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Restoration Services  "Quality over Quantity"

My father was an accomplished woodworking craftsman, and I learned the techniques of restoration and refinishing during my childhood. I have been independently 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 and museums, 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 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 12 to 18 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:

All finish sanding and polishing work is done strictly by hand (no power equipment). I 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. 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 basket case Victrolas back to "like-new" condition.

Restorations are available in "museum" grade, bringing the machine back to "as new" show condition, or "home" grade, resulting in a very presentable result at a greatly reduced cost.

Museum grade restoration (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.

Have a look at the current restoration projects in my shop. Go to the Victor-Victrola FACEBOOK page by clicking here

       

                            Before and after. An early Victor D in oak.

My prices are slightly higher than some 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:

Restore or Refurbish? Many 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 considerably less cost than a total restoration. Of course, when a machine has been exposed to water or the elements, 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 personal reasons. In any case, it is always wise to make sure that the restoration is done correctly to maintain value and to assure historical accuracy.

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 Restoration Ad. 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 12 to 18 month waiting period for most restorations.

Contact me at the email address below for additional details, or to request a quote.

victor-victrola@comcast.net