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I picked up a couple of Columbia Reproducers and this one has a different type of needle bar I haven't seen before. Thought I would share this.

What is this movable part on top of the needle chuck for? It's it kind of a silencer? Is it a rotating key for fixing the needle?

It rotates to tighten the collet to hold the needle. Not seen like this. I've seen the usual spring lever type and an earlier thumb screw version.

I see.. thanks. What a strange arrangement! Never seen before... Although it is true that some Meltrope soundboxes have a similar arrangement, but the pressing element is a knurled collar. And the IM cactus needle sharpener has also a collar too to grip the needles.