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My new VV 4-3
Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2025 11:07 am
by Woody
My wife and I bought this beautiful 1927 Consolette from Ron the Victrolaman several weeks ago and have been enjoying daily since then. It sounds fantastic!
As a side note, this is the second machine I’ve bought from Ron. (The other was a suitcase model, which I got as a gift for my brother.) He does really, really wonderful work, and looking through his inventory is pure joy.
As far as my own machines go, this is #2; the other is a VV-VI. My wife thinks two is plenty, but given that she’s enchanted by vintage radios and wants to get one later this year, I can’t complain.
Re: My new VV 4-3
Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2025 5:11 pm
by Phono-Phan
Those are great sounding models and Ron is a great asset to this hobby/obsession.
Re: My new VV 4-3
Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2025 6:23 pm
by CharliePhono
I have owned three of these little guys, each similar to the cabinet style of your machine. My first one had an electric motor, which I thought was unusual for a bottom-line Orthophonic. They indeed pack a sonic punch for their size. Enjoy!
( . . . and *two* machines is never enough
)
Re: My new VV 4-3
Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2025 8:40 pm
by MarkELynch
Hi Woody,
A beautiful find!
It will sound even better if you replace the after-market soundbox with a genuine Victor Orthophonic soundbox.
When you are ready for a radio, Victor offered number of combination machines that combined the radio and Victrola.
Enjoy!
Mark
Re: My new VV 4-3
Posted: Sun Oct 26, 2025 11:25 am
by OrthoFan
MarkELynch wrote: Sat Oct 25, 2025 8:40 pm
It will sound even better if you replace the after-market soundbox with a genuine Victor Orthophonic soundbox.
Mark
Totally agree. While lacking in bass, the Consolette has the mid-range and treble power of all of the larger Orthophonic models. An Orthophonic sound box, in good/restored condition, will greatly expand the sound quality.
OrthoFan
Re: My new VV 4-3
Posted: Sun Oct 26, 2025 1:14 pm
by Woody
Thanks, everyone!
I’ll be on the lookout for a good-condition Orthophonic soundbox. I’m actually not sure what kind of soundbox is in there now, though it *looks* like an Orthophonic-style replacement. It’s a half-inch (at least) larger than the Exhibition on my VV-VI, but I can’t see any identifiers. The front casting has a few musical notes on it but no name that I can see. Maybe built from scratch or aftermarket parts?
It does sound quite wonderful, I must say, and we listened to Ron play a couple consolettes before we picked one.