Bringing home a VE8-60E

[Travis Cape]

I just joined. I have long appreciated phonographs, but haven't collected them. I recently found a VE8-60E. I had wanted an orthophonic electrola and found this one. I also collect radios and some tv's, so this model has some special attraction to me.

I wanted to ask who is recommended to rebuild the reproducer? Also, if the tone arm bracket is breaking, who to handle that. I am sure that I'll have more questions after I pick it up, but those are my first.

Thanks Travis

[barnettrp21122]

Welcome to the board, Travis!
It sounds like you have a very interesting model and I hope you can restore it to its proper electric and acoustic operating condition. I hope you can post some pictures soon.

Here's a link to the Victor-Victrola page, which has a list of parts suppliers. I especially like George Volema's work, and he can probably supply most of your needs.
http://www.victor-victrola.com/Parts%20 ... rvices.htm

This website also has more information about your machine.

Walt Sommers does excellent orthophonic acoustic soundbox rebuilds; I don't know if he does the electric pickups, but he could probably steer you to someone who does.
http://www.victrolaguy.com

Good luck!
Bob

[spin78's]

Great find! Post some photos when you can...

[JohnM]

Good score, Travis! Is it the example on Cleveland Craigslist?

[Skihawx]

I've rebuilt many of these pickups. I use the exhibition white
rubber tubing on the pole pieces and cut soft rubber blocks for the damping.
I have recently moved and my phonographs have not been really unpacked
yet. I've owned three 8-60's over the years. I sold one to Charlie Weatherbee
and I think the other one went to the Dover museum in Delaware. The one I have
now has the factory modification with the 10-51 driver. Funny thing is I haven't
had time to restore this one and I have never heard it! I also have a lot
of experience restoring the amplifiers.

[Phototone]

We want photos, we want photos!!

[Travis]

Yes, I am going to Ohio this weekend. The drive might do me some good. I'll take some pictures when I get home and get unloaded. I am comfortable with the electronic end of this model, but new to the rest of it. From the pictures I have seen, the tone arm bracket needs to be replaced. It's been at least fifteen years since it was played, so I am expecting the reproducers to need rebuilding.

[Travis Cape]

I made it home from the Cleveland area Monday night. I have tried to get in touch with Walt about doing some work. The wiring is very crunchy and I haven't powered anything up so far.

I know the tone arm bracket needs replacing. The gold finish on the arm is very worn. What do people do with that? The reproducer is also gold tone, but pot metal and cracking. I am missing a needle cup, the single one.

I'll take some pictures over the weekend.

[spin78's]

Wires on these old motors are always crunchy. When I remove the motor board I try to unplug the connector before lifting the board out. Then try not to bend any of the wires while moving it around. The worst spot for breakage is on the bottom of the motor board about 6 inches from the plug where the wires go under a block of wood. You can remove that block and inspect those wires. Also look around both of the connectors. Patch electrical tape anywhere there are breaks and you may be able to test the motor. If they are REALLY frayed I wouldn't plug it in..

I'd be interested to hear what others do about the gold finish of the tone arms. I have several that are worn.

[JohnM]

Send the parts to Steve Farmer in Oregon. When he gets a batch of parts together enough to warrant the process, he'll do beautiful gold-plating just like factory. Not inexpensive, however.

farmerized1 'at' msn 'dot' com