Columbia Viva-Tonal Model 810
$1500
It is sometimes forgetten that in 1924 Western Electric licensed its electrical recording process not only to Victor but to Columbia as well. The Orthophonic Victrola was introduced with great fanfare in 1925, but Columbia also came out with a series of Viva-Tonal Grafonolas to take advantage of the new, enhanced recordings.

The Viva-Tonal Models 800 and 810 were Columbia's response to the Orthophonic Credenza. Sharing essentially the same cabinet, the 800 came in a walnut case and the 810 in mahogany case with green polychromed decoration and a floral decal. The doors fold out and then slide into the cabinet. Both machines were larger and heavier than the Orthophonic Credenza, and employed a folded, exponential horn. The 810, at $300, was the more expensive of the two.

Although you sometimes encounter the smaller Viva-Tonal models it is rare to see one of the full size machines. Judging from the number of surviving examples, it is probably a fair guess to say that 500-1000 Orthophonic Credenzas (or its sister the 8-30) were sold to every full size Viva-Tonal. This makes the 800 series Viva-Tonals quite scarce, and unfamiliar to many collectors. This is really a shame, for the big Viva-Tonal is really the equal of its Victor competitor, and in the opinion of many record collectors sounds not just as good but better. And unlike many Orthophonic reproducers, which were cast of pot metal, it is possible to rebuild the Viva-Tonal soundbox.

We recently were fortunate enough to secure two examples of this great machine, both model 810s. (They are listed separately.) Both are working machines, with good spring motors. The case on this example shows average wear. There is some alligatoring, a section of bottom trim molding is out, and there is a small chip on the underside of the lid that was reglued in place. I believe the case can be made quite presentable with a little loving rubbing and polishing, but in any event it should not be refinished, particularly considering how hard this machine is to find. The reproducer is strong, and the gold plating shows little wear.

This is the ideal machine to play your records of the 20s: all the acoustic power of the Orthophonic Credenza and something unique and different to boot. $1500
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Lynn Bilton
Box 536
Hartville, OH 44632
330-325-7866

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Delivery and pickup possible in many parts of the south, midwest, and east.