WTB: Old Victrola in working condition [Archive]

madmax

06-07-2005, 10:39 PM

I'll pass on that one. From what I hear what I should be looking for is one with a big cabinent at the bottom, not a horn. Something like orthonic?? I really don't know much about them.

One thing I do know is that a few years ago there was one at an antique place. My first experience. The guy said "Would you like to hear it" after he saw me looking. In my mind I was thinking "why the hell would I care". Well, he put a record on it and I was imediately in a different place. After hearing a few songs I finally returned to reality. It is something you just have to experience to understand. I took a trip back to the '20's. And I enjoyed it a lot!!! I think something around $400 to $700 is reasonable for the right one. It really was an experience I would like to visit much more often! Thanks for looking for me!!!

madmax

RuSsMaN

06-07-2005, 10:50 PM

Orthophonic. You are looking for a tube powered mono version, vs the exponential horn that is connected DIRECTLY to the needle. Think about that, the output of record PASSIVELY amplified through a horn, cool. No hifi, but cool.

Something to spin those 78's you picked up today eh?

masanz1

06-07-2005, 10:51 PM

did a local craigslist search for one and here is what I turned up.

Victrola (http://portland.craigslist.org/cgi-bin/search?areaID=9&subAreaID=&type_search=1&query=Victrola&cat=sss)

some look nice. Maybe you can find one near you. I'll be more than happy to check out any of these

madmax

06-07-2005, 11:03 PM

Originally posted by RuSsMaN
Orthophonic. You are looking for a tube powered mono version, vs the exponential horn that is connected DIRECTLY to the needle. Think about that, the output of record PASSIVELY amplified through a horn, cool. No hifi, but cool.

Something to spin those 78's you picked up today eh?

I think I am wrong then. The one that really turned me on was wound up and had no electronics whatsoever. I think the Exponential horn within the cabinent is what I want.

Man, what an experience! I remember my mom telling me she was trying to get my attention and I just appeared to be totally out of it. I remember her asking "Are you OK?"

madmax

Skynut

06-07-2005, 11:11 PM

I know what you are saying, I got the phonograph my Grandparents listened to before electricity.
It is an Edison model 250 in excellent or pretty damn good condition and came with around 50 10" records.
I had to buy a new stylis but that was only $150.00 which is nothing to spend to listen to the music they used to listen to.
I drift away to a simpler time and imagine them dancing in the parlor. (thats what they used to call the front room the phono was in).

I say go for it, it is real cool listening to the old ass recordings with all the pops and crackles that go with them.

One night the power was out here for a couple of hours and I just kept cranking the handle and changing discs.
Way cool.
GO FOR IT.

madmax

06-07-2005, 11:22 PM

Yes,
A phonograph for my parlor is exactly what I'm looking for. :) Man, I still remember the feeling when I first heard one. I'm still beating myself for not picking it up at the time. If I get one I'll write a nice long review.

madmax

Skynut

06-07-2005, 11:34 PM

Originally posted by madmax
Yes,
A phonograph for my parlor is exactly what I'm looking for. :) Man, I still remember the feeling when I first heard one. I'm still beating myself for not picking it up at the time. If I get one I'll write a nice long review.

madmax

Look into it for a while before you buy. As with all equipment some are better than others.
Mine came with a stylis from a victrola and the needles were steel and had to be changed after every 2 or 3 plays.
You could actually see the wear on the needle.
The records I have require the Edison Stylis which is a diamond stylis and is designed to fit the grove in his records.
I only have 1 record that is not an Edison and I played it enough to go through 2 or 3 needles before I got the right reproducer and stylis.

Unfortunatley with my new wife comes 2 young kids and I do not want this thing damaged so I am going to park it at my moms house for a few years. I will not be able to enjoy it till they are grown and hopefully out of the house.

RuSsMaN

06-07-2005, 11:41 PM

You have a parlor?

Do you have a gift-wrapping room too?

F1nut

06-07-2005, 11:55 PM

Chuck you're really starting to worry me.

madmax

06-08-2005, 05:02 AM

Originally posted by F1nut
Chuck you're really starting to worry me.

I'm already wondering if you could use a separatly fed cabinent next to the original to develop an out of phase signal to create the SDA effect. Guess not. Not stereo... :D

No, I don't really have a parlor. I wish I did though. :)

Good comment on the research Skynut. I did some research a few years ago but was in the middle of trying to build up my 2 ch rig and didn't follow through. I do need to learn more. :mad:

madmax

Skynut

06-08-2005, 11:28 AM

Thanks

It is well worth it when you are done.

BrentMcGhee

06-08-2005, 11:36 AM

haha... man i have not thought about those things in along time.

I do happpen to have one though. It needs a new needle but other than that it is perfect condition. A few minor scratches on one side of the cabinet but hardly noticble. The legs could also use a good tightning too.

I could post some pics when i get home if you were interested.

Skynut

06-08-2005, 11:41 AM

I would like to see.
I will put some of mine up when my g/f comes out with her camera, before it goes to moms.:(

madmax

06-08-2005, 12:12 PM

I certainly would like to see pics!
madmax

madmax

06-09-2005, 07:16 PM

Originally posted by madmax
I certainly would like to see pics!
madmax

Yes I would!

madmax

Skynut

06-09-2005, 08:24 PM

I will try to get pics up in the next couple of weeks.
I am getting married on Sat and we will not be available for a week after but as soon as we get back I will use her camera and get pics right here.

warlocks1

06-09-2005, 08:32 PM

Chuck, I have a friend who buys and refinishes them. I don't know if he stills has some. I know he does a beautiful job. He is local in No VA. Let me know if you want me to talk to him. I do know that they aren't cheap.

madmax

06-09-2005, 10:39 PM

Yes, talk to him. I've been looking at one on ebay. I'll post the link. All fine things cost money, I realize that.
madmax

madmax

06-09-2005, 10:49 PM

This is the one I've been considering. I'm guessing $700 to $1200. Obviously I would like to get one as cheaply as possible. This one just pulls my strings because it is Tiger Oak. My favorite!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=38030&item=6538432997&rd=1

madmax

ND13

06-09-2005, 11:14 PM

MM,

I just read that link on the Tiger Oak Victrola you're interested in, and it will only play records produced before 1926. He says it will ruin newer ones. Just a heads up. It is magnificent, though.

madmax

06-09-2005, 11:31 PM

Originally posted by ND13
MM,

I just read that link on the Tiger Oak Victrola you're interested in, and it will only play records produced before 1926. He says it will ruin newer ones. Just a heads up. It is magnificent, though.

Thanks! The era I'm interested in is 1912 to 1926. Man, if only you get a chance to hear some of the early 20's music on one of these. I also like big band music but I'll stick to my lowly standard turntable for that. The 20's was a simpler time and although I'm not too knowledgeable about the material I have heard some of it and seriously, it will take you to another place and time. It is not true to life sound whatsoever. It is a true to life 20's sound though. Good heads up though!
Thanks,
madmax

BTW, As I told my boss at work about what I was looking at an engineer who sits across from him came walking up. Lets see if I can get this right. A friend of his who used to work with him, the friends dad, was the one who came up with the idea of going from the rolls to a flat disk. He is the one who sold Victor the rights to the flat disk. It was actually his friends dad who owned the dog which was used in the original ads. "The dog who hears his masters voice". Is that cool or what!!!

madmax

ND13

06-09-2005, 11:35 PM

Originally posted by madmax
Thanks! The era I'm interested in is 1912 to 1926. Man, if only you get a chance to hear some of the early 20's music on one of these. I also like big band music but I'll stick to my lowly standard turntable for that. The 20's was a simpler time and although I'm not too knowledgeable about the material I have heard some of it and seriously, it will take you to another place and time. It is not true to life sound whatsoever. It is a true to life 20's sound though. Good heads up though!
Thanks,
madmax

BTW, As I told my boss at work about what I was looking at an engineer who sits across from him came walking up. Lets see if I can get this right. A friend of his who used to work with him, the friends dad, was the one who came up with the idea of going from the rolls to a flat disk. He is the one who sold Victor the rights to the flat disk. It was actually his friends dad who owned the dog which was used in the original ads. "The dog who hears his masters voice". Is that cool or what!!!

Very cool!!

madmax

Let's try that again, Very cool!!

madmax

06-09-2005, 11:57 PM

In the past I've looked at a lot of these. Most are pretty pathetic looking and still run $400 to $700. If this one goes for less than twice that I will probably get it. I have little interest in trying to restore one myself. I'll leave that to the professionals. I saw one that is going cheaper but the drive to get is is aweful. I figure it has been years that I've wanted one so why not go for it.
madmax

ND13

06-09-2005, 11:59 PM

Treat yourself..

tryrrthg

06-10-2005, 08:18 AM

Originally posted by madmax
This is the one I've been considering. I'm guessing $700 to $1200. Obviously I would like to get one as cheaply as possible. This one just pulls my strings because it is Tiger Oak. My favorite!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=38030&item=6538432997&rd=1

madmax
Wow that thing is beautiful!!!

Is Tiger Oak just another name for quartersawn oak? Because I've never heard it called tiger oak before... I love that stuff!

BlueMDPicker

06-10-2005, 09:37 AM

Very informative auction ad. I had no idea regarding this!

"You need to replace the needle after EVERY PLAY, otherwise you will ruin the next record you play! That's why needles are usually provided in packets of 100. I highly recommend using BRY-O-PHONIC or PFANSTEIL nickel plated phonograph needles. You must only play records produced before 1926. These are easily identified because they do not have a lead-in groove. The majority of the popular records you will find have a red or black VICTOR (or VICTROLA) label on them, amongst others. If you try to play Bing Crosby, the Mills Brothers, or anything from the 30's or 40's, you will RUIN THEM. Those electrically recorded records are made of a soft material, and will ruin after ONE PLAY (you will also notice the surface of the record getting a dull color from the damage). "

SDA SRS 1.2

06-10-2005, 09:54 AM

Originally posted by madmax
Thanks! The era I'm interested in is 1912 to 1926. Man, if only you get a chance to hear some of the early 20's music on one of these. I also like big band music but I'll stick to my lowly standard turntable for that. The 20's was a simpler time and although I'm not too knowledgeable about the material I have heard some of it and seriously, it will take you to another place and time. It is not true to life sound whatsoever. It is a true to life 20's sound though. Good heads up though!
Thanks,
madmax

madmax

Good luck with your search madmax! I have a 1908 Edison Standard cylinder player with the 29" morning glory horn. There is nothing like listening to some of those old songs played through one of these machines. No SDA sweet spot for sure! :D I also enjoy modern recordings of these 1920's arrangements and they really do sound good on good equipment. Highly recommend the Pasadena Roof Orchestra as one of the best sounding current players of music of this era. :)

Robbie

http://www.pasadena.co.uk/

Skynut

06-10-2005, 11:51 AM

Until I can post my own pics, this one is the same as mine only mine is in a little better shape.

Edison 250 (http://pat.kagi.us/album17)

Skynut

06-10-2005, 11:54 AM

BTW you do need to do research before buying the player or the records.
Mine will only play Edison records with the Edison stylis and reproducer. I have a Victrola reproducer with the steel needles that I can put on if I ever get any other records. (Which I do not have.)

Polkersince85

06-13-2005, 07:43 PM

Hey MadMax, here's some 78 records if you want to claim dibs on them. 500 of them.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=306&item=6404905440&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

madmax

06-15-2005, 06:53 PM

Dammit. :mad:

Someone else won it...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=38030&item=6538432997&rd=1

madmax

ND13

06-15-2005, 07:04 PM

Max, I feel for you. And damn, it went for alot less than expected.
Someone got a steal. You'll get the next one.;)

warlocks1

06-15-2005, 07:19 PM

Chuck, I sent you a PM

tryrrthg

06-15-2005, 09:06 PM

madmax,

I was in this antique store over the weekend and there is a Victrola exactly like the one in the ebay auction. I couldn't find a price but they had another Victrola (different style) sitting right next to it for around $600. The one in Tiger Oak looked to be in good shape. but I don't know anything about them and I didn't ask about it. Give them a call and see what they say...

Morse Road Antique Center
1395 Morse Rd
Columbus, OH 43229-6435
614-263-2222
614-263-2225 Fax

you can see a shot of it in one of their photos in the photo gallery (I've attached it)

http://morseroadantiquecenter.homestead.com/index.html

madmax

06-16-2005, 11:56 AM

Thanks for the help guys!

Yea, less than expected... The problem was that once you add the shipping or driving cost it would have been totally out of range. Oh well, maybe next time.

madmax

jtgranby

07-01-2005, 10:05 PM

Madmax I sent you a pm.
JT

F1nut

07-01-2005, 11:34 PM

Chuck, there's a guy selling Victrola's at the Antique Centers of Savage Mill, near Laurel.

madmax

07-03-2005, 02:28 PM

Thanks guys!
I found one last week with Warlocks help. Not as nice as the one I was going for on ebay but still very nice. It is a mahogany of the same version. Decent condition and works great. I'm still not over the look of the Tiger Oak one though...

madmax

madmax

07-13-2005, 06:46 PM

Originally posted by Polkersince85
Hey MadMax, here's some 78 records if you want to claim dibs on them. 500 of them.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=306&item=6404905440&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

Thanks for the heads up. You know, 500 records is enough to completely fill up my front porch! They are now safely tucked away in my closet. ;)

madmax