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I found a North American "Channel Rim" cylinder today. Here are a couple pictures followed by some questions I have.
I don't know much about North American cylinders so am hoping someone can help answer a few questions I have. As always, any help is very much appreciated.

1. This doesn't have the paper ring in the channel around the rim. I imagine this is probably the case with most of these that are found due to the paper falling out at some point. Did all North American cylinders have paper rings originally or were there some that didn't?

2. Do all North American cylinders have announcements at the beginning?

I played the cylinder expecting to hear the title in the announcement. But there wasn't an announcement. Instead, the cylinder begins with a piano selection. The volume is weak but very audible. After about a minute or so, the song stops and a young girls recites Hickory Dickory Dock. This is followed by someone whistling a short tune. Then, there is what sounds like some sort of Native American drumming along with loud shrieks and yelling. Finally, there is the voice of what sounds like a young girl who mentions something about the date. I only played it once so couldn't verify the date.

I am thinking this may be a group of home recordings but could be completely wrong. It was strange to hear because of how random the different portions were. I will try to make a good audio recording of the cylinder in the next few days and will post it on this thread after doing so. I'm curious to hear what others think about this one. Thanks again for any help!

Looks beautiful!

From the description, I'd agree that it's a home recording.

It's possible that the 'channel rims' were sold both as blanks and commercial recordings: it certainly would be economical to use the same molds for both. Or perhaps someone had a worn out cylinder and shaved it for home use....

Looking forward to hearing it!

Bill

Most North American cylinders I've seen lack the paper ring. That paper ring was supplied only on duplicates made ca. 1892.

From what you've described, you have a home recording. These channel rim cylinders were sold both as blanks and with recordings on them.

George P.

Thanks again for the information, George.

Home recordings are among some of my favorite cylinders I own. They can take you back in time and provide a quick glimpse into a reality long forgotten. Hopefully I can find out more about the date of the recording from the audio. I know a date was mentioned at the end but didn't hear it clearly. I didn't have a chance to record the audio today, but will try tomorrow and will upload it to this thread after doing so.

I am sure it is a self made recording, but from the content could also be from a phonograph demonstration with the variety on it, demonstrating that the phonograph will record different sounds. It is a most beautiful record, shiny and that deep reddish brown color.

Below is the audio taken from the North American cylinder. I look forward to hearing what others think about the strange combination of recordings on the cylinder. I am surprised by the low amount of surface noise as well as the volume. It's pretty clear throughout the entire cylinder.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JnW__aBnos[/youtube]

I think the whistled tune is "Where oh where has my little dog gone?".

It does sound like someone says "ninteen hundred and three" near the end, and I suspect the words before that might be the date, but I can't make it out right away. Very interesting in any case.

You are right about the whistled tune following Hickory Dickory Dock. After the whistling portion, it sounds like someone is banging on pots and pans or something similar. I agree with the date at the end being 1903. Possibly "January 11th"?

I slowed the audio down about 50% in GoldWave (audio editing software) and yes, it sounds like January 11th to me as well.

please never erase this cylinder, it is really a piece of history, and shows what people would do when they were making a home recording. the surface is very nice. You can hear the machine start and stop. I wish people would save more home recordings. I hear often times than not, I shave off that home recordings, so I can experiment recording myself. These home recordings should be treasured as they are one of a kind, and a direct link to what people did at the turn of the century in there homes. The instrument sounds like a mandolin, as such a pair of home recordings I had.