The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

A VV XII with what appears to be a matching cabinet. Seems like retail and
then some, but I am no expert on this model.


http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/atq/2482942502.html

that might be priced at retail times two (or more) actually. the stand is a generic disc cabinet, not the one made for the XII. and the XII's I've seen in varying states have ranged from 700 or 800 to 1100 or 1200 for a fuly restored, very nice example at a phono show.

While it would be nice to have, $3,200 seems over the top. I am thinking in this market maybe half that--or less. And as for it being "The first "inner horn" victrola made." Huh?

Clay

This machine reminds me of your other topic as to why people buy certain machines. Too me this one might be rare, but the first thing that strikes me is how poor the sound must be from that tiny horn opening, so what was the point?

Should be sitting on a side-loading cabinet with rounded corners to match the Victrola to be correct.

larryh wrote:This machine reminds me of your other topic as to why people buy certain machines. Too me this one might be rare, but the first thing that strikes me is how poor the sound must be from that tiny horn opening, so what was the point?

That's exactly what makes the XII appealing to me. It was a blatant attempt to market "style" over substance - - in this case, sound quality. True, the Victrola VTLA/XVI (whose sound was inferior to Victor's external-horn models)was selling well at $200, but that didn't mean the public would completely sacrifice performance for a cabinet with a lid. (And with no record storage.) The fact that Victor redesigned the XII's cabinet after 6 months on the market suggests the poor public reception it was receiving. But no amount of added gingerbread could disguise the fact that the XII cost $25 more than a Victor VI, but delivered less. Presumably, Victor learned there were limits to the public's liking for the Victrola. The XII became a lesson in the danger of hubris. I think it's an interesting machine just because of that!

By the way, my XII plays surprisingly well. No doubt I must have a tin ear, but it always surprises me.

George P.

Too expensive, but I really regret letting one of these get away at a local flea market about four years ago. I am continually amazed that style completely routed function and that the Victrola swept the open horn into the dust bin of history. A well tuned Exhibition soundbox or a Victrola No 2 with a Victor or Music Master wooden horn can outperform virtually any lateral machine made before 1925.

Jim

larryh wrote:This machine reminds me of your other topic as to why people buy certain machines. Too me this one might be rare, but the first thing that strikes me is how poor the sound must be from that tiny horn opening, so what was the point?

So true Larry.

I have the later VV XII with the fancy moldings on the cabinet. I prefer it to the early model. Despite the small opening, mine has a good volume. It was upgraded at one time. It has a gold improved concert reproducer, and an automatic stop. The improved concert, that I rebuilt myself, has really good volume. I agree with the other posters that the price is way out of line. I think 1K with the incorrect stand is more than fair. Brad, keep us posted if the machine sells or not. I'm really curious.
Harvey Kravitz

The stand is a fairly common one (a lower-end Herzog product) and is worth around $200.