The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi all! I'd like to get some informations about the meaning of the adjective "Electric" engraved on the back of a Songster soundbox. Does it mean that it can be used at his best on an... electrified talking machine? I tried in vain to find informations both in Internet and in my books on the history of the Gramophone. THank you!

Please post a picture of it...

Generally the term "Electric" was used on many products to indicate they were up to date. Ha ha, but true. Most likely your reproducer was produced as an aftermarket replacement to play the early electric records with better fidelity than your old Mica reproducer.

Thank you for the prompt replies. I post two photos...

Founded in 1901, J.Stead & Co.Ltd are best remembered as the manufacturers of Songster needles and Vulcan mainsprings. Their soundboxes turn up regularly and are of good quality, but the complete portable marketed under the Songster name is less often seen.

I have a glass bottle stamped "Electric" Horseradish, so it may just be advertising.

Thanks a lot! Very kind of you, really! Hope to be useful to you and the other e-mailers in the future!

Carlo

Buongiorno Carlo!

I also have examples of off-brand soundboxes bearing the writing "electro" or something similar. I don't think it was simply advertising or pretending: I suppose it indicated that they were designed and well suited to play electrically recorded records. All of them are of the aluminium diaphragm type (which makes sense) as well as your Songster.