Victrola at 100

[TC Chris]

I'll post a link to a short video and a still photo of a pretty mahogany table-top Victrola. That's me, playing the Okeh Laughing Record. The Victrola is about 100 years old, +/-; haven't checked sources to pin down the date. But it's a nice mahogany piece, and still making sound after a hundred years or so have passed. As most of us know, that cannot necessarily be said about equipment that is half its age or less. My Mom picked it up for 10 or 20 bucks at a house sale about 40 years ago, knowing my interest in audio and mechanical devices. She could not resist a bargain, which is why the closing of the house is such an extended process.

You can hear the whole laughing record online. Now let's see if this link works for you.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/zqMdRiPVgCLhGG4a9

Chris Campbell

[electra225]

Chris, do you believe there would be interest in an accoustic phono board if we were to expand the Record Player board? There has been discussion about that within the moderators team.

[TC Chris]

I've got 5 acoustics--Edison cyclinder & disc; the Victrola; a Sonora console; a portable of some variety. How about others?

Chris Campbell

[Ken Doyle]

I have a lowly Victrola IX circa 1915. It's not worth anything, but I enjoy it.

[William]

I have an ancient Victor tabletop that you can't adjust the volume on because there are no doors or anything. I rarely play it because it just sounds tinny, scratchy, and loud so enjoyment is just not there. I have friends that have very high-end units that actually have some bass to them, and you can control the volume. Those I do not mind.

Bill

[Ken Doyle]

sounds tinny, scratchy, and loud

Bill

Did you replace the rubber gaskets in the reproducer? They need to be soft. I also recommend 'soft tone' needles, and records from 1925 and earlier.

[William]

I have never touched anything, Ken, and I'm not sure I'm brave enough to tackle it. I do change the needles but with ones like what came with it so I'm probably using the wrong ones. Any suggestions on where I could find the parts you are recommending? I know nothing about these machines. On the reproducer it says Victor Talking Machine Co., Camden NJ, Exhibition. On the bottom is a tag that has a bunch of patient numbers but also a date of April 1925.

Bill

[Ken Doyle]

The Exhibition reproducer isn't that hard to do. It also may need a new black rubber back flange if it fits loose on the tonearm.

See: http://www.antiquephono.com/victor.htm

and roll down to "EXHIBITION MICA DIAPHRAGM KIT $14.95"

If you need the flange, that's further down on the same page for $13.95

They also sell needles. Again, I like the "soft tone" needles.


I can't run Youtube here at work on this old computer, but I'm sure there are plenty of videos there on rebuilding a Victor Exhibition reproducer. The main advice I can give is to make sure to use the right size screwdriver(s).

[William]

Thanks, Ken, I will check out your link and do some watching on Youtube.

Bill