The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

My boyfriend and I each own a Victrola, a VV-X (his), and a VV-XI (hers), both console, working models. My question is this...

How do we store them if not in use for extended periods. We occasionally play them for friends and family, but are not sure if we should let the springs run down so there is no tension on them, or if it is better to leave them with some winding on the springs.

Thanks for any tips on the care of our machines.

Hello and welcome!
If you really only play your machines occasionally (say less than once a week)then there may be some advantage to letting the springs run down after playing. If your listening sessions are short, there's probably no need to wind a machine much more than needed to get through a single record side. I'd avoid winding to the maximum any machine that isn't used quite often.
If you notice any noise or thumping as the motor winds down it usually means the springs are lacking sufficient lubrication and would benefit from a cleaning and re-greasing. This is easiest done by a professional repairer, but can be tackled by a do-it-yourselfer with proper tools and instructions.
Always let a motor wind down before doing ANY adjustments or lubrication!

Good luck
Bob

My advice differs slightly from the above. I always wind down the springs completely on my VV-XI after every playing session, then I give the winding key (Victorspeak for crank handle) a couple of turns to take out any slack, and leave it that way until the next session. At the beginning of the next session, I generally wind up the springs all the way (but don't force it beyond the stopping point, which you will easily sense), then wind again as necessary to get through another record. The one thing I would NOT do is leave tension in the springs for an extended period of time, say, more than a day. The VV-X and XI are essentially similar machines, so this advice goes for both yours and your friend's.