Hello Jim, Chuck Azzalina. A man contacted me about a new diamond for his C-2 so I had him send me the reproducer. I found that the regular DD diamond assembly would not fit so I had Bruce diamond make a diamond assembly that would fit and Chuck is currently testing them out for me. If he is happy he will do the install.
While communicating with Chuck I called and discussed his repair of early sound systems, he is like me in that he does outstanding work. This was evident when I took the cover off the C-2 reproducer and was able to see his work. That was what made me contact him. Steve From: phono-l@oldcrank.org Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Columbia Viva-Tonal model 710 To: phono-l@oldcrank.org Date: Sat, 8 Aug 2015 16:06:39 +0000 Dear Steve: Who restores Edison C-s radio-phonograph combinations? I’ve been trying to get mine restored for close to twenty years. Originally had three, & had three chassis sent for restoration & only two chassis came back & person to whom I’d sent these did not respond or cash $ 25 cheque I’d sent to cover shipping of third chassis. Radios work OK, but phono is very weak even ‘tho I’ve had pickups rebuilt & I’m told former “repairs” used incorrect interstage audio transformers. Would love to get these units functioning properly. What type of transformer should replace interstage audio transformers? I can hook the pickup up to an Edison radio which is all original & sound is superb so I know the combination units should be equally magnificent when playing diamond discs. Jim Cartwright Immortal Performances, Inc. From: Antique Phonograph List [mailto:phono-l@oldcrank.org] Sent: Saturday, August 08, 2015 1:09 AM To: Antique Phonograph List Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Columbia Viva-Tonal model 710 Steve, I agree that the VivaTonals can sound better than the Orthophonics, and so can the Brunswick Panatropes. John Robles From: Antique Phonograph List <phono-l@oldcrank.org> To: "phono-l@oldcrank.org" <phono-l@oldcrank.org> Sent: Friday, August 7, 2015 7:44 PM Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Columbia Viva-Tonal model 710 steve_nor...@msn.com Send me a photo of the reproducer or let me know what is says on the back, if it is the one I think it is they are all brass and easy to rebuild. I will take flak for this, but when I tested an Orthophonic No. 5 Victor and a Viva-Tonal reproducer on my Victor VI the Viva-Tonal sounded better. This was a fair comparison of both reproducers with the same horn. Naturally the Orthophonic No. 5 Victor sounded much better on my VV 8-12 than it does on my Victor VI. Personally I think the Viva-Tonal is a better reproducer for two reasons. It is much, much, much easier to rebuild and it does not have the unwanted sound coming from the other side not connected to the horn. Mr. Orthophonic tells me it is incorrect to test the Orthophonic No. 5 Victor independently from the machine due to the matched impedance and I agree. Ever wonder why Victor Orthophonic machines tell you to close the lid or put the cap with the felt on the suitcase models? To deaden the unwanted sound which the Viva-Tonal does not have to the same degree. I do have a world famous friend who feels the Viva-Tonals sound better than the Victor Orthophonic machines, he is in a position to sound test, I am not, as he owns both with practically all model of both. I can only sound test on Victor VI. Interestingly the Viva-Tonal uses the same size ball bearings as the first style Orthophonic No. 5 Victor. As long as I am taking flak I also enjoy paying my monthly bills. Sound is objective, I spoke with another famous man who restores early sound systems like the Edison C-2 and he as the equipment to measure sound. Some people can only hear a limited range of sound, others had very differing opinions of the same sound. Some people like Larry can pick out all the instruments in an orchestra record while others can only differentiate volume. Steve From: phono-l@oldcrank.org Subject: [Phono-L] Columbia Viva-Tonal model 710 To: phono-l@oldcrank.org Date: Sat, 8 Aug 2015 02:08:49 +0000 I've wanted to have a nice Columbia Viva-Tonal phonograph for a long time, and now I have the opportunity to buy a model 710. Not being famailiar with these -- I've never actually seen one in person -- I'm wondering what kind of cosmetic work this will need. It seems the green trim paint is faded in some places, and largely gone in others (note front center above the speaker grille in the second photo). The nickel plating on the tone arm and reproducer appears to be heavily oxidized, as well. I don't know what other cosmetic or mechanical issues it may have; are there common known issues with this model, and with Viva-Tonals in general? Do the horns usually need to be re-sealed? Are the reproducers pot metal? I've read these don't have a stop; does that mean it doesn't have an automatic stop, or (forgive me) any stop at all? How do these machines sound, in general? (Personally, I don't think Grafonolas sound very good.) Finally, the seller says he won't take any less than $225 for it; I know value is in the eye of the beholder, but does this seem reasonable to you, or is it way out of line?
