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OK, newbie here and I think I am about to display my ignorance, but you have to learn somehow, so here goes.

I recently saw a picture of a machine that was identified by the owner as a Columbia Grafonola. What struck me was that the tone arm had two reproducers attached and you could rotate the end of the arm to use either one. One reproducer is for lateral cut records, and the other for vertical cut records.

Is this a typical feature of these machines, or is an aftermarket accessory?

Thanks

Dale H

Hello, newbie! Nice to meet you.
As you're telling it, it sounds like the owner has replaced the original tonearm with a Brunswick Ultona... somewhat suspicious...
If you send some photos it will be easier to diagnose...

You nailed it, Inigo.

I searched on "Brunswick Ultona" and found a picture that matches what I found exactly. It looks like the entire tone arm and mounting base are from a Brunswick machine with the double Ultona reproducer.

Are these reproducers particularly rare or valuable?

Dale H

dale h wrote: Tue Sep 05, 2023 2:53 pm You nailed it, Inigo.

I searched on "Brunswick Ultona" and found a picture that matches what I found exactly. It looks like the entire tone arm and mounting base are from a Brunswick machine with the double Ultona reproducer.

Are these reproducers particularly rare or valuable?

Dale H

Neither rare nor valuable. Good solid reproducers however that deliver great sound when they're rebuilt.

Thanks for the reply, Jerry.

I think I might offer to buy just the tone arm with the reproducers. The rest of the machine - the Columbia part - looks pretty tired with a few other pieces missing as well.

Dale H