The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

How hard are these to work on and get running? I've found one close by and was thinking about getting it if I can for a really cheap price.

Travis, The RE-75 is from 1920-1930. Most of the time this particular model electronics will still work without any electronic restoration. But the horseshoe pickup must be rebuilt with new rubber parts or you will not get any sound. The speaker surround is leather and it usually is rotten so must be replaced as well. Now that said you should really not just plug it in an turn it on without some direct fused protection. I generally use a Variac with a 15A breaker to pretest all of my Electrolas. I bring the voltage up slow. If there is a power circuit problem it will trip the breaker instantly. If it within a few minute or so trips the breaker then it can be a bad or several bad capacitors. If you do plug it in an power it up and hear a loud buzzing in the speaker then turn it off immediately as that is a sign that the capacitors in the power circuit are indeed bad. Leaving it on will burn up the power transformer. It is a shame that this RE-75 has the grille cloth is ruined as it is a unique tapestry print that you cannot find reproduced today. It is a plus that is has the original leather bound albums even though they may be fragile, they are important to retain historically. If you would like to hear one of these you can listen to my videos:

https://www.facebook.com/1205061158/vid ... 3606128746

https://www.facebook.com/1205061158/vid ... 0737892616

Best,
Carlton

Hey Travis, if you get it, I have a pile of Electrola parts including a working radio and what was a working amplifier and speaker. You can have them. I was about 48hrs from pulling the tubes out and junking all the metal bits.

I reworked one of these a few years ago. Especially if you know how to solder, no big deal. I checked the main voltage divider resistances and replaced a few sections of it with resistors, and then I replaced the 5(?) or so paper capacitors with modern replacements. Chuck A did my pickup. It sounds great!

You've probably already seen these, but just in case you haven't ....

From Victor-Victrola page -- http://www.victor-victrola.com/RE-75.htm

RE-75 Schematics -- Victor Electrola/Radiola User's manual -- OrthoFan

OrthoFan wrote: Sun Dec 01, 2024 1:25 pm You've probably already seen these, but just in case you haven't ....

From Victor-Victrola page -- http://www.victor-victrola.com/RE-75.htm

RE-75 Schematics -- M0040365.pdf

Victor Electrola/Radiola User's manual -- VicRE_29_300dpi.pdf

OrthoFan

Thanks!

I'll try to buy it if the seller takes a low price for it. Charles I will send you a direct message. Thanks everyone.

Lowest he would take is $175. Would you guys buy it? I would like at least one electric Victrola in my collection and this one isn't too big so I'm leaning toward yes, but then again maybe it would be better the wait for anther example.

travisgreyfox wrote: Mon Dec 02, 2024 11:28 pm Lowest he would take is $175. Would you guys buy it? I would like at least one electric Victrola in my collection and this one isn't too big so I'm leaning toward yes, but then again maybe it would be better the wait for anther example.

Is it worth walking away from over $15? Serious question because some folks fail to look at things from that angle.

gramophone-georg wrote: Mon Dec 02, 2024 11:37 pm

travisgreyfox wrote: Mon Dec 02, 2024 11:28 pm Lowest he would take is $175. Would you guys buy it? I would like at least one electric Victrola in my collection and this one isn't too big so I'm leaning toward yes, but then again maybe it would be better the wait for anther example.

Is it worth walking away from over $15? Serious question because some folks fail to look at things from that angle.

No, but I wasn't totally in at $150 either I'm indecisive with my money because it will be my Christmas present from the wife so if I do not get this I can get something else with the money.