The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

After many years of watching auctions for a nice player my wife and I finally acquired our first Victrola! We were fortunate enough to win this nice VE-XVIII with all the bits-n-bobs you see in the photos. She is in beautiful cosmetic condition but unfortunately it seems her power supply and motor need attention. Just getting into it but not getting 32 volts at the switch plug (around 16v) so I am assuming one or more of the resistors are bad. Still need to test each resistor. The lamp is working so I assume the 1100ohm "lamp resistor" is OK. Also, it appears the motor bell-housing is gone, which I would like to replace. When I attempt to apply 32v to the motor with a variac, it won't load (my cheapo variac will only supply voltage when a load is present). My output to the motor sometimes displays around 10v and I have detected current when I touch the power toggle on the side of the turntable (signs of shorting?). So, questions for the forum.
1-Does anyone know of a source for replacement resistors for this player?
2-At this point I am guessing this motor needs to be serviced or replaced? Any suggestions from someone with experience?
Thanks in advance for your comments and advice. We can't wait to start enjoying this player!

Wow! What a machine for your first one! Congratulations!

I agree with Garret, you picked a dandy first Victrola. I doubt if the motor needs replacement but I'll leave that to the experts. Congratulations!

Jerry B.

There are several wiring options for the resistor pack, depending upon what voltage is being supplied. If you have a look in the back, there should be an instruction sheet indicating what connections are needed for a given supply voltage. If none of that works, you can do what some have done, and what I did for a while. I used a Variac, which is a variable transformer that allows you to dial in the exact voltage you need. It worked great for me until I could locate a resistor pack and wiring harness. Whatever the case, NEVER leave it plugged in while not in use. There is no particular known danger with these, other than their having a 110 year old electrical system.

I'll also add that this a really nice example!! Don't do anything to the finish besides keeping it clean.

JerryVan-Thanks for your post and advice. So, regarding the wiring label...it is aged to the point where it is not readily legible. I took a photo of the label, enlarged and enhanced it...managed to read it well enough to feel it is properly wired. Also, considering it was sold new at a shop here in Louisville, which is where we acquired it last week, I assume it was and still is wired for 110volts (barring, of course, a shoddy repair attempt). Here is a photo of the resistor pack and the current wiring configuration:

Thanks also for your suggestion regarding the variac. Our goal here is to use the player so I am thinking I would like a modern voltage supply system for daily driving (I assume that resistor pack might get a little hot). Out of respect for the machine, I would also like to restore the original electrical system as well.

Very nice photos. I always wondered what Victor's cabinet factory chose to do with the winding key escutcheon molding on this model. Kinda neat how they gave it a little carving instead of leaving it blank