O. M. G. Be still, my heart.
The larger of the two record players (yes, they’re both from the 1970s) is the Newcomb XT-250, a model I was led to believe was advertised but never produced. Obviously my source was mistaken.
This was Newcomb’s top-of-the-line solid state model, made for a very short time. It has three mic inputs, all kinds of filters, full tone controls on all channels, a monitor speaker with separate controls, and a gimmick that lowers the
music by a preset amount when you speak or sing. Back in the day, I wanted one so bad I could taste it. Now, of course, it’s primarily of historical interest (I love vinyl, and it’s the most stable of media, but I don’t use it at gigs; I digitize it). And
this one is worn enough cosmetically that I’d want a technician to look at it before I’d commit to buying. A Cadillac or a Lexus is worth only what someone is willing to pay, based on condition and the buyer’s need.
Those column speakers are humungous. According to the brochure, they weigh 50 pounds each. Note the two handles on one side: They weren’t intended to be carried with one hand.
The smaller player, an AVT-1270V, is a nice size for practicing or calling to one or two squares. It has variable speed and a mic input with volume control. It looks to be in better shape than its big brother (although the tonearm cradle
on both units appears to have broken, as this part often does).
Tony Parkes
Billerica, Mass.
New book! Square Dance Calling: An Old Art for a New Century
(to be published real soon)