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The Victor-Victrola Page
Restoration Services
I have
been restoring antique radios and phonographs since 1972. For the past 12
years, my restoration work has exclusively been devoted to Victor and
Victrola products. Consequently, a thorough understanding of the materials,
components and construction of Victor products has become my specialty. I have
restored phonographs for a number of well-known collectors as well as for
families who simply wanted to bring grandmother's Victrola back into working
condition. I can provide a number of references and many photographs on request.
I am an acoustical engineer by profession, and phonograph restoration is not my primary occupation or source of income. Consequently, my restoration business is not run as an "assembly line", and I am able to spend the time and effort to assure that the restoration is done correctly with proper attention to details. There are many antique furniture restoration services available to consumers; some are quite professional and provide high-quality work. There are many others whose "time clock" mentality and lack of experience in using the correct parts, fillers, stains, etc. for a specific product can result in an incorrect and very unsatisfactory restoration. I've seen many examples of a "professional" restoration with visible drips and runs, incorrect color, failure to use proper grain fillers, etc. In addition, if the commercial service is not highly familiar with the correct original Victor factory assembly and finishing processes, they may not understand the proper materials and techniques needed to assure a proper restoration. I am not in competition with full-time restoration companies, as only a few major restoration jobs are accepted each year, and each one is given a great deal of attention to authenticity and accuracy. There is typically a 9 to 15 month waiting period for restorations.
My services range from a simple refurbishment (clean-up, lubrication, minor mechanical repairs, and smoothing out the original finish) to a complete ground-up restoration.
My small shop is dedicated ONLY to Victor and Victrola restoration. Equipment includes the following:
Lex-Aire HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) Spray System
JDS Air
Filtration/Dust Removal System
Ryobi sanding equipment
Complete line of Behlen finishing products
Well stocked inventory of parts and veneers
All finishing/polishing work is done strictly by hand (no power equipment). I only use Behlen Brothers finishing products, which are twice as expensive as the usual "hardware store" stains, varnishes and lacquers, but these products match the original Victor finish material characteristics very closely. Stains, fillers, waxes, etc. are usually custom blended to match the original colors as closely as possible. Parts are properly re-plated, major mechanical repairs are sent to a qualified machine shop, and new veneers (when required) are applied using a vacuum press system. Replacement doors, lids, etc. are readily available for virtually all models when needed. A variety of veneers are available to me locally to provide excellent grain and color matching. I have brought many "total basket case" Victrolas back to "like-new" condition. I NEVER use "home-grade" restoration materials such as polyurethane, gel-stains, etc.
Just Finished (right). A Victrola VV-XVIII, formerly belonging to an official of the Canadian Government, and restored for a museum. This machine had been stored in a barn for a while, had been exposed to water at the base, and required extensive re-veneering and carving/detail repair. This museum quality restoration required 210 hours of work and approximately $2000 worth of materials to bring it back to new. Worth it in this case, since it has significant historical value.
Before and after.
A rare Victor V in mahogany. Yes, it is the same phonograph. (Horn not shown)
My prices are higher than many commercial services, but the end-results will never disappoint, and your restoration will be as authentic as possible. Exact cost will depend on the following factors:
Initial condition of phonograph (water damaged, bubbled veneer, gouged, broken legs, etc.)
Model
and size
Extent of restoration desired (museum quality, home quality, minor refurbishment, etc.)
Restore or Refurbish? Most commercial services will recommend a ground-up, expensive restoration to clients. As a Victor/Victrola historian, collector and researcher, I would much prefer to see these old phonographs maintained in an original state, if at all possible. In many cases, a proper refurbishment will bring your phonograph's appearance back to an acceptable condition without requiring that the original finish be stripped...and at much less cost than a total restoration. Of course, when a machine has been exposed to water or the environment, a complete restoration is the only choice. However, many Victors and Victrolas are good candidates for refurbishment, and I will be happy to recommend the best course of action for your phonograph.
As a
rough
idea, most refurbishments (clean-up, lubrication, minor mechanical repairs, and
smoothing out/polishing the original finish)
begin at $200.00
for small single spring tabletop models, and can exceed $1000.00 for large floor
models, depending on condition and extent of required work. Ground up
restorations begin at $350.00 for small tabletop models, and can run into many thousands of dollars depending on
model and extent of restoration. For details of what work is typically performed
in a restoration, please see the
"Restoration" page. Please be aware that the restoration cost for
common Victrolas can easily exceed the current market value. For rare machines,
a proper restoration can be a great investment. Many clients
choose to have a common phonograph restored for sentimental or other personal reasons.
A preliminary price estimate can be made via email, providing sufficient details and complete photographs are provided.
Phonograph shipment and delivery to and from my shop (in Southeast Michigan) is the responsibility of the client. Complete photographs will be taken upon receipt and prior to shipment to document condition. I will wrap each completed phonograph in plastic and layers of protective furniture blankets. However, I am not responsible for damage due to shipping.
The $400 Advertised Restoration. Is it for real?? Click here to find out.
Please note that I do NOT sell parts. Please see the Parts Suppliers Section for sources of Victor parts
There is typically a 9 to 15 month waiting period for most restorations.
Contact me at the email address below for additional details, or to request a quote.