Entire Collection
Edison Phonograph Disc
Specifications
Edison Phonograph Disc
Category
Communication
Classification
CHENHALL - Tools & Equipment for Communication - Sound Communication T&E - Sound Communication Media - Record, Phonograph
Keyword
Object Origin
Thomas A. Edison, Inc.
1911 -1921
Physical Characteristics
Object Description: Flat circular black disc with a small hole in the center. Text is engraved on the center on both sides with a portrait of Edison.
Marks: Front: "(a) Hiawatha / (Neil Morel) / (b) Laughing Water / (Frederic W. Hager) / SODERO'S BAND / A PRODUCT OF / THE EDISON / LABORATORIES / 50514-R / EDISON / TRADE MARK / Thomas A Edison / 637.0-B-7-132" Back: "(a) Creole Belles / (J. Bodewalt Lampe) / (b) Soldiers In The Park March / (L. Monekton) / NEW YORK MILITARY BAND / A PRODUCT OF / THE EDISON / LABORATORIES / 50514-L / EDISON / TRADE MARK / Thomas A Edison / 6371-A-5-51"
Measurements: Object:
Depth: 0.25 in, Diameter: 9.75 in
Weight: 0.536 lbs
Credit
Gift of Vince Granatelli, 2018.1.119
Display Status
Not On View
Edison Phonograph Disc
About: Edison Phonograph Disc
About: Edison Phonograph Disc
This record, specifically known as a Diamond Disc, features four musical pieces. The front side of the disc features Hiawatha and Laughing Water recorded by Sodero’s Band. The back side of the record features Creole Belles and Soldiers in the Park March recorded by the New York Military Band.
Between 1912 and 1929, Diamond Disc were manufactured by Thomas A. Edison, Inc. to be used with the Edison Disc Phonograph, or record player. Diamond Discs have a thickness of ¼ inch, a diameter of 10 inches, and weighed close to 1 pound. The name Diamond Disc originated from its association with the Edison Disc Phonograph, which featured a permanent conical stylus made of diamond. The stylus, or needle, is responsible for making contact with the disc and transmitting the vibrations produced by the record’s grooves. The diamond stylus made the phonograph unique, while other phonographs used steel stylus’ which required regular replacement, the Edison Disc Phonograph used a durable and long-lasting diamond stylus. However, this unique feature made Diamond Discs incompatible with phonographs that used steel stylus’ because a steel stylus had the potential to damage the Diamond Discs while providing low sound quality. Diamond Discs experienced commercial success during the mid-1910s and into the early 1920s.
Additional information
Copyright information
The objects and content presented on this website have been reviewed for the copyright status to the extent possible. However, if you believe that any material has been used improperly or without proper authorization, please contact us. We are committed to respecting intellectual property rights and will address any concerns promptly.
Have a question or comment about this object? Contact us.