VV 4-4 / Granada / Granada X / VE 4-4 X
The
Granada (also referred to as the VV 4-4) was one of four premiere Orthophonic models that were introduced
in the late fall of 1925. These machines provided far better sound-quality than
any of the earlier Victrola models, with superior frequency response, higher
volume, and a far less "canned" sound quality than was experienced with the
previous generation of acoustic phonographs. For a description of the
Orthophonic machine concepts, please refer to the page
Basics of the Acoustic
Phonograph.
Two of the four introductory models, the Credenza and Consolette
had secretly been in production at the Camden plant through the late summer and
early fall months, and dealers were well-stocked
with these two machines in time for the formal introduction of the Orthophonic
line. Interestingly, production of the other two models, the Granada and
Colony models did not start ramping-up until October. So
on the official Orthophonic launch-date of November 2, very few Granada models were available for sale at Victor dealers;
however they began appearing for the 1925 Christmas selling season.
The Granada (left) was a significant step-up from the lowest-priced Orthophonic
Consolette floor model. It offered a larger and higher-quality cabinet, with greatly increased record storage
areas, and most importantly, a robust and quiet 2-spring motor. Bright
nickel-plated hardware was provided. However, as was the case with the
Consolette and Colony machines, early-production Granadas did not have a cover over the horn
opening, which left a rather "unfinished", gaping-hole appearance when the front
doors were open. It also used the same basic (unfolded) pseudo-exponential horn as did
the Consolette and Colony, which limited the machine's bass response;
consequently, it sounded similar to the low-cost Consolette, with a bit
more volume. The
Granada was priced at $150.00, which equates to about $2,900.00 in today's
money.
Sales of the Granada were promising in early 1926. 
A grille-cloth to cover the horn opening
was added in early 1926 (right), and at the same time, an electric motor option
was made available as a $35.00 option (denoted as Granada X). A folded
(re-entrant) horn was added during the summer of 1926, which vastly improved the
sound quality.
The Granada was renamed the VV 4-4 in the fall of 1926, and a few minor
features were enhanced, but the machine remained essentially the same as before.
The Granada was completely re-designed and launched as the
VV 4-40 in January, 1927. An estimated total of 79,500 Granada/VV 4-4
phonographs were produced. Factory records indicate that 20,000 electric Granada
X / VE 4-4 Victrolas were produced, but based on surviving examples, it is
likely that only 12,000 of these machines were delivered to dealers. Some late-production examples have
been reported with an "antique bronze" finish on the hardware.
The Granada was available only in a blended-stain mahogany finish.
Re-live the original dealership experience! Listen to the early Granada (unfolded semi-exponential horn) vs. the Credenza (Victor's best machine at that time) in a "head-to-head" comparison!
Recordings made 6' feet in front of machines, in same position, in same room, with same record. Neumann condenser microphones direct to DAT recording. No equalization or gain changes. Same brass Orthophonic soundbox used on both machines.
| Manufacture Date | Serial Number Range | Feature Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1925 | 501-10500 | No grille cloth over horn |
| 1926 | 10500-79700 | Grille cloth added at s/n 12000. Folded horn introduced at s/n 39000, VV 4-4 designation started at s/n 61500 |
| Granada X or VE 4-4 Electric | ||
| 1925 | None | |
| 1926 | 501-12700 | All VE 4-4's have a grille cover. Folded horn introduced at s/n 4000. VE 4-4 designation started at s/n 6200 |
The current survival database shows the earliest existent Granada to be S/N 534 and the latest VV 4-4 to be S/N 79651.
The current survival database shows the earliest existent Granada X (electric) to be S/N 507 and the latest VE 4-4 to be S/N 12646.
Do you own a Victor Granada / VV 4-4? 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.