, however the changeover generally coincides with the introduction of the 4 door cabinet.

Jim