Phonoland

I just bought a Victrola VV-XI with a No.2 reproducer. It originaly came with an Exhibition reproducer. Should I rebuild the No.2 or go buy an Exhibition reproducer to make it back original ?

According to the Victor Data Book (Robert Baumbach), the VV-XI's Exhibition sound box was phased out in favor of the #2 sound box in 1919, which would correspond with serial number range 498000-620000 (SEE GRID ON THIS PAGE -- http://www.victor-victrola.com/XI.htm )

I'd say, if your machine was manufactured from about 1918 onward, the #2 sound box would be correct, since Victor dealers often upgraded sound boxes of the yet to be sold floor models, and many remained in stock for several years, depending on the location.

Along this line, since the #2 was sold to customers directly as an upgrade, it would also be considered correct for any type of of (pre-Orthophonic) Victrola.

So, even if this is an earlier model XI, the #2 sound box would not be incorrect. Since this is a relatively low end model***, I wouldn't make the investment in a replacement Exhibition sound box. The #2, if properly restored, will give you a louder, and fuller tone, anyway.

***This assumes the upright cabinet model. If this is one of the relatively rare, very early table model versions, then I'd try to hunt down an Exhibition sound box, using the #2 as a swap/trade-in or a back-up.

It is 213444. That places it about 1916. Before the No.2 I've already looked it up on that website. I knew that it was an upgrade.

fwdstuck wrote:It is 213444. That places it about 1916. Before the No.2 I've already looked it up on that website. I knew that it was an upgrade.

If the Victrola is in good condition--nice original finish, etc., and it's important to you to make it as authentic as possible--as it was when it left the factory--then it would probably be worth hunting down an Exhibition sound box.

In terms of sound quality, most collectors I've known have preferred the expanded sound of a (restored) #2 sound box over that of the Exhibition. Personally, I like the Exhibition, which is not as loud, and perhaps less incisive, but more mellow, and easier on my (50-something) ears, especially when medium or loud tone needles are used.

I think that I will go ahead and rebuild the No. 2 and keep it.

fwdstuck,

As Joe_DS says one is better off keeping a good machine as original as possible. We should all bear in mind that the №2 we find on an older machine might have been there since the Sound-Box was new. I'm sure quite few folks ran out to get the latest up-grade then, just as today. Rebuild the №2 as you say, but keep an eye out for a cheap Exhibition, there are plenty floating around, if you're patient, you'll find one nice and cheap eventually . I find I much prefer the Exhibition with many late teens and early twenties Victors especially Red Seals, blue and gold Columbias and many acoustic Brunnies. Both reproducers have their uses. I might also recommend keeping an eye out for a rarer №4, and HMV might be easier to find and a safer bet as most of them are brass and the Victor ones (all IIRC) are potmetal. The №4 is superb for early electrics.

Regards,
J.