The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Does anyone know what the purpose of the small lever near the feedscrew is for on a BKT? See the photo attached, it's on the right hand side of the feedscrew. It doesn't seen to me like it's a gear change for 2/4 minute operation, but perhaps it is and I'm just not paying attention

I've never owned any of the Columbia rear mount cylinder machines until now, so any help would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Sean

That is indeed a gear change lever to switch between 2 and 4 minute records. A friend of mine has one that I've heard, but I never studied the mechanism close enough to figure out just how it works. My own BK is 2M only.

Sean,
The lever is indeed a 2/4 min changer. It's been a while since I used mine. I think left is 2 min and right is 4 min. Like I said, it's been a while. The fancier machines like the BET,BFT, BGT, etc had the knob on the left. BTW, 2/4 min Columbia machines are scarce.
Harvey Kravitz

Thanks Harvey and Vintage!

I guess I need to do some checking around. The BET I picked up also the knob on the left you speak of, but I can't figure out how that one works either. They both are playing on 2 minute mode just fine, but I'd like to see how they handle 4 minute celluloid cylinders as well. Both are in very nice condition and I don't think they've been "messed with" which is what attracted me to them, they were pretty reasonable as well, although I really can't say I knew what they are worth, so I just came up with a max bid and stuck with it.

Sean

I hope I don't sound like a broken record as I think I've posted this before but the BKT sounds real well with celluloid records:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDVOmba8kAo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5q4cIptUjI

My 4 minute reproducer was rebuilt using a stylus from an Edison H reproducer. The combination stylus Columbia used is a compromise as it's too big and too small at the same time. Sort of like the 2 mil stylus used in the 1950's for playing LPs and 78s. My BKT was perhaps sold by Sears or another mail order-house as it has a smaller plainer case then the typical BKT. Mine still has the original stitched belt. Does yours still have this?

This phonograph & nickel horn came out of hibernation 13 years ago from an estate in Baraboo Wisconsin. The BKT was perhaps the equivalent to the Edison standard. And not as common.

Thanks for the info. It appears that my BKT was done with an H stylus and bar at some point as well. After talking with Steve Medved, I looked and sure enough it was. The one on my BET still has the combo stylus which plays Indestructibles of both types just fine, but i wouldn't try playing wax with it. I'll leave that one as is, but I plan on haviong Steve check them both out anyway, just to be safe. The BET plays and sounds just great. The BKT still needs some attention mechanically, but I haven't even looked at it closely yet. My BKT also was a Sears or Ward's model, as it too has the simpler case and no decal. Mine has the black and gold painted horn. It's a very attractive little machine, honestly, I like the looks of it better than any Standard! I'll have to look at the belt on mine, I didn't notice.

Sean

I sorta wish I could put the 2/4 mechanism from my incomplete BK (no horn, no crane, Dictaphone soundbox!) onto my complete BQ. The BQ prolly sounds about like the BKT - nice and loud, decent round tone.