The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

A local antique store is selling a Victor #50, and I may be able to talk the seller down to what I consider a reasonable price. I'd like advice on a couple of topics.

1) What is a reasonable price for an oak #50 with the crank on the side rather than the front? The cabinet, nickel plating, and turntable felt are all in very good condition, and the motor runs smoothly.

2) The needle appears to meet the record at a slight tilt. When standing in front of the machine so the the soundbox is perpendicular to the viewer, the needle seems to have a slight tilt towards the right. What could be the cause of this? I've already pulled off the soundbox and put it back on, and it made no difference.

1. how much is he asking? I've always felt that a fair price to pay for those machines (50's), oak or mahogany (but a little more for the former), in unrestored but clean condition would be up to 175 or 200 (of course, the bargain hunters will probably only advise spending up to half that). I just sold a pretty pristine, fully restored one in mahogany for 250.

2. is the whole reproducer slanted to the right or just the needle? if the latter, then the reproducer, specifically the needlebar, probably just needs to be adjusted - should be fine after it's properly rebuilt.

No idea what a good price is, but I have to say that my 50 has been wonderful to have. Those machines were very well made, perform well (maybe use soft needles indoors!) and mine has seen more use than almost any other machine I own (of 7, and counting... ). Don't let it get away!

Thanks for the input. The seller's asking $265, which I thought was pretty far out of line, and was thinking of offering $175, so it's nice to know that my guess was reasonable.

This store is in a neigboring city. I'll drop by later next week and let you all know how it goes.

Well, someone listed on one eBay today, asking $2,800 - does that help?

Nat wrote:Well, someone listed on one eBay today, asking $2,800 - does that help?

again? I know that particular auction (relisted again and again and again) has been discussed before, but I just can't understand the logic behind it - or at least what's motivating the seller.

Nat wrote:Well, someone listed on one eBay today, asking $2,800 - does that help?

As others have mentioned, 50s are nice little machines. I would consider $200 for one in decent condition well bought.

I have a 50 in excellent condition. While I had never paid any attention to it before, the reproducer does set at a slight angle to the surface of the turntable when viewed head on from the front of the machine in playing position. That may well be normal for this model. It has no adverse effect at all that I can tell.

Clay

P.S. After posting this message originally, the light bulb in the noggin went off. The angle I spoke of was looking at it with the reproducer just resting on the felt with no needle or record. Put on a record and insert a needle and voila! Perpendicular.

Thanks for the input FloridaClay, but the needle was resting on a record when I looked at it.

Ah, then I would want to be looking to see that nothing is bent. While I haven't played with it to be sure, looks like there may also be an angle adjustment screw on the No. 2.

Clay