New phonograph toy from Ohio

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travis

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Jun 29, 2007
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The other week I went to Cleveland to pick up this Victor Orthophonic electrola. I had mentioned to a friend that I wanted something like this.

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I then realized that this wasn't any ordinary Victor. It has an acoustic reproducer and an electric one. Since I also collect radio and tv stuff, this seemed like something I needed.

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I am still learning more about it and who to send parts to for repair. The wiring is pretty crunchy so I have just polished it.

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Oh yeah, Travis, that is a beautiful phonograph. It's the one I always wanted, although I wanted a crank version, which was originally called the "Credenza" model. I never found one of them before I decided to sell off all of my 78's along with my model VV-XVI L-door Victrola a couple of years ago.

Once you find out what needs fixing, let me know. I have a friend in this area who does repairs, but probably not on the electronic parts. He could certainly fix the acoustic reproducer if that's required. You may want to check the Antique Radios web site forums for people in your area who can fix the electronic components.

The Orthophonics were supposedly a revolutionary system, and I believe they were rolled out around 1927 at the same time Victor implemented their Orthophonic label records, which were electronically recorded via microphone rather than acoustically into a horn. I love the sound quality of the early Orthophonic recordings, which provide the effect of a large dance hall. Supposedly the "logrithmic" horn design of the Orthophonic phonographs provided the optimum reproduction quality for Victor's Orthophonic recordings. At least that was the hype back in the day.

Enjoy it!

Ralph
 
What a beautiful machine! The cabinet looks perfect! This must have been top-of-the-line and state-of-the-art for its day. You have an incredible piece of history there...hope you enjoy many hours of wonderful recordings!
 
Thanks for the compliments. It's not working yet. I'll send the tone arm off to be rebuilt very soon. In the meantime, I need to replace the wiring to the motor and oil it. I am confident the motor will run fine.

The last issue will be to rebuild the amplifier and make sure the cartridge for that is good. This was a high end model. This came with the instruction/sales brochure. List cost was $650 in 1928.
 
Wow, check out those old tubes! Especially that mogul-base one on the right (rectifier?). I'd be curious as to whether they have any numbers or markings on them.
 
That is one true beauty you have there!!! WOW!

I have always wanted a real phonograph after spending hours of enjoyment with my great uncles Edison C-250 Disk phonograph. Oh I loved that thing!

Have yet to find a good affordable one. There was a Victrola for $40 here on craigslist (the cabinet style) but didn't work. Thats the cheapest I have ever seen.

This is what my uncles looked like. Almost exactly the same.

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A beautiful machine you found there! I love that early electric sound and the music from that time. Seeing your machine inspires me to get my grandparents 1929 Electrola restored. Right now I just have her tucked in a closet, but when I got it from my grandmother in 1968, it still played just fine and do so up until around 1976.
 
I too would like an Orthophonic Victrola. That's a beautiful machine.

From what I've read, and the studies seem to be thorough, the big folded exponential horn reproduced lower to mid range tones much better than the typical acoustic reproducer. The catch was that the higher end on the Orthophonics supposedly suffered in comparison. I've seen the graphs and they appear to bear out this analysis.

The reason, apparently, is that while the Orthophonic reproducer was duplicating the highs at the needle end, mostly, the bends in the horn were causing the highs to bounce around internally in the horn and get damped in the process before they could escape into the room. I suppose a similar effect would occur if one were to wire up an electronic amplifier to just a big 12" woofer. The highs would be somewhat lost in the process.

It apparently was also a drawback of the electronic "Klipshorn" loudspeakers of the post-war era. These apparently also featured long folded horns that were great for the bass but not so good for the treble.
 
i have that same machine - Model VE 8-60 E

Mine is serial #656 - what is yours? Up until a few weeks ago, it was working perfectly. I think (and hope) a tube blew out and haven't had a chance to check it. It is a nice machine since you can either play it accoustically or electrically (my partner prefers it accoustically) Do you have the black metal cover for the amp and the "stack" that goes over the ballast (large tube at the right of the amp). If not, you will want to find one as that tube gets VERY hot during normal operation. Also, be very careful with the "goose neck" mounting for the electric pick up. -They are made of pot metal and can be quite fragile and often are broken and/or missing on these machines.

I have a copy of the owner's manual I can scan and send to you if you like. Just let me know.

Congratualtions on your new find. I think the Credenza models (there were both 2 and 4 door configurations) are among the most beautiful Orthoponics.

Will post a few photos in a bit.
 
well the 8-60 is not working... but the VE 10-70 E is

Travis, you inspired me to get off my butt and play some records and take some photos. These are of the Automatic Electrola model Ten-Seventy. Introduced in October of 1927, it featured the new Victor automatic record changing mechanism along with electric reproduction of sound and a 6 inch cone speaker. It retailed for $1,100.

This machine was a basket case when I got it - needed some cabinet repairs, but not a full refinish and the changer and electronics needed to be completly gone over. It was a long process, but it was worth it. It's one of my favoite machines to sit and listen to.

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