1917 Vitanola Phonograph! Record-ology!

[@Recordology]

In regards to that stamp on the motor - I took it out again and really spent some time trying to figure out what it said in bright daylight. Turns out it says "The Motor Of Quality - Made in USA" or something very similar. Some Google research lead me to learn about "Otto Heinemann and Company", offering "The Motor Of Quality" - check out more info here; forum.talkingmachine.info/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=15500

[@danielarick2105]

Otto Heinemann founded the OKeh record company in 1914 or about if you read more about him the name of his records are actually an acronym for his name Otto K E Heinemann check it out this is quite interesting

[@Lucius1958]

Yep: Heinemann was a great manufacturer of parts for the 'off-brand' market. Even Edison eventually took advantage of this: my 1929 P-1 'Needle Type' portable has a Heinemann 'Flyer' motor.

[@AlbertBenajam-ww1db]

Otto Heinman Co made the OKEH records, but was a major supplier across the industry as a OEM. Recording machines, playing tanks, presses etc. foranufa ters. For dealers, things like blank albums, record sleeves, record dusters etc. Also materials for records them themselves. Much like many manufacturers used Gerrard changers in 1945-1970 era. manufacturers

[@lesrogers7310]

What a fantastic piece of vintage equipment. Thank you for showing us around this.

[@Recordology]

Thank you so much! I appreciate that!

[@jeanettetolman-realtor4908]

This is absolutely gorgeous and what an amazing show!

[@NickP333]

What a beautiful piece of history. It’s pretty amazing how far this technology has come but also how relatively similar it still is too even 100 plus years later.

[@Recordology]

Very true!

[@Fardemark]

I got my 1927 HMV floor model phonograph from a consignment shop for $100 and it works perfectly. I installed an Orthaphonic reproducer because they have much more flexible diaphragms so you can play electrically recorded 78's on them. I have a video of it playing some records on my channel. One thing you will notice right away is the frequency range is much greater than your average Columbia or other brand at the time :)

[@Recordology]

Very cool....What is the diaphragm surface of the orthaphonic reproducer made of?

[@Fardemark]

It is two sections of aluminum suspended off of each other by thin strips of metal which allows the vibrations to be greater and more precise. Thus allowing the stylus to ride electrically recorded grooves with ease.here is an article if you would like to read more about the history of electric recordings and the beginnings of the orthaphonic technologywww.shellac.org/wams/wortho1.html

[@Recordology]

Interesting...

[@kennethpotts5056]

What a beauty ! I have a Edison Amberola cylinder from 1911 Everytime I play it I'm amazed at the sound and the technology used to make this I don't think we could make this today

[@Recordology]

Awesome!

[@rexoliver7780]

Amazing unit-in supurb shape!!!In those days-if you didn't have a phonograph-you would play a musical instrument yourself or the rest of the family would play-painos,guitars,pump organs,and such.Indeed record machines like this freed folks from having to play musical instruments themselves-esp if they could play an instrument-also player pianos were common back then.The wood horn in that machine is very similar to the mid range horn speakers seen today used by hi end audiophiles paying thousands of dollars for those.The Living Voice Palladium speaker system has such a horn!Driven by a diaphragm driver-speaker unit.And that is driven by a custom tube amp!So the wood horn still are with us today-just a lot more expensive-the wood horns take skill to make unlike the plastic and die cast metal lower priced horn speakers.Again Great machine and demo!!!!

[@Recordology]

Thank you so much! Also thanks for the info about the horns - very interesting!

[@luvmyrecords]

I doubt there were drawers. Shelves like these are common on old disc machines. Delux machines with storage, like the the later Victor Orthophonic, had storage areas for storage albums. Cylinders were stored in cases and drawers, but not discs. Regarding needles - they weren't blunt, they were sharp. Early acoustic discs were formulated with an abrasive to get the needle to conform to their grooves. Once used, the needle indeed is worn, and will act like a chisel on the next record you play if you don't change it.

[@danielarick2105]

The Victor Talking Machine Company, started the internal machine off in 1906, the next was Columbia later that year or the next. In the late twenties acoustic machines were phased out and became relics and stashed away in attics or other storage spaces, some have managed to survive with little damage and some with a lot and need extensive work. I got started in the 1970's with 78's and an interest in antique phonographs now I have five working machines, but will look for and at others maybe just maybe buy another if it is of interest and the price is right

[@olderendirt]

Beautiful piece of history. When you opened the cabinet and I saw that tiger oak I made a happy noise. Thanks for showing the mechanics of the unit, too. How can one tell if something is acoustically recorded or was everything prior to a certain year? Thanks!

[@ThePhonographStop]

Very nice phonograph! You have a Heineman motor which was installed onto a lot of off brand phonographs including my Pathe VII (and now I see your comment below lol). Very good motor! Also those Wall Kane needles can get multiple plays out of them. they are very good needles!!

[@Recordology]

Thank you so so much for your comment! I am blessed to have this!

[@fortressmax20]

Otto Heineman Phonograph Co. became General Industries and is the motor on my Plaza Pal 509. They kept making motors at least to the thirties and even made radios. Also I have the Pathe Vii and it is great.

[@kinescope-zr8lh]

I have three phonographs like this. Two of them are victrolas but one is an off brand by the Kimberley phonograph company. I noticed some similarities in them, which is because most off brand phonograph companies used parts ordered out of a catalog.

[@Recordology]

Exactly, and only made the furniture....

[@robbalboni4179]

hello mr. record-ology, this machine is truly beautiful and a piece of recorded history for sure! you are pretty lucky to own one in this good of condition and a wonderful machine when quality meant something. take care and thanks for sharing this, rob

[@Recordology]

Thank you

[@musclecarfan74]

My grandfather had one in great condition, that he never used. His uncle was a collector and had a whole house full of them when he passed away.

[@somesvede]

Electrically recorded records can be played on gramophones made pre 1925, though it wont sound as good. When you play an Edison record make sure to put a ball point needle on it so that the records dont get damaged. Love the video!

[@james-flynn1938]

What a great informative video sounded pretty good to me I it's always best to get in contact with someone who can service it like replace the grease and check out anything that could be wrong with it which in turn will make it last indefinitely for others to enjoy

[@Recordology]

Good info thank you! And thank you for your kind comments as well!

[@Ecksterphono]

Otto Heineman 2 spring " The Motor of Quality" in the center of that logo should be a series number either 38 or other number. Looks like a series 95. If thats the case. You can source parts easily. Heineman spring motors were good quality motors which later became Okeh. Okeh was also a record company. Amazing video. I have quite a few top quality offbrands with these motors. Brunswick made phonographs, pool tables and other furniture. Meisellbach was another good quality motor which you'll find in lots of Brunswick Phonographs. They used a bell style governor to absorb the governor imperfections or vibrations which could traveling through the motorboard and cause unnecessary vibrations through the tonearm and governor flutter noise through the horn along with the music. Fibre gears were used on governor endless gears to reduce noise as well, however they wore out quickly and if you use any oil or grease on them the gears will shear apart in short order. Such is the drawback of fibre gears.

[@karenburch1397]

My big brother just gifted to me a 1917 Vitanola Talking Machine. The style is a 10. Thank you sharing ❤

[@Recordology]

Wow congratulations!!!!!!

[@karenburch1397]

@@Recordology thank you.

[@yb7278]

I recently also bought some antique phonographs. Thankfully they all arrived in fantastic and original condition. Are you planning on buying more of these antique phonographs? This one looks amazing!

[@Recordology]

I think this will be the only one for me...but I sure do love it!

[@Recordology]

Awesome!

[@markwilliams4792]

I own a Victor talking machine from November 1916, it is a vvx1

[@danielarick2105]

Columbia records were made to be played at 80 rpm,a lot of people have played these at the wrong speed

[@jaysvintagerecordsandphono6184]

Daniel Arick Generally they spin at around 80 rpm but that is just a rough estimate because the speed at which they were recorded wasn’t very consistent but generally Columbia’s prior to 1926 spin from 77 to 81 rpm

[@jaysvintagerecordsandphono6184]

If you do have any Edison or pathe records, Don’t play them with the steel needles as they will be damaged. You need to use a sapphire ball stylus which you can usually find on eBay for around $50

[@jaysvintagerecordsandphono6184]

Here’s a link to one www.ebay.com/itm/Sapphire-ball-stylus-needle-78rpm-Pathe-vertical-hill-dale-new-old-stock/392310066635?hash=item5b57808dcb:g:oH0AAOSwv9FXg6zj

[@jaysvintagerecordsandphono6184]

And these sapphire ball styluses can be used forever because they don’t wear out

[@Recordology]

Thanks for the info.....

[@Lucius1958]

The sapphire ball stylus will not work on Edisons: those used a pointed diamond stylus.

[@annethompson1962]

How would I go about finding out how to get my grandmother's Vitanola looked at to see if it could be brought back to working condition?

[@Recordology]

There are a few people who service these - I myself am not that knowledgeable. Try a google search or ask some youtubers who specialize in the older stuff like this. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@Luna_Potato]

btw you can play electrical records past the 1920s on this old player, like 30s and 40s just need to get a more sensitive reproducer that was made back in the day. only issues is playing the 78s at the end of the 78 era like the mid 1950s where they started to make them out of softer material

[@dummheitstube]

The record is probably electrically recorded. Only records until the early 20s were acoustic records. The Columbia logo was different back then.

[@richardhudson3014]

What a beautiful classic record player it looks absolutely amazing and it is a marvaillous example of engineering and technology absolutely amazing rock on record-ology 🤘🤘🎸🎸

[@Recordology]

Thank you!

[@richardhudson3014]

@@Recordology you're very welcome 🤘🤘✋🎸🎸

[@AlbertBenajam-ww1db]

If memory serves, some Vitamilas were sold or fitted with extra large reproducers for use in theatres meeting rooms etc. ________________ One reason for many manufacturers was many served narrow markets as plain machines for institutions like schools, or very el3gant cabinets fo4 wealthy Others made lowemd phonos for mass market, of table models In the mid 20s were some that had space for radios and their batteries etc 0tjer outfitssdrachones for children, and other specialty markets.

[@AlbertBenajam-ww1db]

Manu off+,brand machines could play different tecord types Some like this could play both lateral & verticle steel needle records by moving soundbox position. These are called NEEDLE records . SAPPHIRE records so called made by PATHE,* and have wode shallow groove gor ball needle, these were vetocle vit bit not like NEEDLE records above, they slso have higher laying speed andant dtart at center not edge. Edison Diamond disks wereonly Edison, and not compatsble to anthing else apart bron a few Sonors and zBrunswickd. UNIVETDAL didks were mostly made by EMERSON and played well on his machinesd but would be playable, but poorlly on NEEDLE machines and in return nneedle teco 13:02 rds like Victors, and othet makes sort of playable on Emersons. * PATHE records marked as SCTULLE are otd8nstu 7í.😊 '

[@gregoryclemen1870]

the speed adjustment was put in to change the speed to 80 R,P,M., for playing "EDISON" recordings, they were not 78 R.P.M. recordings!!!!

[@luvmyrecords]

P.S. Congrats on your beautiful machine!

[@shelbyhubble9489]

I own the same one! I’d hate to part with mine, but I’m moving soon and am afraid it will be damaged. Any suggestions for selling prices or places to sell it to?

[@Recordology]

So hard to say! Mora than 150 less than 450 perhaps?

[@markmarkofkane8167]

I have an old Brunswick cabinet record player. Not nearly as in good condition as yours. It still works. You have to change the needle with each play. I have a few on my channel. (With a bunch of other silly stuff)

[@Recordology]

Cool! Have you tried fiber needles?

[@markmarkofkane8167]

@@Recordology not yet. If I can get them reasonably priced, I'll try the fiber needles.

[@pinkbloom99]

Awesome overview!

[@Recordology]

Thank you

[@Doggo_Norse]

0:51 that intro hurts

[@Recordology]

lol

[@jhonwask]

I have 9 Victors, 2 Edisons and a broken Panatrope I love them and all mechanical phonographs. BTW it is V-eye-ta-phone.. LOL.

[@Recordology]

Did I say V-eee-ta-phone?

[@jhonwask]

@@Recordology LOL yes.

[@Lucius1958]

I have 8 Edisons, 5 Columbias (including clients), 3 Victors, and a Talk-O-Phone, all dating between 1899 - 1929. I heartily agree with you.

[@waynemcheekii7689]

I have a Stanton DJ turntable with a short tonearm. Does anyone know how I can properly align the cartridge?

[@Recordology]

I have done a basic video on this - and have a more extensive one planned. Thank you for watching!

[@Ecksterphono]

Its an offbrand. Lots of potmetal components. Leave electrical cut records off that machine ( 1924 onward). Thing is if you can get a stylus for pathé your set. Edison records require a diamond stylus and play at 80rpm. Edison did have a few steel needlepoint records but they're as rare as hens teeth. Brunswick used oval pressed paper machê horns

[@leannmeixner8073]

It VITE-ta- nola ! Also, your cabinet I think was originally stained the reddish tone you see inside. I dont think any of them were raw oak color as is yours.

[@pikotaboada]

Beautiful machine

[@Recordology]

Thank you! I am very blessed to be its caretaker for now!

[@jimmyday9536]

Wonderful machine! But I think you got the name of the song wrong 😃

[@turtl777]

How about playing a modern record on it? Can you sharpen the needle ?

[@Recordology]

NO!!!!! That would NOT work.....

[@turtl777]

@@Recordology what could it harm? Maybe wreck some junk album...I'd try it..

[@stevefish3124]

Do nor play Edison Diamond Discs with a steel needle To play Pathe vertical cut records use the proper saphire stylus. Early Okeh, Aolean, and Paramount records were vertical and are played using the same needles as the lateral cut records.

[@rocketaroo]

lovely machine!

[@Recordology]

Thank you!

[@FSCforal]

I have a decca portable from 1920

[@Recordology]

Awesome!

[@FSCforal]

@@Recordology can I send you some bits from the uk ?

[@Recordology]

Sure! Thank you!

[@FSCforal]

@@Recordology pm me your address bro ill have a sort out Dan

[@eugenewest11]

Thanks for the info and video.. I need to contact you about my “ large” Vita Nola. I wil send you pics.

[@Recordology]

Please do!

[@muddysledge]

Great video and what a beautiful machine. My dad had a floor standing victrola that I loved. I just recently got an RCA Victor 78 speed player with am radio that still works but needs some love.

[@Recordology]

Excellent!

[@scottie777777]

I HAVE A VITANOLA MODEL 150. GREAT CONDITION. GOT IT ON CRAIGSLIST FOR 100 BUCKS.

[@neilmansfield8329]

madnificent

[@robertwilkinson5865]

Woah....

[@Recordology]

IKR

[@AlbertBenajam-ww1db]

If you slow down the parade of avertsments to quarter speed, you will find that the Vitanolo and some of the others maje the claim that they " PLAY ALL RECORDS" This means sonething, that they will play lateral records like VICTOR and COLUMBIA, and also veryicled like PATHE, EDISON, UNEVERSAL. The was a real valid claim as PATHE, machines would play Pathe, EDISON only Edison etc ,( Though Victor and Columbia were playable on each other. Companies thatade records, generaly made machines playing only th3re own, but firms like Vitamnola could play many brands as he showed. This factir helped many mahine makers like Vitamilo exißt. Though when Electr8cal recording came in the odd ßtyle disappered.

[@AlbertBenajam-ww1db]

Post 1925 ELECTRIC RECORDS can be played on machines like this IF a Electric-era, post 1925 reproducer put on. The reproducers will generaly bayonet on and will fit other prans. Identifilying/ Reproducers saying ORTHOPHNIV (Victor) or VIVI TONE ( Columbia) or Most pre102t flat diaphram made of glass, plastic, metal were FLAT. Post 1925 were shaped with patterns, Needle bar area where it meets center of diaphram, domed or pa5teref. Near out edge corregated. Or 99% made pf metal Or Usually shielded somewhat, wheas preqowt, not. Victor portable suitczsse wind ups were made into 40s. If the machine says RVA VICTOR its from ppost 1928. Give it a try, the improvement can be great.

[@frankolen4137]

Its roses pf picardy

[@solinus7131]

Vitanola sounds like a bootleg of Victrola in my opinion. Still a nice phonograph tho

[@AlbertBenajam-ww1db]

Most of these firms died Because of RADIO caused mid 1920s depression in phono bisness. ELECTRICAL RECORDING brought a new trchnology patent monopolized by otfis rstablished like Victor and radio manufacturers. Of course many pf yhe ones that lasted only s few months as phono skets were FURNATURE makers ___some of whom had made cabinets fir Bictor or Columbia ryc. Buf no rxpertise on machines. Also amy edtablised phonakers they sub-conttscyed for promptly dropped them as supplierd, not wanting their com0ititipn.

[@leannmeixner8073]

Grille cloth is not original either.