RARE antique 78rpm Marconi Velvet Tone Record, Jolly Fellows Waltz # 045; 1907-8
$
30
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Description
RARE antique 78rpm Marconi Velvet Tone Record, Jolly Fellows Waltz No. 045; 1907-1908. Performed by the Columbia Phonograph Company’s own Columbia Band, this record is rare not because of the musicians but because of the record itself. In 1907 the Columbia Phonograph Company introduced the Marconi Velvet Tone Record, a lightweight semi-flexible phonograph record made of a paper or cardboard core laminated between two sheets of celluloid. The sound quality was better than the shellac discs of the time and they were much less prone to breakage. However, they were more expensive and required a special gold-plated needle since the standard steel needles of the time would damage the softer surface. The releases were from existing Columbia masters, with some 400 other titles issued during their short production run in both 10 and 12-inch form. Most discs were single-sided with a textured surface on the other side--as this one has--to try to prevent the lightweight disc from slipping. The textured side, along with the sleeve (not included), carried warnings about using the wrong type of needle. Guglielmo Marconi, the name behind long-range radio, actually had nothing to do with the design of the records. He simply gave his name and image to them to add some prestige. The records were a commercial failure and were discontinued only a year later in 1908. CONDITION. This particular example remains in very good condition for its age, although some cardboard does show through due to edge wear. Obviously, with the concern for use of “special needles,” I haven’t attempted to play it so I have no idea of the sound quality. Still, a very collectible piece of “recorded history.” Free media mail shipping; for Priority Mail add $9.99.
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