The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello, I'm new to talking machines and just purchased a Victrola VV-XIV - I love it.

I ordered some needles and a few 78s from ebay and really enjoy listening to the old machine. I have a question regarding the wood needle holder. My Victrola does not have any metal cups. There are two hemi-spherical basins and one round cylindrical (90 deg corners) holder. Also, there are two more even smaller holes on the very end. I realize that I should take a picture, but just in case someone can answer:

What are the various size holes for? Is there some systematic method for storing needles?

What is the function of the small wood plug (seems to fit in one of the smaller holes)?

Thanks,
Richard

Dear Richard,
The two round holes are for new needles; many people used to put loudtones on one and softtones in the other. The cylindrical hole is for a metal needle cup with lid that was used to store used needles. They are pretty prevalent on Ebay. Hope this helps!
John

The plugs that fit into the two smaller holes fill in the holes in the back of the machine where the cabinet was screwed into the shipping crate.