Listen to 11 full-length Victorian and Edwardian period songs with the Columbia Graphophone!
-Columbia Graphophone-
Although Thomas Edison invented the phonograph in 1877 it was not for many years that its use spread to the general population. Starting in the late 1880s, cylinder phonographs (or to the British, "gramophones") became popular as public entertainment and soon they were finding their way into the homes of the middle and upper classes. The Columbia Graphophone was an improved design of Edison's original phonograph and could play Columbia cylinders as well as Edison's. Some models, such as his one, also had the ability to play large diameter "grand" cylinders, originally popular for recording opera. Cylinder records reached a peak of popularity in the early 20th century, but by WW1 they were already fighting a losing battle against 78rpm discs. Eventually only Edison continued to produce cylinder records, ceasing production of them in 1929.
This Graphophone is typical of the Columbia "A" series machines sold from the mid-1890s through the Edwardian period. The songs it plays were originally recorded on cylinder records by various companies during the same period and provide a taste of the type of music popular at the time, from hymns to ragtime. The following songs are included:
Over the Waves Waltz
School Days
It's a Long Way to Tipperary
God Save the Tsar
Tannhauser Pilgrims' Chorus
Nocturne in E-Flat Major
Frozen Bill Rag
Nearer my God to Thee
Gold & Silver Waltz
The Record March
I Want to be a Merry, Merry Widow
-Operation-
Simply rez the Graphophone and position it where you wish. To play, touch the Graphophone cylinder on the machine and select the title you desire from the drop-down menu. The machine will shut itself off automatically after the cylinder is finished; you can also press "stop play" if you wish to stop a cylinder while it is still playing. Modifiable, copyable, cylinder records and containers are also included with the Graphophone, feel free to place them near the machine although they are not necessary for its operation.
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Please direct any questions, comments or concerns to Mr. Ernst Osterham, President. Albion Importers Limited desires every customer to be a satisfied customer.
