The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Anyone have an idea why this hole was drilled here? Was there possibly an after market arm rest or needle holder that would have fit there. It's a mystery to me.

It looks really old, well done, and almost factory. It's really tough to fill a hole like that. We've all tried with very mixed results. There is a woodworker in Portland that could do the job. If you send the board to me I'll see that it's done and take it to Union. If it doesn't bother you too much I'd make it into something like a dealer installed used needle receptacle. It could be nicely done. Is this blasphemy?

Jerry Blais

Jerry B. wrote:It looks really old, well done, and almost factory. It's really tough to fill a hole like that. We've all tried with very mixed results. There is a woodworker in Portland that could do the job. If you send the board to me I'll see that it's done and take it to Union. If it doesn't bother you too much I'd make it into something like a dealer installed used needle receptacle. It could be nicely done. Is this blasphemy?

Jerry Blais

It does look like it has been there for a very long time and the edges are smooth. There is also a little more wear to the finish in that area. I will have to consider your idea of a used needle holder. My feelings are mixed on that. What does the crank escutcheon look like on these. There is really no indication on the outside of the case that there ever was one.ie no screw holes, no outline etc.

The crank bushing is a pressed in sleeve that protrudes slightly, (maybe ⅛"), from the side of the cabinet. I believe the edges of the sleeve are slightly radiused. It's nickel plated as well.

I'd make a small needle cup out of mahogany, with a post on the bottom that just slips into the extra hole.

Something like this maybe;

Great idea Jerry. I do not think it would be too hard to find a local woodworking shop to do this. Would it be hard to match a new mahogany piece to a older finish ?? Tom

tomb wrote:Great idea Jerry. I do not think it would be too hard to find a local woodworking shop to do this. Would it be hard to match a new mahogany piece to a older finish ?? Tom

It would be best to use an old mahogany leg from a trashed phonograph, rather than new wood. That will allow you to closely match the original finish...

tomb wrote:Great idea Jerry. I do not think it would be too hard to find a local woodworking shop to do this. Would it be hard to match a new mahogany piece to a older finish ?? Tom

Good idea. It could possibly be made from an old needle holder from a parts machine.