Sold – Thomas Edison Says Quality of His Records is Improving

The earliest phonographs used waxed cylinders, but these had limitations. After the turn of the century Edison and his competitors began developing disc records and players. The disc-playing machines proved more efficient to mass-produce than those for the cylinders, and disc records were easier to store in bulk, as they could be stacked, or when in paper sleeves put in rows on shelves like books. Many cylinder phonographs also wobbled which resulted in pitch fluctuations, while disc records did not. In 1908 Columbia Records introduced mass production of disc records with recordings pressed on both sides, which meant that patrons of disc records could now get two recordings for less than the price of one on cylinder. Edison saw that the disc would become the industry standard and set about developing a superior version for his company.

By late 1912, the Edison Disc Phonograph and disc records were available throughout the country and were touted as being acoustically superior to those of the competitors. In order to highlight their superiority, Edison claimed that his records could be played 1,000 times without wear. Recitals were also conducted to prove the merit of the discs. However, these new discs had problems – their laminated surface had a tendency to detach from the core material, and surface noise was frequently apparent. The disc process was changed, and finally, in 1915, Edison unveiled to the market his Blue Amberol records. These records were high fidelity and showed that the Edison Company had been successful in improving the sound of its recordings. They became an immediate success.

Typed Letter Signed on his laboratory letterhead, Orange, New Jersey, January 12, 1915, just as the Blue Amberols were ready to be introduced, to William Wombough: “…it gave me much pleasure to learn that you derive such great enjoyment from your phonograph. We are still making improvements on methods of recording, and I think you will find future records still better than those of the past. I note your wish to name your young son after me, and see no objections to your doing so, so far as I am concerned. I trust he will live to be a fine boy and an honor to his parents.” This is our first letter of Edison specifically dealing with the phonograph, records and efforts to perfect them.