The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I'm sure most people have seen these, the way some people/collectors tie decorative tassels to the keys for their machines or cabinets... I've noticed them used most often on keys for higher end machines shown through photos on web sites displaying random collections. personally, I think these frilly ornamental displays detract from the phonograph and the originality of the display - not that I'm criticizing anyone whose aesthetic opinion might differ... I'm just wondering if there's a reason aside from aesthetics that people actually do this. was this done historically?

I have furry dice hanging from the keys on all my machines.

I believe the reason that tassels are used is so that it's harder to lose the key. If if falls out it won't be missed or kicked under the cabinet accidentally with a tassel.

JohnM wrote:I have furry dice hanging from the keys on all my machines.

That's funny, I have an Edison Gem hanging from my rear view mirror!

Seriously, I agree with Brian, I find the tassles detract from the machine and I can't say I have seen any perior ephemera that shows the tassles.

Auxetophile wrote:I believe the reason that tassels are used is so that it's harder to lose the key. If if falls out it won't be missed or kicked under the cabinet accidentally with a tassel.

I do it for the same reason, and to make the key more visible so my mother doesn't "wipe out" on them.
I use them on most of my antique furniture. Some of the keys would be far harder to replace than a phono key if they were lost.

I also don't like the look of tassels. It's too frilly for me. Since I don't even see the need to lock my cabinets I just keep the key inside, next to the turntable.

Why did phonographs even lock? The maid might have a party in the parlor while you were out???

USlakeside wrote:Why did phonographs even lock? The maid might have a party in the parlor while you were out???

I myself don't know. I guess it was a protection of your nice shiny new phonograph so that children and nosey houseguests wouldn't be able to fiddle with it, and maybe break it. I imagine these machines attracted a lot of curious attention when they were new.

Some upright pianos had locks on the fallboard. People might have been more particular about who was touching their stuff, much like the way audiophiles in the 50's with extensive stereo equipment didn't want people fiddling with it. Heck! probably much in the way that a lot of us don't want people fiddling with our phonographs now!

I've seen them in pictures and while I haven't anything against them when someone has one hanging off of every key in sight it does begin to look a little funny. I'd feel like putting David Rose's "The Stripper" on the turntable to see if the tassels might start spinning.

Mainly, it was a status symbol. The idea was that an expensive Victrola should be viewed in the same vein as a desirable piano.

Hey, you pays your $200 for a VTLA, you gets your modern "pie-ana".