The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I'm still learning about this hobby and there is so much information out there that I want to ask a question. I have a very diverse interest in shellac records but my wife doesn't. So we actually set up a nice Victor Phonograph in the living room to display. My wife likes mostly music from 1940 to 1950. I have my own phonograph in the study. Talking to Wyatt Markus he recommended a Orthophonic reproducer my friend and mentor also recommended a Victor No.4 with bamboo needles. What would be the best possible combination to play these records.

What is the machine?

It's a VV-80, I was very lucky to find it, well my wife found it on Facebook Market Place. I am the third owner of this phonograph. It runs like a great.

Sorry it runs like a champ and looks brand new. The person I bought it from was the son of the original owner. So when my guest ask about the machine I know everything about it. I talked to the owner extensively. He was really proud of his machine but in his 80s and moving. It's a great story.

I'd agree with the No. 4 and fiber or thorn needles then. An Orthophonic will work, too, if you change the rubber isolator from an Orthophonic one to a No. 4, but I don't think the juice is worth the squeeze on that simply because the Ortho reproducer is designed for the Ortho re- entrant horn. The No.4 was specifically designed for playing electrically recorded records on earlier machines.

Later records were recorded using a different curve and a slightly narrower groove, so even soft tone steel needles will tend to wear these faster than earlier records. I think they made the change somewhere in 1943-4. You should be OK with fiber needles, though, as long as the tips will track.

Ok I know there is a forum member that sells bamboo needles so I'll get in touch with him, I'll have Markus Wyatt rebuild that No.4

BigC wrote: Sat May 28, 2022 10:17 pm Ok I know there is a forum member that sells bamboo needles so I'll get in touch with him, I'll have Markus Wyatt rebuild that No.4

Orchosol from the UK on here sells Burmese color (colour in his world ) needles that are a good bet too. Maybe that's who you are thinking of.

For 1945 I’d stick with my console radio/turntable combos like I do with all my records made after 1935. I love my Magnavox and Admiral record changers. I’d like to get my Monkey Wards chairside and Zenith console with the cobra turntable a goin someday. It’s always great to have a vintage console radio with a turntable to enjoy later or more rarer stuff worth money on!

I do have a Zenith 6R886 that I was eventually going to restore. Thanks for your information. I'll get that's started soon.

AmberolaAndy wrote: Sun May 29, 2022 11:53 am For 1945 I’d stick with my console radio/turntable combos like I do with all my records made after 1935. I love my Magnavox and Admiral record changers. I’d like to get my Monkey Wards chairside and Zenith console with the cobra turntable a goin someday. It’s always great to have a vintage console radio with a turntable to enjoy later or more rarer stuff worth money on!

A bit OT: We have a huge 1958 Telefunken console in the living/ "rumpus room". Maggies from the 50s- 60s are wonderful as well. I just picked up a 1954 Voice of Music 565A "Fidelis" mini console "Hi Fi" in Blonde that sounds just wonderful after a little work. The original 1200a changer functions 100% after cleaning and lubricating, as well as detailing/ polishing. The kicker is that this one has a flocked turntable- and the flocking looks brand new! In fact, I haven't had a really good flocking like this in decades.

I've been re- learning tube type electronics repair on this and several really nice midcentury portables with changers I will likely put up for sale soon. The V-M is a keeper, though, I think.