The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Just got a Victrola VV-X Type J floor model c.1917. Very pleased to find out it works just great! You can view the pictures here:

http://pdx78s.cdbpdx.com/VVX/

I need to clean the spring canisters as the grease in them is causing the springs to 'clunk' as they unwind.

Got it from Craigslist. The fellow said it belonged to his parents. It was originally purchased in Minnesota (Bemidji) and moved out west with them during the depression. He recalls it sitting in his parents basement at least since 1950. This is the same fellow who sold me the Edison Amberola 50 last week.

In addition to the original Instruction Manual for this, there were record catalogs inside the cabinet -
Victor 1924 Black and Blue label series
Victor 1924 Red Seal label series

These include many cool pictures of significant artists and groups of the day, many I am familiar with, others I've never heard of.

Enjoy! Cliff

Congrats!

How does the X compare to the more common XI? Just curious.

Clay

I would be curious to know too. I was talking with someone about buying an XI when a VV- X F type fell in my lap.

It's much tinier than the VV-XI (floor model). You have to stand next to one to really appreciate the difference.

Actually, it's about the same size as my XI. Or did you mean "tinnier," as in "more tinny," rather than "tinier" (more tiny)?

The VV X is a little smaller (an inch or so different) and I don't think the lid locks on the later models. Other than that they're about the same.

In re: lid lock, could be. The photo in Baumbach (LFTD, p. 91) shows lock, the one in Edie's site doesn't. http://www.victor-victrola.com/X.htm

The mystery to me is why VTMCo would offer two such very similar models as the X and the XI at the same time! Doesn't strike me as very astute marketing (in fact, reminds me of the marketing ineptitude of Eastman Kodak throughout its history).

Anyhow, that's a very nice VV-X you have there, CDBPDX. The motor and gearing look very clean, the cabinet should clean up nicely, and it should sound great with a rebuilt Exhibition. Nice going!

My Type F doesn't have a lid lock....although someone thought that they would be clever and install a lock on the cabinet door. It did not come out nice at all. I may get an escutcheon to see if I can make it look better but most likely I will just try to get a new door.

Oh and yours is very nice CDBPDX. Much more together than mine.

MIne seems to play pretty well, although I'm going to have to regrease the spring canisters. You can watch and listen to it play here:

http://youtu.be/qa8a4NZjMKw

Enjoy!

(Yes, there is a winding segment at the beginning)