VV 2-55 with electric tonearm

[novkev24]

I came across this eBay auction for a VV 2-55 with an additional tonearm, which appears to be electric. According to the ad, the second tonearm is an Astatic Tonearm. Does anyone have any idea what this is about?

-Kevin

http://www.ebay.com/itm/150731307120

[gramophoneshane]

It just appears to be one of humndreds of tonearms that were available to be added to acoustic machines so records could be played electrically by connecting the wires to a tube radio.
This one probably dates from the late 30s or 1940s, & looks to have a crystal cartridge. Even if the cartridge works, it wont for long & will have to be sent away to be rebuilt. Unlike the old magnetic cartridges you can rebuild yourself, these are a specialist job.

[syncopeter]

this looks to be an early arm with a crystal cartridge. It will be quite a challenge to get it working.

[scullylathe]

That arm is very common and if the old rochelle salt crystal is bad send it to West Tech services. He rebuilds crystal pickups and cutters with the new ceramic piezo elements so they aren't susceptible to moisture like the old rochelle salt elements were.