The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I'm going to look at a Victor VE 8-12 and was wondering if the electric version changes the value when compared to the 4 spring model, assuming both are original and in good working order. I am not familiar with the electric machines so any input would be much appreciated!
Cheers!

Not really. It's a matter of personal preference. For machines that I listen to a lot, I'll take an electric motor any day. Plus, as my vision becomes less acute with age, I appreciate the electric light in the turntable compartment. Of course, they aren't much good during power outages!

I am not sue about value, I think they are about the same. I imagine the electric ones would be rarer, I do not see as many of them. I was told by Larry Donley that the Electrola was popular in the city, and naturally useless to country folks, and the electric ones are found in larger populations. When I worked at Donley's Wild West Town, I made a wiring harness for an Electrola XVII, I just happened to have a brand new spool of cloth covered wire, I remember I had to put a new motor in it, also the old one, was shorted, no fire works, just did not do anything the commutator was fried. I

lakesideglenn wrote:I'm going to look at a Victor VE 8-12 and was wondering if the electric version changes the value when compared to the 4 spring model, assuming both are original and in good working order. I am not familiar with the electric machines so any input would be much appreciated!
Cheers!

The induction motor in the orthophonics is nearly trouble-free although you sometimes have to tighten the coils to the poles to quiet the humming. Agreeing with John, if you play lots of records the electric is a blessing.
Just to blather some more, I understand that the universal motor (as used in the pre-ortho machines)was available for DC service. If the 8-12 has one of these I think it's a rare bird.

edisonphonoworks wrote:I am not sue about value, I think they are about the same. I imagine the electric ones would be rarer, I do not see as many of them. I was told by Larry Donley that the Electrola was popular in the city, and naturally useless to country folks, and the electric ones are found in larger populations. When I worked at Donley's Wild West Town, I made a wiring harness for an Electrola XVII, I just happened to have a brand new spool of cloth covered wire, I remember I had to put a new motor in it, also the old one, was shorted, no fire works, just did not do anything the commutator was fried. I

It could also be that the electric machines, being more complicated, developed problems over the years that caused them to be junked at a higher rate than still functioning spring units.

"Who wants to fix this old thing? Let's just get it out of here, I'm a goin' to the dump today, Ma."

The Victor Victrola site also cites 22,000 of the spring driven vs. 5,500 of electric of the 8-12 that were produced.

I have an electric 8-12 and I love it, fwiw. I just wanted to add that my 8-12 does not have the turntable light like some electric models have.