The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello! I wonder if anyone can tell me about the reasons for the difference in the two tone arms pictured below. The one on the left came to me with a brass reproducer, so perhaps it's earlier than the smooth tone arm on the right. Why the ridge in the one on the left, and was it used in particular models? The Victor Data Book doesn't have any info. Thanks for your help!
Bob

The arm on the left is the earliest style. I'm not sure when the second style came along, although I think it was around the time of the introduction of the 4 door Credenza and the demise of the brass reproducer. At one time I had a Borgia II which came with the early style arm and a brass reproducer. The radio had been completely removed, the grille was gone and the horn was partially chopped out - but motor,crank, tonearm and brass reproducer were all still in place. I was planning to restore the horn, but I bought my 8-30 and sold the Borgia cabinet alone for almost what I paid for the whole thing. I still have the brass reproducer.
Just my personal opinion, but I think the arm was first made in two pieces because of manufacturing issues which were eventually overcome thus allowing for the one piece arm. I have worked on a few of these freestanding arms and really like them. They can be difficult to assemble and adjust, but when done properly they operate very smoothly and have a bare minimum of play at the swivel. And, the No.1 advantage: no need to go shopping for a replacement for the crumbled bracket.

Jim

Thanks Jim. What you've said makes sense to me. I agree the freestanding arm works just fine and looks a lot classier than the later bracketed one. I wonder if it was just a matter of economics that they changed over to it.
Bob