Four-minute wax Amberols

[CharliePhono]

I originally posted this question on the subject of the Chinese cylinder in the ebay, etc., listings section of the forum. I thought it would be better to move it here:

I'm not a cylinder guy, but am curious as to how the composition of the wax Amberols differs from the gold-molded cylinders? The metallic soap substance used for the latter would seem to be relatively durable. Were the wax Amberols softer? Why are they more sensitive to temperature shifts than a regular gold-molded record? I've never owned a four-minute Amberol, but have seen them. Most of the ones I've seen appear to be grayish and well worn. With all these stories of seemingly spontaneous destruction, I can't imagine even handling them much less playing them.

[Governor Flyball]

The wax Amberols are of a harder wax and appear far more brittle. I almost feel looking at them they will crack and split. I have examined cylinders which were whole and later split in storage despite keeping them at room temperature and not subjecting them to physical damage.

[52089]

The substance used in the "wax" Amberols had to be harder than Gold Moulded wax to support the tighter grooves. Unfortunately, the increased hardness also resulted in increased brittleness. However, it also resulted in cylinders that were much more "mold" resistant. It's very unusual to find moldy wax Amberols. However, wax Amberols are commonly found with a grey haze over the surface that appears to be wear. This haze will be removed when played.

I have read that the very late Gold Moulded cylinders used the Amberol "wax", but I have not seen anything documented to back that up.

[phonogfp]

I have read that the very late Gold Moulded cylinders used the Amberol "wax", but I have not seen anything documented to back that up.

You're right - there's nothing to back that up. In fact, that assertion was specifically debunked in the April 1909 issue of The Edison Phonograph Monthly:

"It is true that a Model H Reproducer can be used on Standard Records with possibly
better results than a Model C Reproducer. It is not, however, wise to use the Model H
Reproducer on Standard Records. The reproducing point of the Model H is much
smaller than in the Model C, and Standard Records are not made to withstand the
possible wear of the smaller point. Standard Records are made of a different compo
sition than Amberol Records[emphasis added], and a smaller point is more apt to
cut the former. We would advise you and all other Dealers not to encourage the use
of Model H Reproducers on Standard Records."

This was pointed out in an article on "Edison Amberol Attachments" that appeared in the December 2020 issue of the APS magazine.

George P.

[edisonplayer]

As everyone knows, there are so many good things on the wax Amberol that were never put on the Blue.A favorite of mine like this is "By The Light Of The Silvery Moon Medley"by the New York Military Band.edisonplayer

[CharliePhono]

Thank you all for the responses! It was an education.

Charlie

[CharliePhono]

As everyone knows, there are so many good things on the wax Amberol that were never put on the Blue.A favorite of mine like this is "By The Light Of The Silvery Moon Medley"by the New York Military Band.edisonplayer

That's one of my favorite songs. I'd love to hear a transcript of the cylinder recording some day.

[OrthoFan]

As everyone knows, there are so many good things on the wax Amberol that were never put on the Blue.A favorite of mine like this is "By The Light Of The Silvery Moon Medley"by the New York Military Band.edisonplayer

That's one of my favorite songs. I'd love to hear a transcript of the cylinder recording some day.

Here it is, I think -- https://alexandria.ucsb.edu/lib/ark:/48907/f35d8qbp

[CharliePhono]

As everyone knows, there are so many good things on the wax Amberol that were never put on the Blue.A favorite of mine like this is "By The Light Of The Silvery Moon Medley"by the New York Military Band.edisonplayer

That's one of my favorite songs. I'd love to hear a transcript of the cylinder recording some day.

Here it is, I think -- https://alexandria.ucsb.edu/lib/ark:/48907/f35d8qbp

Thank you!

[Governor Flyball]

My favorite wax Amberols include the 1910 Irving Berlin tune "Everybody's Do'in it" and Sophie Tucker's first version of " Some of These Days". Neither appeared on Blue Amberol.
Also I believe there was only one earlier Marie Dressler wax Amberol published as a Blue Amberol. It seems odd that after 1912 the Edison Company did not reissue more wax Amberols on celluloid.