Playing the VV-35 for Three Tune Tuesday
A couple of weeks ago we picked up this VV-35 phonograph at an auction. The VV-35 line of "portable" phonographs were manufactured by the Victor Talking Machine Company from 1924-1926. It was portable in the sense that it folds up like a suitcase and can be carried about. There is even room inside to hold a few records. It's really an impressive little machine!
This was one of the final "non-orthophonic" phonographs that Victor produced. Orthophonic phonographs began production in 1925 and 1926 and coincided with the advent of electric volume amplification and recording. They had more bass and a far more "full" sound. My love, however, is with the old "acoustic" phonographs and records, and this particular machine is one that fits nicely into my collection. I thought it would be nice to feature it in today's TTT now that it is all cleaned up.
First up today is a Sousa march entitled Thunderer. Played by the Manhattan Military Band in 1920, it was recorded on the Cameo label. Sousa was very prolific, and marching and military anthems were right in his wheel house. I wish I was thinking of this song when the most recent Thor movie was released.
Thunderer
Following up Thunderer I thought it would be nice to play something on the opposite end of the spectrum. Minuet in G here is played by Ignace Paderewski on the Victrola Red label from 1917. It is a Pianoforte piece. The Victrola Red label was Victor's "high end" label which produced classical pieces and high-end performers who commanded a price.
Minuet in G
Finally we have a fun fox-trot piece. Cock-a-Doodle-Doo, on the Regal label. Listen for the sounds!
Cock-a-Doodle-Doo
(c) All images and photographs, unless otherwise specified, are created and owned by me.
(c) Victor Wiebe
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This are some beautiful and classic tunes and that little white noise behind remind me of my dad's gramophone back in the days. Music tools has evolved but the music remains the same.
Thank you! I love these old songs; it's like listening to ghosts come back from the past. The static definitely adds some character, too. Thanks for stopping by!
Music is high-grade vibration that touches the soul, but if it's played on a gramophone in your own home, you're kissing the history of analog audio in contrast to the digital age.
That makes it magical and addictive. Every time I see my gramophone in my living room, even without using it, it fills me with pleasure.
Greetings from Cuba @abrunet
Happy days picking up this VV-35 phonograph, I'd say if it could talk, it could tell some stories!!! A great trio of tunes as always my friend.
Thanks so much! Yeah, I love this VV-35. It cleaned up really nice and sounds great. One of these days I'm going to take it to a park with a bottle of wine.
Oh man, you should definitely do that, I reckon you would make some people's day hearing it
Yes, I must do this. I know just the place for it, too. I'll take pictures when I finally get to it!
Ya it would make for a really cool post, will you tag me if you do get to it, cheers.