The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I just picked up this VV-XVI locally, it's an L-shaped door model. Really nice condition, but has some noise with the platter rotating, and the speed regulator doesn't seem to be doing anything. I can't pull the platter off, not sure what the problem is. Anyway, I'm planning on having the works tuned up. I'm enclosing pics of the reproducer, it's hard to make out the writing, I'm assuming it's an Exhibition...

Very nice.

I have VV-XVI #19362 B ( with "C" stamped over it ), came with folder boxes, records, and a receipt from John Wanamaker in Philadelphia from 1910.


To remove the turn-table platter, you first need to unscrew the spindle ( if it has a screw-slot across the rounded end ), then the TT will just lift-off.

Later models w/o the slotted spindle should be the conventional tapered shaft / gravity fit.

My machine has a bit of governor rumble.

I think I read "Exhibition" on your soundbox... that is what's on mine.

Congratulations! I have an "L" door, and I enjoy it very much.

Lovely machine! I'm always a sucker for a big Victrola. Looks like you have everything right down to the needle cup and key. All you need are some albums or boxes. Which should it have? I like the photo of the speed control. Earlier ones were marked 76 and 80 instead of 78 and 80. I can only assume that 78rpm became more standardized as time went on. Congratulations! Jerry B.

Nice machine! Do I see a nickel around the edge of that platter?

Jerry B. wrote:Lovely machine! I'm always a sucker for a big Victrola. Looks like you have everything right down to the needle cup and key. All you need are some albums or boxes. Which should it have? I like the photo of the speed control. Earlier ones were marked 76 and 80 instead of 78 and 80. I can only assume that 78rpm became more standardized as time went on. Congratulations! Jerry B.

Congratulations. It is indeed a beautiful machine. I like the great big horn on the L-door; the sound must be impressive at its best. Rebuild the sound box and fix the speed control and you're good to go, GaryLC. FYI, the speed control dial on my XI is circular, like yours, but it doesn't have any rpm indications, except for "Fast" and "Slow." I guess by 1917 Victor had given up on the speed calibration matter!

I'm not sure how to adjust the speed control on your version. Mine has a screw in the center of the dial knob for that purpose, but I see that yours lacks this feature. I'm sure somebody on the board can help out here.

Turntable edges were nickel plated because it's more durable than gold. The gold would have been quickly worn off by the brake rubbing on the outside edge of the turntable.

There's an arm from the motor to the underside of the speed control. I bet it slipped past the speed control and is not making contact. When the speed control is twisted, the arm should go up and down. Have you had success getting the turntable off?
*
The earliest Victrolas had a little screw cap that must be backed off to lift the turntable. I doubt if you have it on your machine. Your turntable should lift straight up. You might put a couple of drops of oil on the spindle and try not to get oil on your turntable felt. After the oil has worked in, have someone gently tap on the spindle with a rubber mallet while you lift at the edge of the turntable. It should come off without too much trouble. Jerry

Jerry B. wrote:There's an arm from the motor to the underside of the speed control. I bet it slipped past the speed control and is not making contact. When the speed control is twisted, the arm should go up and down. Have you had success getting the turntable off?
*
The earliest Victrolas had a little screw cap that must be backed off to lift the turntable. I doubt if you have it on your machine. Your turntable should lift straight up. You might put a couple of drops of oil on the spindle and try not to get oil on your turntable felt. After the oil has worked in, have someone gently tap on the spindle with a rubber mallet while you lift at the edge of the turntable. It should come off without too much trouble. Jerry

The operative word here is TAP -- gently! There are iron castings below that can be easily snapped by striking the spindle, as well as potential damage to the spindle itself.

You may or may not be familiar with this website: http://www.victor-victrola.com

Here is the link to the page about VV-XVI's: http://www.victor-victrola.com/XVI.htm

Frank,

Thanks, I didn't realize the spindle had to be unscrewed, yes this has the screw slot. And it's funny, now I can read "Exhibition" on the reproducer from the photo, but couldn't from the actual piece..

De Soto Frank wrote:Very nice.

I have VV-XVI #19362 B ( with "C" stamped over it ), came with folder boxes, records, and a receipt from John Wanamaker in Philadelphia from 1910.


To remove the turn-table platter, you first need to unscrew the spindle ( if it has a screw-slot across the rounded end ), then the TT will just lift-off.

Later models w/o the slotted spindle should be the conventional tapered shaft / gravity fit.

My machine has a bit of governor rumble.

I think I read "Exhibition" on your soundbox... that is what's on mine.