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I have three black Amberol records of Masonic Hymns:

4M-385: Entered Apprentice Masons Hymn

4M-386: Fellowcraft Masons Hymn

4M-387: Master Masons Hymn


So far I have not found these records on youtube.


Does anyone know if they were re-released and / or re-recorded as Blue Amberols or Diamond Discs?


They are in beautiful condition, but frankly, I'm scared to death of trying to play them, given the temperamental reputation of wax Amberols.



Thanks !

Frank

There were numerous “Fraternal” records released by Edison & Columbia, and, not just Masonic related.

To your specific question, the 3 Wax Amberols you have were also released on Blue Amberols, 1951,2,3

Masonic Diamond Discs were also issued, list follows.

Some of these can be heard on the USCB Digital Archive:

http://cylinders.library.ucsb.edu/searc ... ry=masonic




Edison BA 1951
Entered Apprentice Degree Hymn




Edison BA 1952
Fellowcraft Degree Hymn, Quartette




Edison BA 1953
Master Mason Degree Dirge, Quartette




Edison BA 1954
Master Mason Degree Hymn





50221-L Solemn strikes the funeral chime - Master Mason Degree Dirge
50221-L Solemn strikes the funeral chime - Master Mason Degree Dirge
50221-L Solemn strikes the funeral chime - Master Mason Degree Dirge
50220-L Entered Apprentice Degree - Obligation, Light
50220-L Entered Apprentice Degree - Obligation, Light
50220-L Entered Apprentice Degree - Obligation, Light
50220-R Entered Apprentice Degree - Reception Anthem, Perambulation
50220-R Entered Apprentice Degree - Reception Anthem, Perambulation
50220-R Entered Apprentice Degree - Reception Anthem, Perambulation
50221-R Let us remember - Master Mason Degree Hymn
50221-R Let us remember - Master Mason Degree Hymn
50221-R Let us remember - Master Mason Degree Hymn

Thank you, Rod !


Very helpful !

Victor issued a few 10" Masonic discs in the 'teens, content is about the same as the Diamond Disc titles. I have them- male quartet with a reed organ. Sound quality decent

Frank, are these records ones you got from me a while back? If so, I played them several times! Maybe play each one once and make a video/audio recording in case something ever happened to them. Just make sure the records and machine have been in the same room for a couple of hours before playing, and lower that stylus carefully!

These aren't cylinders but I do have two Columbia Viva-Tonal records by the Yaarab Shriners. The content though is mundane choral versions of heart songs from the previous decade...

bfinan11 wrote:These aren't cylinders but I do have two Columbia Viva-Tonal records by the Yaarab Shriners. The content though is mundane choral versions of heart songs from the previous decade...

Likewise quite a few Shrine Bands made records, generally private issue stuff sold to friends and family

HisMastersVoice wrote:Frank, are these records ones you got from me a while back? If so, I played them several times! Maybe play each one once and make a video/audio recording in case something ever happened to them. Just make sure the records and machine have been in the same room for a couple of hours before playing, and lower that stylus carefully!

Brandon, I believe they are !

They still look perfect... I have planned on having the recording rig set to go when I do attempt to play them.

It will be a carefully coodinated project.


Interestingly (?), the 2nd Degree "Fellowcraft Degree Hymn" does not seem to have been uploaded to the interwebs yet...


Frank

In 1912, Edison issued a series of Wax Amberol Fraternal Cylinders, with an Advertising piece, for B.P.O.E., Masonic and I.O.O.F. Later, most were re-issued as Blue Amberols and included Moose selections.

"50221-L Solemn strikes the funeral chime - Master Mason Degree Dirge
50221-L Solemn strikes the funeral chime - Master Mason Degree Dirge
50221-L Solemn strikes the funeral chime - Master Mason Degree Dirge"



We just don't hear enough dirges anymore....