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VV-90 / VE-90

RARITY: ¤   VALUE:  ¤ 

The VV-90 was a low-priced model introduced in early 1921. Its launch was concurrent with the reorganizing of the entire Victrola product line. These new models used conventional number designations rather than the previous Roman numerals, but they were essentially the same products that had been offered for more than 10 years prior, with moderately redesigned cabinets.
The VV-90 was the updated replacement for the discontinued VV-X model and sold for the same amount of money, but had a wider and more substantial-looking cabinet. Functionally, it was identical to the VV-X with nickel-plated hardware, a semi-automatic brake and a two-spring motor. The VV-90 was available in a selection of mahogany, oak or walnut veneers, but the most popular choice by far was mahogany with a dark stain applied (left). The 90 was priced one-notch above the basic, entry-level VV-80 model.
Like most of the low-price models in the early 1920s, the VV-90 was produced via automated machining processes, with no hand-carving or ornate trim.
While the VV-90 was a moderate success, it was discontinued during the final months of 1922 when the size of the VV-80 model was increased, making these two models 'redundant' in form and function.
Due to the overproduction of these machines, it is likely that some late-production VV-90's were sold during Victor's well-advertised "half-price" sale during the summer of 1925. For more information on Victor's financial crisis of 1924-1925 and the overproduction of phonographs, please click here.
The original 1921 selling price of the VV-80 was $125.00, which equates to more than $1,800.00 in today's money. An estimated total of 85,500 VV-90 models were produced.  The VV-90 (and many similar low-cost Victrola models) are typically ignored by collectors today, unless in exceptional original condition. Far too many were produced to be considered 'collectible' in the current market.

The survival database currently shows the earliest existent VV-90 to be S/N 544 and the latest to be S/N 86000

Do you own a Victrola VV-90? Please take a moment and enter some basic information about your machine into the collector's database by clicking here. No personal information is required.