Tapered Tone Arm
As previously mentioned, early machines were classified as front-mount machines and that the structure limited the size and weight of horns. By 1904 the Victor Talking Machine Company had developed a method of mounting the horn on a rigid mounting bracket attached to the rear of the machine. A rigid hollow, tapered tube, or "tone arm" acted as an extension of the horn, and bridged the distance from the rear mount to the reproducer. It was then hinged so as to allow the needle to traverse across the record. This system allowed horns of a much larger size to be used without putting the additional weight on to the record surface. Because larger horns produced louder and better sound, the tapering tone arm became one of Victor's most important innovations, and one of their most valuable patents.
VictorTalking Machine Company "Monarch Junior"
First built with the new tone-arm in 1904. Plays 8" dics. Original price $27.50
In later years early front mount gramophones were often re-designed with an added tone arm.
Gramophone Company (England) Monarch Special
First built in 1902 and by 1904 was built with the tone-arm as seen hear.
This machine was built and sold in England and is identical to the Victor Monarch Special which sold for $50.00
Victor Talking Machine "Victor II" (Victor The Second)
Built in 1904 the second of six tone-arm machines produced until about 1920
Plays 10" records and sold for $30.00
Please take note of Victor's version of a flower horn, that was available as an option.
Star Promotion
Despite competition from Columbia, Victor's success was assured by aggressive promotion, continued improvement and invention, plus a far sighted policy of stressing the quality of their recording content. At a time when most of the records issued by their competition were listed simply as a "Baritone Solo" or "Comic Sketch", the Victor company, had from the start treated their artists as marketable in their own right. By the time the other companies realized the value of what was ON their records, Victor had much of the top talent, such as Enrico Caruso, signed to exclusive contracts. The others often had to settle for second class performers.
There is much more to come but the site is only worked on as time permits
Continue Tour