YMMV of course, but I had a chance at this myself and passed due to too many issues that I could see as well as envision.
I love the Viva-Tonals (I collect sand research Columbia exclusively) and could have easily dealt with any issues involved getting the phonograph operational, but I just did not want to take on some of the cabinet issues I saw (some of which you have noted). The seller when I asked about them was a bit too stubborn and vague, equally about the price. She would not share any better photos with me of the case (with better detail of the condition) and especially the horn behind the screen. Instead I got pics of irrelevant Victor accessories. I decided to give it a pass and wait for either a better conditioned mid sized 700 series (a later model with the autobrake) or a larger 800¹s. Just my 2 cents. Again YMMV A in MA From: Antique Phonograph List <phono-l@oldcrank.org> Reply-To: Antique Phonograph List <phono-l@oldcrank.org> Date: Friday, August 7, 2015 at 10:08 PM To: "phono-l@oldcrank.org" <phono-l@oldcrank.org> Subject: [Phono-L] Columbia Viva-Tonal model 710 I've wanted to have a nice Columbia Viva-Tonal phonograph for a long time, and now I have the opportunity to buy a model 710. Not being famailiar with these -- I've never actually seen one in person -- I'm wondering what kind of cosmetic work this will need. It seems the green trim paint is faded in some places, and largely gone in others (note front center above the speaker grille in the second photo). The nickel plating on the tone arm and reproducer appears to be heavily oxidized, as well. I don't know what other cosmetic or mechanical issues it may have; are there common known issues with this model, and with Viva-Tonals in general? Do the horns usually need to be re-sealed? Are the reproducers pot metal? I've read these don't have a stop; does that mean it doesn't have an automatic stop, or (forgive me) any stop at all? How do these machines sound, in general? (Personally, I don't think Grafonolas sound very good.) Finally, the seller says he won't take any less than $225 for it; I know value is in the eye of the beholder, but does this seem reasonable to you, or is it way out of line?
