The Victrola No.4 A sound box from 1926

[Edisonfan]

Here are two better photos of the soundbox.

Yes that's normal, as you can see in this video of various No. 4 sound boxes -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68-PNRk9a4Q -- On my later model HMV No. 4, the thumbscrew is positioned in the same way. The same is true for my Victor Orthophonic sound box.

I think that was done to relieve direct pressure or force on the diaphragm when tightening the needle.

OrthoFan

Thank you for that and the video!

[MarkELynch]

The angled set screw corresponds to the change from the round needle chuck to the triangular one. The triangular chuck being for fiber needles of course. The angled setscrew would bear against one of the flat sides of the needle.

Here is an original No. 4 Sound Box box. The description on the top is unfortunately mostly unreadable but describes using it on the old Victrolas for playing the new recordings.

Does anyone have a box with readable text that could post it here?

Mark

[JerryVan]

I believe this is what it says...
(Now my eyes are shot )

"The Victrola No. 4 Soundbox was designed and perfected for use with old style Victrolas manufactured prior to August, 1925. This soundbox will immeasurably improve the sound quality of old Victrolas but it should not be confused with the New Orthophonic Victrola and the principle of matched impedance (controlled by the Victor Company) which has so completely revolutionized the art of reproduced sound. This sound box on your old style Victrola will greatly increase your enjoyment of the New Orthophonic record. But be sure to hear the New Orthophonic record played on the New Orthophonic Victrola which represents the pinnacle in sound reproduction."

[Edisonfan]

I believe this is what it says...
(Now my eyes are shot )

"The Victrola No. 4 Soundbox was designed and perfected for use with old style Victrolas manufactured prior to August, 1925. This soundbox will immeasurably improve the sound quality of old Victrolas but it should not be confused with the New Orthophonic Victrola and the principle of matched impedance (controlled by the Victor Company) which has so completely revolutionized the art of reproduced sound. This sound box on your old style Victrola will greatly increase your enjoyment of the New Orthophonic record. But be sure to hear the New Orthophonic record played on the New Orthophonic Victrola which represents the pinnacle in sound reproduction."

Thank you!