The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hey all,
Just sorting my front mount bits and figured out that the name for the traveling arms which are all metal are called Gibson arms.
My question: were they sold with any models other than Victor P's, R's or E's?
Was there only one length?

daverob wrote: Tue Oct 03, 2023 6:06 pm Hey all,
Just sorting my front mount bits and figured out that the name for the traveling arms which are all metal are called Gibson arms.

16963705762473938612505857493693.jpg

My question: were they sold with any models other than Victor P's, R's or E's?
Was there only one length?

I would like to know the answer to this question as well. Anyone?

JerryVan wrote: Sat Nov 22, 2025 3:19 pm

daverob wrote: Tue Oct 03, 2023 6:06 pm Hey all,
Just sorting my front mount bits and figured out that the name for the traveling arms which are all metal are called Gibson arms.

16963705762473938612505857493693.jpg

My question: were they sold with any models other than Victor P's, R's or E's?
Was there only one length?

I would like to know the answer to this question as well. Anyone?

Well, 3 minutes more research on this forum yielded the post from "Gramophone78", dated 2015, which ccontained the following information...

"Recently, I was very lucky and found a very early (for rear mounts) Victor catalog showing the Victor VI at $105. The other five number models are still in their early front mount forms.
I also find it interesting that all models show a Concert sound box in the illustration and an Exhibition is mentioned as (if preferred).
Four front mounts are also still offered....MS,M,M jr. and Z. All with Gibson arms.
The nickel Concert and Exhibition are $5 and the #10 is at $10."

Yes, I believe there was an M with a Gibson arm at the Stanton’s auction? So two sizes for the traveling arm.

Michael

kiwiatlarge wrote: Sat Nov 22, 2025 3:55 pm Yes, I believe there was an M with a Gibson arm at the Stanton’s auction? So two sizes for the traveling arm.

Michael

Yes, there definitely was... I bought it.

I was hoping to confirm that it is a correct arm option for an M. Apparently, it seems to be, based on the mention of one being offered in a period catalog.

What's really amazing is that the OP is from 2023 but still has a photo visible.

I think most of the photos from 2020/21 later are still up.

daverob wrote: Tue Oct 03, 2023 6:06 pm Hey all,
Just sorting my front mount bits and figured out that the name for the traveling arms which are all metal are called Gibson arms

So that we can all benefit from your research can you please post the source of your information?
I think we can all agree that the best research always includes a verifiable first hand source. Perhaps you have a patent reference or something attributing this to an inventor or assignee named Gibson.

Thanks for posting,
Mark

George P.

I've always heard them referred to as Gibson arms... But thanks to George, (and the USPTO), it's official.