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TABLE OF CONTENTS |
A Guide to the Ullrich Family Music Collection, [ca. early 1900s]
Historical NoteThomas Edison invented the phonograph in 1977, and subsequently created sound cylinders made of tinfoil. These, however, were fragile, unreliable, and could only be played a few times. The wax cylinder soon followed, and early recordings were produced with a brown or white wax. Some phonographs from this era could also record sounds using these cylinders, presenting one of the earliest mediums for amateur sound recordings. Afterwards, other improvements were made, and in 1902, the cylinder was produced with what was called the Gold Mould process, which involved creating a metal mold from a wax master. The cylinders were often colored brown or black, and although the quality of sound varied, this process allowed for mass production. Cylinders were produced throughout the world, including China, Cuba and Germany; and, while Edison Records dominated the market, other companies released a variety of sound recordings, including Oxford Indestructible, which were sold through Sears-Robuck, and Columbia Phonograph. The cylinders could record anywhere between two and four minutes of sound, and most recordings consist of instrumentals, popular music releases and vaudeville skits. Cylinders continued to be manufactured until approximately 1929, when the now more familiar flat disc LPs gained popularity, replacing it. Sources: Gracyk, Tim, “Phonograph Cylinders: A Beginner’s Guide,” Tim’s Old Phonograph Records. Accessed February 15, 2016. http://www.gracyk.com/cylinders.shtml “UCSB Cylinder Archive,” UC Santa Barbara Library. Accessed February 15, 2016. http://cylinders-stage.library.ucsb.edu/index.php Return to the Table of Contents Scope and ContentsThe Ullrich Family Music Collection is comprised of 32 inch sound cylinders, encompassing a variety of recordings from the first decades of the twentieth century. Archivist's Note: The sound cylinders are of varying quality, and some may be unplayable. Potential issues have been noted in the inventory. Return to the Table of Contents
Return to the Table of Contents RestrictionsAccess RestrictionsThis collection is restriced. Please contact the repository for further information. Return to the Table of Contents
Return to the Table of Contents Administrative InformationPreferred CitationThe Ullrich Family Music Collection, [circa early 1900s], Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin. Processing InformationThis collection was processed by Amanda Reyes, February 2016. Return to the Table of Contents Detailed Description of the Papers
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