Hi Jim,
There have been a number of discussions about the Columbia 600, 700, and
800 series VivaTonals on the Talking Machine Forum (TMF). I posted some
pictures of my 810 in the following link:
http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=12865&hilit=columbia+810&start=10
I believe that there are some good pictures of the 710 model there as well.
The TMF has an excellent search feature. You can search on the above topics
and see all the threads that have been written about them over the last several
years.
If you still need close up pictures of my 810, let me know and I can try to
get them for your.
Greg Bogantz
----- Original Message -----
From: Antique Phonograph List
To: 'Antique Phonograph List'
Sent: Saturday, August 08, 2015 12:14 PM
Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Columbia Viva-Tonal model 710
Dear Mr. Bogantz: I have both 800 & 810 Viva-tonals & unfortunately the
cabinet of the latter was stripped, effacing the decoration & the original
knobs were replaced. I’d like to have an artist friend recreate the
decorations. Could you possibly send me detailed close up photos of the
cabinet decoration & knobs? There are faint remnants of green paint along
the lower grooved part of the cabinet. Many thanks!
Jim Cartwright
Immortal Performances, Inc.
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From: Antique Phonograph List [mailto:phono-l@oldcrank.org]
Sent: Friday, August 07, 2015 10:22 PM
To: Antique Phonograph List
Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Columbia Viva-Tonal model 710
I have the Columbia 613 and 810, both VivaTonal models. The 600 series
has a simple curved wooden horn, nearly identical to those used in the small
Victor ortho machines such as the 4-3. And the small Columbias sound very
similar to the small Victors which is very good for their size. The 800 series
Columbias have very large horns and were supposed to compete with the large
horn Victors such as the Credenza. But the large Columbia horn is NOT
exponential in taper and does not sound as good as the big Victors. The big
Columbia sound is a bit muddier with noticeably less treble. I don't know
about the 700 series Columbias, but I would assume that the horns in them are
similar to the mid-size Victors. But if I were to guess, I'd assume that the
mid-size Columbias probably are not quite as good sounding as the mid-size
Victors. The big Columbia horn is made of a number of flat and curved pieces
of wood that must be sealed at their joints. And these seals will likely need
to be renewed during your restoration. The Columbia motors are quiet and
smooth. They all incorporate an automatic shutoff that must be set for the
record ending diameter in a way similar to the early Victor shutoff mechanisms.
All the Columbia VivaTonals use the #15 reproducer which has the distinct
advantage that it has NO potmetal parts. It is easily rebuildable, but it uses
an unusual molded rubber coupling that mounts the body to the metal sleeve that
is used to connect with the tonearm. These original rubber bits will almost
certainly be turned to stone, but so far as I know there are no reproductions
of them available. Most people who own these have finagled a custom
replacement frammis of some type to replace the rubber piece.
People's opinions on the sound of the reproducers vary. But the Columbia
#15 is heavier than the Victor #5 ortho and has a stiffer (lower) compliance
with a higher mechanical resonance. This results in less bass and a response
that is tilted toward a higher midrangey sound. I have made a set of adapters
that allows me to mount either reproducer on both Columbia VivaTonal and Victor
ortho machines. My opinion is that the Columbia #15 is not as good sounding as
the Victor #5 when used on any of the phonographs. The Columbia reproducer has
less bass response and higher distortion while also producing more record wear
due to the higher tracking force due to its higher weight and its lower
compliance. Still, the Columbia VivaTonal machines are nice enough sounding
and make a good comparison of the technologies of the two companies' products
of the same vintage.
Greg Bogantz
----- Original Message -----
From: Antique Phonograph List
To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
Sent: Friday, August 07, 2015 10:01 PM
Subject: [Phono-L] Columbia Viva-Tonal model 710
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?
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