New Guy with Victrola VV-VIII

[Shutupuface]

Greetings!
I recently purchased a Victrola VV-VIII (S/N 69632F)
Since I know very little about this machine, I was wondering if you might be able to share your wealth of knowledge with this "New (old) Guy"?
The unit cranks and plays. (But sound us barely audible). HOWEVER, the reproducer is loose and appears to be "warped" where it connects to the tone arm itself. (Please see photos) The (2) screws holding the reproducer onto the tone arm are tight. However, there is a gap between the reproducer and the tone arm. ANY help would be GREATLY appreciated!
Best regards,
Rob

[JohnM]

The reproducer should be rebuilt with new rubber gaskets installed, then tuned. The hardened rubber piece on the back of the reproducer is called an isolator. It makes an airtight seal between the reproducer and arm and provides vibration absorption to prevent overtones. Both gasket material and the isolator are available from www.thephonographshop.com. Send them your old isolator as the brass ring inside of it will be recycled.

[OrthoFan]

As John stated, the reproducer (or "sound box") definitely needs an overhaul, which isn't too difficult if you have steady hands, and the right size screwdrivers.

You can do it yourself, following these instructions -- https://www.nipperhead.com/old/reproducers.htm

Here's some basic information about your model, including when it was built -- http://www.victor-victrola.com/VIII.htm

[EdiBrunsVic]

If you do not want to repair it yourself, contact Wyatt Markus, also known as MicaMonster. There are others who can help and checking the Links Section of the forum may be helpful. Wyatt repaired one of my reproducers and does very good work.
Don

[JerryVan]

Rob,

Welcome!

You've been given some great advice here. I'll just add this, do NOT play the record with the reproducer positioned as you've shown. The needle/reproducer needs to be positioned to the right side of the record. I realize you may just have pictured it that way, but just in case...

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[52089]

Also, FYI, steel needles are meant to be used once and then discarded. Needles are available from many sources.

You can buy a rebuilt Exhibition at very reasonable cost (including a free pack of needles) here:
viewtopic.php?t=60071

[phonogfp]

Rob,

Welcome!

I don't know why so few recommend the free articles on the APS website, but here's one that you may find particularly helpful:

https://www.antiquephono.org/#/collectiondetails/16

You're in for a treat when you hear your VV-VIII playing after a sound box rebuild!

Have fun - -

George P.

[JerryVan]

Also, FYI, steel needles are meant to be used once and then discarded. Needles are available from many sources.

You can buy a rebuilt Exhibition at very reasonable cost (including a free pack of needles) here:
viewtopic.php?t=60071

He's correct. This is really a great price!

[Jerry B.]

I've always enjoyed the Victrola VIII. It was the smallest and least expensive Victrola that had a lid. It may have been one of the price leaders but it was a quality machine. Plus that model was made only in oak which, in good shape, is always attractive. Congratulations! (Personal Message sent)

Jerry B. (Oregon)

[OrthoFan]

Hi Rob:

Log in to review your private messages. I sent you one in response to the one you sent me, two days ago, but it's still in my outbox which indicates that you haven't read it.

OrthoFan