Which needles do I need for my Sonora Nocturne

[Rtiggs]

I ordered medium tone and when I tighten down the screw it just falls out. Would anyone know which are the best for my machine and where to buy?

Thanks...

[VanEpsFan1914]

Hello again & good luck with getting the Sonora up & running.

You probably have a broken needle obstructing the needle chuck. I suggest making sure that the hole is not clogged, and try again. If not, maybe the thumbscrew is not original.

A Sonora is a high-end phonograph and should be able to handle everything from soft to loud tone needles.

[Rtiggs]

Hello again & good luck with getting the Sonora up & running.

You probably have a broken needle obstructing the needle chuck. I suggest making sure that the hole is not clogged, and try again. If not, maybe the thumbscrew is not original.

A Sonora is a high-end phonograph and should be able to handle everything from soft to loud tone needles.

I don't think anything is obstructing the opening. I put the needle that came with it..fits great. It's somewhat thicker. I put the medium tone in tighten it up it falls out. I tried the 4 times...orginal no problem...medium falls out.

[AZ*]

Does the thumbscrew bottom out before the medium needle is fully tightened? If so, perhaps the thumbscrew is damaged or is an incorrect replacement. I guess perhaps the needle chuck could be worn or enlarged. I'm just guessing. Is it possible for you to upload a closeup photo?

[OrthoFan]

I agree with AZ. It sounds like the thumbscrew, which holds the needle in place, is too short. Remove it and see if the tip looks like it may have broken off or has worn away. You can get replacement thumbscrews from most well stocked parts suppliers such as https://www.victroladoctor.com/

OrthoFan

[BillH_NJ]

Yes, it sounds like a problem with the thumbscrew. I have a Sonora Nocturne, two Baby Grands, and a Chippendale, along with a couple of later Tonalics. All the reproducers fit all needles from soft to loud with no problem. It sounds like the screw is too short or not able to turn far enough.

[Rtiggs]

Does the thumbscrew bottom out before the medium needle is fully tightened? If so, perhaps the thumbscrew is damaged or is an incorrect replacement. I guess perhaps the needle chuck could be worn or enlarged. I'm just guessing. Is it possible for you to upload a closeup photo?

Nope. The thumbscrew goes all of the way in and tightens to the reproducer hub.

[Rtiggs]

I agree with AZ. It sounds like the thumbscrew, which holds the needle in place, is too short. Remove it and see if the tip looks like it may have broken off or has worn away. You can get replacement thumbscrews from most well stocked parts suppliers such as https://www.victroladoctor.com/

OrthoFan

I took it out. The screw does not appear to be broken.

[Pathe Logical]

Although the pictures are blurry, that doesn't look like any reproducer thumbscrew I've ever seen. Perhaps it's an improper replacement.

[AZ*]

Although the pictures are blurry, that doesn't look like any reproducer thumbscrew I've ever seen. Perhaps it's an improper replacement.

I agree; it's a duff replacement. It does not appear to be a normal phonograph thumbscrew. A thumbscrew should not bottom out or tighten to the reproducer hub on a medium tone needle.

Here's a photo of an HMV #4 soundbox with an extra soft tone needle which is very fine. As you can see, the knurled portion of the thumbscrew does not "tighten to the reproducer hub."

I suggest you contact one of the parts dealers for a proper replacement Sonora thumbscrew.