Others Out There

[novkev24]

Hi all,

A few months ago I became interested in antique phonographs. I purchased a Victrola VV-XIV from Craigslist. In addition, I'm slowly building a collection of records for this machine. Over time, I would like to restore this machine.

I'm writing today to network and along the way make some new friends with people who share an interest in these old machines. I live in the Atlanta Metro area. Apparently, Atlanta has a society for antique radios, but no such group exists for phonographs/record players. Anywho, others out there, feel free to say hi.

Regards,
Kevin

[kc2mwv]

I just bought identical machine a week ago at Kutztown Radio swap meet. Paid $90 for it. I never was interested in a Victrola before but this one grabbed me. It needs a governor spring and the mounting brackets for the motor board. I am in North Jersey very close to where the coming Music Extravaganza (Oct 10) will be. Good luck with yours! Mike

[phonogfp]

Kevin & Mike - -

Hello to both of you! You'll find your Victrola XIVs relatively easy to restore. The mechanisms are virtually bulletproof, and parts are plentiful. Even rebuilding the somewhat delicate sound box is not difficult if you're reasonably mechanical and have a set of jeweler's screwdrivers.

You'll find many members here eager to answer your questions. Photos are always helpful to explain a problem, and posting them is easy. There are several parts suppliers that can be recommended, too. If your cabinet needs some attention, DON'T automatically get out the stripper! There are ways - some remarkably easy - to dramatically improve century-old finishes if they're not too far gone. Again, ask questions and post pictures...

Best of luck to you both!

George P.

[Tinkerbell]

I would like to also welcome the two of you, as well. You will find that the forum members here are very generous with their knowledge and time; I am very grateful for the advice and insight I have received from them here.

Also being a relative newcomer, my first phonograph purchase was a Victor IX. It was a valuable training ground for me to learn about the basic mechanics of how a phonograph works, and pretty easy to work on (with the right guidance).

Speaking of guidance... I would highly recommend purchasing the book "The Compleat Talking Machine." It's a great resource for many how-to projects. You can purchase the book a number of different places, but here's a link to the book on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Compleat-Talking- ... 1886606226

Again, welcome.

[Nat]

Drat! Tinkerbell beat me to it, suggesting the Reiss book - it's inspiring, clear, and invaluable.

Welcome! I'm no expert, being more of a record collector (though I have 6 restored Victrolas, and bits and pieces or several more awaiting attention), but I'll echo what others have said: most of the work it pretty easy, and almost all of it is mistake proof, if you go slowly and read up on various methods.

You'll find the members here to be mines of advice and information, and helpful and informative. It's a great group.

Great hobby - welcome!

Nat

[novkev24]

I would like to also welcome the two of you, as well. You will find that the forum members here are very generous with their knowledge and time; I am very grateful for the advice and insight I have received from them here.

Also being a relative newcomer, my first phonograph purchase was a Victor IX. It was a valuable training ground for me to learn about the basic mechanics of how a phonograph works, and pretty easy to work on (with the right guidance).

Speaking of guidance... I would highly recommend purchasing the book "The Compleat Talking Machine." It's a great resource for many how-to projects. You can purchase the book a number of different places, but here's a link to the book on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Compleat-Talking- ... 1886606226

Again, welcome.

Hi everyone. Thanks for the warm welcome. As a fan of history and gadgets, I look forward to learning more about the interworking of my new toy. As for the book, "The Complete Talking Machine", I actually got my copy in the mail today. I'm sure it will come in handy during the restore process.

[novkev24]

I just bought identical machine a week ago at Kutztown Radio swap meet. Paid $90 for it. I never was interested in a Victrola before but this one grabbed me. It needs a governor spring and the mounting brackets for the motor board. I am in North Jersey very close to where the coming Music Extravaganza (Oct 10) will be. Good luck with yours! Mike

Hi Mike. It sounds like you got a good deal on your machine. I paid $100 for mine. It's missing some items such a door knob, the casters, needle cup, and motor board knob, but overall I feel good about this purchase. Do you by chance have a picture of yours?

-Kevin

[kc2mwv]

Thanks for all the welcomes and information. I'm slowly assembling a list of parts I need. The motor board was resting on wooden blocks. The original plates, motor board tilt plates and motor board support were removed and 3 blocks of oak were used in it's place. Realized this after finding a manual online. The blocks worked ok but the motor board dropped in a little and I would like it to have original parts.Wyatt's Musical seems to have a nice parts catalog. I am working on materials needed looking at the holes in the board. Can't seem to find a good pic of what's needed. Thanks again for all your help.

[novkev24]

Thanks for all the welcomes and information. I'm slowly assembling a list of parts I need. The motor board was resting on wooden blocks. The original plates, motor board tilt plates and motor board support were removed and 3 blocks of oak were used in it's place. Realized this after finding a manual online. The blocks worked ok but the motor board dropped in a little and I would like it to have original parts.Wyatt's Musical seems to have a nice parts catalog. I am working on materials needed looking at the holes in the board. Can't seem to find a good pic of what's needed. Thanks again for all your help.

Hey Mike,

My motorboard appears to be intact. I can take some pictures of my XIV if it would help you in getting a better idea what parts are there.

-Kevin

[Boyle6]

Kevin & Mike....

I also want to welcome both of you to the board. My first Victrola was a XIV that was built in 1915. It is still one of my favorite talking machines, I play it all the time and just love it. If there are any pictures that I can supply to either of you, please do not hesitate to ask. Once your XIV's are up and going, I believe you will both be very surprised how well these old machines play and sound. You will also find the folks on this board very helpful, I have gotten really good advice over the years from the experts on this board. They have really helped me out and are always very open to giving opinions and advice. Once again, welcome to the world of old talking machines, you both have purchased a really nice machine to start with!!!!