Edison Phonographs
Thomas A. Edison invented the phonograph, making the first sound recording when he spoke the words, "Mary had a little lamb" into the mouthpiece of his new machine. The year was 1877.The Edison Phonograph Company was formed in 1878 and the first machines exhibited primarily as novelties. Edison, though, envisioned a great future for the phonograph: for dictation, elocution instruction, language preservation, even(!) reproduction of music.
As Edison moved on to other work, such as inventing the light bulb, others entered the phonographic field, establishing their own companies to manufacture and sell the devices. Eventually Edison re-entered the fray, introducing an improved phonograph in 1888 and beginning a long line of successful cylinder and then disc players.
Early on, the Edison company was bought out by a competing businessman but, under the name North American Phonograph Co., reverted to the control of Edison in 1890. He regained complete control of his invention in 1895 and started the National Phonograph Company in 1896. From then on a steady stream of new and improved phonographs bearing the Edison trademark poured forth, along with Edison cylinders and, later, recorded discs.
Prices for phonographs steadily dropped, and by the first decade of the 20th centry many average households were able to own one. Thus, collectors are able to find many vintage Edison cylinder machines on the market, as well as cylinders, long-play "radio-phonograph" records, and the acoustically superb Edison Diamond Discs.
Everyone who enjoys recorded music and other preserved sound owes a debt to Thomas Edison. Owning one of his famous phonographs or a collection of the recordings produced by his company is a great way to connect to this brilliant individual.
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