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VV 8-8

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The VV 8-8 was a floor-model Orthophonic phonograph introduced in the summer of 1928, and was one of the last large acoustic phonographs that Victor ever produced. It was intended for utilitarian, institutional use by facilities such as schools and churches. The intent was to provide a sturdy phonograph that would bring music and the spoken word into classrooms and lecture halls.  It also provided the added benefit of advertising Victor machines to those who happened to be listening. The 8-8 replaced the VV 8-7 'schoolhouse' model, and added several improvements to the 8-7's design. The 8-8 was essentially a "downscale" version of the ornate, home-use VV 8-9.
These schoolhouse models were easily moved around via the presence of wheels located in back of the cabinet. A large handle in the rear made guiding the machines an easy task. The 8-8 had a larger cabinet and more decoration than it's predecessor, and the wheels had the advantage of being recessed into the back of the cabinet, rather than sticking out of the sides (as had been done on the 8-7). In addition, the 8-8 had a much-improved steel Orthophonic horn (see discussion below).
At the time this model was introduced, the price of Victor's Electrolas (electronically amplified phonographs) had dropped significantly; these newer machines provided better performance than the acoustic models. Consequently, the popularity of acoustic phonographs such as the 8-8 was rapidly diminishing during the latter half of 1928, even for school use. But these late-vintage acoustic Victrolas provided exceptional performance, and are still considered to be amongst the best-sounding non-electronic machines ever produced. Interestingly, the 8-8 utilized a re-entrant (folded) horn design as did many other Orthophonic models. However, the 8-8 (and a few other late acoustic models) utilized a stamped steel horn, rather than the usual pressure-formed wood horn. It retained the same exponential horn design as had had earlier Orthophonic machines, but the use of steel proved easier to shape and assemble during production, and also had the benefit of providing exceptional volume and performance. These machines have a very lively sound quality with improved high-frequency response when compared to their wood-horn counterparts. Therefore the 8-8 and 8-9 Victrolas had the largest and most efficient horns of any Orthophonic Victrolas, and many collectors today consider them to be the pinnacle of acoustic reproduction.
The 8-8 was available only in a fumed oak finish, with a small blue painted trim panel. Nickel plated hardware was provided. The 8-8 was manufactured for only a few months during the summer of 1928 before it was abruptly discontinued. Apparently the demand remained very low for this model at a time when sales of acoustic machines were rapidly waning. Many remained in inventory, and were sold by dealers well into the 1930's. 
The original 1928 selling price of the 8-8 was $195.00, which equates to more than $2,900.00 in today's money. However, a discount was provided to schools. An estimated total of 1,400 Victrola 8-8's were produced.  Not many have survived.
 

 The survivor database currently shows the earliest existent VV 8-8 to be S/N 652 and the latest to be S/N 1887.

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