The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I just listened to three cylinders I picked-up last Christmas, but have not had a chance to listen to yet.


Today I hauled-out my Edison Home- C machine, and gave them a listen...

Two of the cylinders are Columbia Indestructable 2-minute, one is a Waltz from the Merry Widow, the other is a selection from die Fledermaus.

The Edison Gold Moulded black 2-minute is a vocal selection: "Sauerkraut is Bully" - Yodel.


All three are in decent shape, but I was impressed by the condition and clarity of the Columbia cylinders...


Do the Columbias hold-up better / resist mold than their Edison counterpart, or was I just lucky and found some that lived in kind conditions ?

The Columbias, being made of celluloid, are far more resistant to mold than the Edison wax/metallic soap formula. Additionally, celluloid records rarely wear out. It's a bit like comparing Blue Amberols to wax Amberols.

Having said that, the Indestructibles are not completely damage-proof. They are known to shrink a bit over time which will cause mistracking. I also own several Indestructibles that have surface damage, probably due to improper long term storage.

The celluloid 2 minutes were actually made by the Albany Indestructible Record Company in Albany, N.Y. The celluloid ones do sound very good when they are in good condition. I Do think though that an Edison Gold Moulded cylinder in brand new condition can sound better though. And I also have found many celluloid records that have shrunk down to 102 grooves per inch or so, that they now skip.