Page 1 of 3
Vic II "Humpback"?
Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2021 6:48 pm
by randymullx
What exactly does "humpback" refer to? In other words, what makes a Vic II as "humpback"? There is a listing on E-bay for one and it says the ribbed corner columns is what makes it a "humpback"....is that correct? I have a Vic II (Version B) that I am restoring which does not have the ribbed corner columns.
Sorry to ask such a dumb question....I did a search of earlier posts before asking and didn't find any answers (although I may not have looked far enough back).
Thanks,
Randy
Re: Vic II "Humpback"?
Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2021 7:02 pm
by gunnarthefeisty
I believe it refers to the "hump" that the horn bracket is mounted on, at the rear of the case
Re: Vic II "Humpback"?
Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2021 7:03 pm
by MisterOpera
Randy,
As a former teacher, no question is ever dumb........ The hump back refers to the early ones with the "bulge" on the back where the back bracket is screwed to.
Burdette
,
Re: Vic II "Humpback"?
Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2021 7:56 pm
by Jerry B.
Yes, as others mentioned, it's the bulge in the back panel of the cabinet where the back bracket mounts. It must have been cheaper to manufacture the cabinet with the bulge rather than change the size of the cast back bracket. As far as Victor horn machine go, the humpback II is rather common. But I'd argue it is one of the best proportioned and most attractive models that Victor produced. Personally, I vastly prefer the hump back over the slightly later plain case Victor II. Both styles have a robust single spring motor. I've heard it argued that the shorter tone arm on either style is harder on discs when compared to the longer tone arm on Victors III and up.
Jerry B.
Re: Vic II "Humpback"?
Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2021 8:25 pm
by randymullx
That makes perfect sense. Thank you for the explanation.
Re: Vic II "Humpback"?
Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2021 10:56 pm
by AmberolaAndy
Jerry B. wrote: Mon Dec 06, 2021 7:56 pm
Yes, as others mentioned, it's the bulge in the back panel of the cabinet where the back bracket mounts. It must have been cheaper to manufacture the cabinet with the bulge rather than change the size of the cast back bracket. As far as Victor horn machine go, the humpback II is rather common. But I'd argue it is one of the best proportioned and most attractive models that Victor produced. Personally, I vastly prefer the hump back over the slightly later plain case Victor II. Both styles have a robust single spring motor. I've heard it argued that the shorter tone arm on either style is harder on discs when compared to the longer tone arm on Victors III and up.
Jerry B.
A plain case Vic II is wonderful too Jerry.

Re: Vic II "Humpback"?
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2021 12:40 am
by JeffR1
Probably this one here.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/165210341488?h ... Swz4Vhpovp
If it is, he's a member on this forum, he goes by Raphael.
I've never bought one of his machines, but from what I've seen, all are in good original condition with as little work as necessary.
He always rebuilds the motors and reproducers, so they work properly.
Keeps his customers happy.
Re: Vic II "Humpback"?
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2021 12:42 am
by Jerry B.
A plain case Vic II is wonderful too Jerry.

You are soooo correct!
Jerry B.
Re: Vic II "Humpback"?
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2021 12:43 am
by gunnarthefeisty
That is an incredibly solid price for a very nice machine.
Re: Vic II "Humpback"?
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2021 9:11 am
by Raphael
randymullx wrote: Mon Dec 06, 2021 6:48 pm
There is a listing on E-bay for one and it says the ribbed corner columns is what makes it a "humpback"....is that correct?
Where in my listing does it say that the ribbed corner columns make it a "humpback"? My listing says: "Known as a Humpback due to the unusual extra-heavy extension of the rear panel to accommodate the back mount."
Raphael