[78-L] Last 78's--WAS: acoustic recording

[Michael Biel]

agp wrote:
> The similar question I've always wondered is -- when was  the last 
> cylinder. I thought cylinders where made until at least 1924. Was 
> Edison maybe still doing them at that time?  T
The highest numbered Blue Amberol cylinder was 5719 "If I Had You"  John 
Gart (organ solo) issued June 1929.  Cylinder production ended July 6, 
1929.  BUT they still maintained and used the equipment for producing 
Blue Amberols into the 1950s.  I have a special machine
ftom around 1940 with a regular sized Blue Amberol morse code practice 
cylinder produced at that time.  I also have the mould for making one of 
the Ediphone dictation lesson cylinders with a date on the case when the 
mould was taken out of service in 1953.  So they could make cylinder 
into around 1955.  I also have a great electrical machine from the late 
40s with an 8-inch speaker that was designed to play these dictation 
lesson cylinders in the classroom. It can beautifully play Blue Amberols 
if I increase the speed and release and move the feedscrew every ten 
seconds or so. 

Mike Biel  mbiel at mbiel.com