Friday, March 26, 2010
Miniature Old Fashioned Victrola (World's Smallest That Actually Works)
One of my favorite toys is this 1983 miniature phonograph replica made in Japan for a legendary American toy company; Poynter Products, Inc. out of Cincinati, Ohio.
It measures 2.5 inches x 1.5 inches (main frame only).
Each record is 2 inches in diameter (set of Six).
The Horn is 3.5 inches and the "Sound Box" is about 1/2 inch in diameter.
It uses a real steel needle (just like the old Phonographs).
The single motor spins at 78 rpm (supposedly! I don't have the tools to veryfy that) and it is powered by a single AA battery and not by the turning of the crank handle, like the old models that had a spring motor.
Sound is reproduced with the same basis of the original 1901 Edison Gramophone and sounds like the originals too.
The needle picks-up the vibrations from the record, which in turn moves the diaphragm and creates a waveform that it's trapped inside the "Sound Box" and goes out through a cylinder Horn that amplifies the sound as it comes out.
Unfortunately, the smallnest of the unit prevents all the frequencies from being reproduced acurately. You will hear distortion in the very high and low range.
Each record has a different song on it (single sided); each song can last between 10-15 seconds.
The records are made out of plastic and not vinyl but have almost the same characteristic of a modern record with actual grooves; except that instead of the needle vibrating sideways in a circular motion like we all commonly know, it actualy vibrates up and down in a circular motion.
The song titles are: Dixie, Give my regards to Broadway, Oh Susana, Old grey Mare, Take me out to the ball game, Turkey in the straw.
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Do you know where i can buy one of these?
ReplyDeleteFrom time to time you can find them on Ebay, under "Miniature Victrola" or "Miniature Phonograph". Prices range from $ to $$$. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWow, was it really 1983 that this came out? I used to have one. I sold it on eBay a number of years ago, and have come to regret that foolish decision. I have been unable to track down another.
ReplyDeleteI have one if you're interested.
Deletejoyfulhart3@msn.com
I have one for sale
DeleteWhat are you asking for it?
DeleteDo you still have the miniture Victrola for sale ? thanks
ReplyDeleteDo you still have the minatiure Victrola for asle ?
ReplyDeleteYes I do
DeleteWith all the original parts and the box
I have one for sale if anyone is interested. I was just about to post it online but saw this thread and figured I'd see if anyone here wants to buy it first.
ReplyDeleteI also have an original for sale. Comes with box and all pieces.
ReplyDeleteWhat is your asking price?
Deleteinterested if still available
ReplyDeleteYes it’s still available. Send me your number
Deletei realy want this is it still availible
ReplyDeleteYnunez1978@yahoo.com
Deleteive sent you an email ???? tnx marky
ReplyDeleteIf anyone has a miniature Victrols with box and accessories let me know what you are asking. Thanks
ReplyDeleteneed a new needle,would consider buying a whole new victrola
ReplyDeletewould like to buy one if anyone still has one for sale.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone has one for sale, please let me know! Avabird@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteAlso interested! I actually have one, but the motor no longer works. It's in good cosmetic shape, and I have all the records. Would love to get one with the box. cinemaslavejoe@yahoo.com
ReplyDelete