Edited:
Added some horn detail pictures and did some much needed editing. Sorry for the poor read folks. I just was in a hurry to jump on the bike yesterday and excited to share my latest adventure here.Thanks Tony! It has really progressed to my liken the last year or so! It does seem that one step forward causes some pause adding one step back.
Let me explain 🤔
I've been bitten by the Victrola bug. First with a purchase of a 1920 table model that was in shambles. Toiling with it gave a new appreciation of early american woodworking craftsmanship and horn design. Horns always attracted my interest as well as the calming effect of tooling wood ending with usually a beautiful eye pleasing product. Once the 1920 model was repaired, I ended up with a good understanding of Victrolas history and access to suppliers that had the necessary parts for the table models repair.
That led to my next purchase of a 1924 Consolette that was in a little better shape then the table model but still needed parts to get it working properly. The attraction for me was it had a orthophonic sound box with a larger horn which simply means a better frequency response of about 150 to 3000 hz! That is about it for frequency range of these old players.
The horns for the above mentioned models are basically a straight curved design that use the little knowledge known about horns back in the early 20s but showed improvement over time in the learning process.
The ultimate in Victrolas horn design before RCA bought the fledgling company in '29 was the Credenza with it's folded horn in a cabinet that when unfolded measured almost 7' in length and kept a true tapered form without sharp corners. The larger horn got the low end to just below 100hz but the high end also dropped because of cancellation created when higher frequencies traveled thru the lengthy horn. Just had to have one of these! The search began.
Interesting note is the lids on the other two Victrolas have a notice to close the lid while playing but the Credenza does not. I think it is related to the long horn and desire to get a higher frequency response by adding the little bit created from the needle, soundbox, and articulate upper horn by leaving the lid open.
Two candidates showed up in Facebook Marketplace. One was a eastern five hour drive away and the other a short western 30 minute commute. The closer one was in fair condition while the other was in good shape. I had a long chat with the guy who owned the nicer item but logistics was not in our favor. The person with the other one was not very communicative and my offer was ignored after limited messages. At this point, a decision was made to just be happy with the two in my possession even though logistics seem to become less of an issue with a new car purchase. The biggest new stumbling block was placement in our home. It became a real challenge. Even though I gave up on the purchase the feeling of incompletion lingers.
Like a stroke of lightning a message was received from marketplace by the person with the closer Credenza that stated a willingness to give it up for free. She said just come and pick it up! Blew my mind to instant mobilizing. The unit would fit in the new compact SUV. Gathering a few tools I left in a hours time. She opted for a porch pick up with no provided help. I wrongly thought that by removing the motor(electric)/platter assembly it could be placed in the back of the SUV by myself. The Consolette was manageable doing that. Well, when pulling up to the front of her house the Credenza was magnificently set at the top edge of 6 or so steps leading to the porch. It was an impressive sight and foretelling of the need for another set of hands to get it loaded. With a 4 way screwdriver, I disassembled it completely(except for the horn structure) while waiting for help to arrive.
While waiting, the lady came out and we had a good chat on the history of the Credenza that was her mothers. Indecision on her mothers part of letting it go caused the delay in response to me because it has been in the family since new. The daughter wanted to give it to someone that will take time for restoration and asked for a video when complete.
Oh, the misses claimed the Consolette for her space in the living room. There is a corner in the living room that sported a floor lamp and she pointed to that area and said "that Consolette will fit there." I was kind of shocked that she would want it in her proclaimed space but happy nonetheless. So it all worked out to fit at home. She is playing it now as I post this.
The Credenza at home in the Chariot. When recieved the motor did not work, the horn support bracket needed replaced(common on most Victrolas), air cylinders for the lid needed rebuilt, and it needed completely cleaned of coal dust. Three days of of work and $122.50 for parts and help got the Credenza up and running well.
Picture of where the sound is split at the end of the cast horn. This is where the horn wood craftsmanship begins. Constructed much like a barrel to form a exponential horn. The little thing hanging in the upper right might be a problem where the horn might have lost it's air tightness. Will have to take a closer look in the future.
Opposite view of the cast horn mouth from inside one of the split horn chambers.
View of the final split in one side before entering the final chamber as picture with the Credenza in the Chariot without a grill cloth.
Shot of the rear casting and one of the buckets of water full of coal dust after wiping cabinet interior surfaces.
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