The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

VintageTechnologies wrote:I can't decide whether that's a very good acoustic or a very anemic electric.

I liked the sound effects. What sort of contraption produced them?

I was wondering the same thing.

Sounds like a trombone with a special kind of mute. There are a number of different mutes and effects one can get from a trombone. Not sure what the name of that one might be.

I vote that both recordings are mechanical. They're very nicely done. Little wonder that a lot of Truetone recordings got re-recorded with the old system. I think the gimmick in the Gershwin number is a kazoo recorded close-up. Great transfer!
- Bill

VintageTechnologies wrote:I can't decide whether that's a very good acoustic or a very anemic electric.

I liked the sound effects. What sort of contraption produced them?

It sounds like some sort of reed device, like a duck call (it was certainly being used on that MW record I have - "Don't Give Me No Goose For Christmas" )...

Bill

wjw wrote:I vote that both recordings are mechanical. They're very nicely done. Little wonder that a lot of Truetone recordings got re-recorded with the old system. I think the gimmick in the Gershwin number is a kazoo recorded close-up. Great transfer!
- Bill

It's not a kazoo. You must be kidding.

Wasn't Raderman the "Laughing Trombone" guy?

Lucius1958 wrote:
It sounds like some sort of reed device, like a duck call (it was certainly being used on that MW record I have - "Don't Give Me No Goose For Christmas" )...

Bill

I think you may be right. Could have just as well been a kazoo, too.

howardpgh wrote:Wasn't Raderman the "Laughing Trombone" guy?

He sure was ! Heard to wonderful effect here.

https://youtu.be/SgCVFTYUUX8

There is only one way to know for sure if this is electric. Does it say electric on the label?

-Steve

Early electrics by the like of Victor, Columbia, and Brunswick said nothing about electric recording on the labels either.

As far as the Okeh that's the subject of this thread, I'm leaning toward believing it's acoustic. Given the documentation provided and aural evidence.