“The portable ‘Calvin Discjockey’ could be plugged into any amp or pa system. It was primarily marketed to radio DJs as a convenient console in a suitcase for personal appearances and dances. It played both old-standard 78s and new microgroove 33/45s, using a two-sided cartridge with a knob on the head that flipped it over. Separate volume controls for each turntable and a microphone. No cue channel. The metal platters were covered in soft fiber and driven by a pinch-roller between the inside rim and motor capstans. The white knobs adjusted the speed by moving the roller across the capstan’s three diameters. The mic jack was whimsically labeled “Mike”. c-1962”

(No link, sorry. Got this from a friend who emailed it to me.)

  • eestileib
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    3 months ago

    I can see one of these behind the counter at a Brooklyn coffee place I can’t afford playing Charles Mingus.