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Question on the Victrola XIV and other bigger machines the needle holder has 5 holes. Obviously the middle one is for the needle cup for disposal, and the two larges ones are probably for soft or load tone needles, but there are two smaller ones which are for what? Maybe bamboo or wooden needles?

Also on machines that have two locks one for the lid and one for the records would those hvae come with two actual keys originally or just one?

How about a place for medium tone needles?
Seems if the key fits both locks whats the sense of providing two keys?

They came with one key. The two small holes in the needle holder were where the cabinet "plugs" were located. When these machines were shipped in their crates, there were bolts in the back that held the cabinet in position. Two wooden plugs were supplied to put in those holes in the back after the machine was unpacked and that's where these plugs were when the machine was shipped.

Sean

OrthoSean wrote:The two small holes in the needle holder were where the cabinet "plugs" were located. When these machines were shipped in their crates, there were bolts in the back that held the cabinet in position. Two wooden plugs were supplied to put in those holes in the back after the machine was unpacked and that's where these plugs were when the machine was shipped.

The wooden plugs were not shipped installed in the needle tray. They would have fallen out. They were shipped inside the sealed box labeled "outfit". The instruction books for these Victrolas mention where the plugs are stored.

Oops, well, thanks for the correction. Can't recall where I'd read what I posted. Perhaps after hitting 40, my memory is just starting to go South!

This now makes me wonder then, just what were those smaller holes intended for? I've seen more than a few machines that had bamboo or even Tungstone needles sitting in them. I've also seen more than a few where those plugs were sitting.

Anyone? Now I'm curious too!

Sean

OrthoSean wrote:Oops, well, thanks for the correction. Can't recall where I'd read what I posted. Perhaps after hitting 40, my memory is just starting to go South!
Sean

You're not the only one, I too through hearsay would have said the same thing, but clearly the Victor instructions say the plugs were in the kit.

I'm constantly having to adjust my phono knowledge, no shame in that. and nothing wrong with the Good Old Sunny South