The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have an Aeolian-Vocalion Graduola. I cannot figure out what is the purpose of this lever beside the turntable. It pushes down a bit but doesn't seem to do anything. I removed the brake mechanism and I still can't figure it out.

Perhaps a semi-automatic brake setup? Position the needle on a record's end groove, push the button, play?
Bob

Most A-V machines of that time seem to have it. It must either set the auto brake or turn it on/off. Where does it lead, under the motor board? Any patent numbers?

It is part of the auto-brake mechanism.

You position the soundbox at the end of the record you wish to play, press the button which should then set the auto-brake so when the sound box reaches that position on the record, it turns itself off. That's the theory; the practise is that it tends not to work too well - a bit like the Graduola Tone Control!

Good luck

Tim W-W

Thanks for the info. It does what you said, Tim, but not every time. I will fiddle with it a little more. I've also ordered a repro setup and instruction manual that may explain it further.