Automatic Victrola 10-50

[Edisone]

I don't dare even go look at this one, because it would kill me to pass on it - But:

http://buffalo.craigslist.org/atq/2048614866.html

$200 asked. I'm sure it wouldn't fit in my Caravan, and there's no room for it in the house. I hope nobody makes a bar out of it !

ps - Are the 7 pot-metal parts ALWAYS dead in these?

[OrthoSean]

I've never seen one where the pot metal parts weren't shot, or close to it, BUT for $200, I wouldn't think twice! You can always use it in "Victrola" mode. They sound absolutely fantastic! I love my 10-50

Sean

[antique1973]

I would find a way to get that thing home, they almost never
come up. Do you have a friend with a truck by chance?

[Wolfe]

You can always use it in "Victrola" mode. They sound absolutely fantastic! I love my 10-50

Sean

In automatic mode, what are the styli of choice? (Nasty) Tungstones?
Or is there another more record friendly alternative, that will let the machine perform in all it's sonic glory? Changing normal steel needles all the time would kind of defeat the purpose of a changer.

[OrthoSean]

I use an Everplay needle. Works wonderfully and doesn't kill 78s. The trick is you have to use discs that don't already have lots of wear. Same with Tungstones, really, as long as you play discs in decent shape I've never found them to be that nasty to records.

Sean

[Edisone]

I would find a way to get that thing home, they almost never
come up. Do you have a friend with a truck by chance?

I could borrow a pickup from work, but I'd never get anyone to help me move this monster - even if I did have house-space for it.

My place is so stuffed with phonos and records and LOTS of "etc" that I expect a surprise visit from the hoarder interventionists, any day now ....

[Swing Band Heaven]

OMG! I can't believe this hasn't flown out of the door of its own accord at that price. That about £120ish - at that price I'm tempted even here in NZ and to freight it accross....... although my wife would hang, draw and quater me for it

What would a typical price for one of these be in unrestored shape? I can't believe it would be as low as this.

S-B-H

[Wolfe]

OMG! I can't believe this hasn't flown out of the door of its own accord at that price.

But...as stated in the ad, it "doesn't work."

No information beyond that, who knows from that what really needs to be done, especially if you're not a handy one with electronics and such. 200 bucks may actually be more or less fair.

[OrthoSean]

These generally used the induction disc motor (a small number were made with the universal motor), which is pretty much bulletproof though. I've had several machines with the induction motor and only one ever that had an issue, which was an open coil, which is easily replaced. The wiring in these is very basic and simple to replace if necessary, too. I'm not an electrical inclined type by any means, but I've made several replacement power cords and done some rewiring on a couple of these motors if the stuff was falling apart or stiff. Pretty basic stuff. For $200, again, it's a steal. I paid $800 for my 10-50 8 years ago, it needed the gears and a complete going over which I gave it, but it was as complete as they come with carriers and record loader, instructions, even the tags that hung from the machine when it was new. With the exception of a good oiling every year or so and a small changer adjustment from time to time, it's a great machine and certainly one of the most used in my collection.

Sean

[Covah]