Dedicated to the preservation of early recorded sounds
Early Recorded Sounds & Wax Cylinders
Explore early sound recording methods, two-minute wax cylinder records
and antique phonographs; see plenty of rare vintage photos;
and enjoy listening to early recorded sounds taken directly from the original wax cylinders.
Cylinder of the Month
Listen to a complete two-minute wax cylinder recording
a "new" cylinder every month.
For March:
An early recording of the hammered dulcimer Ain't Dat a Shame Medley from 1908.
An 1878 Recording
Want a primitive recording?
Try this experimental sound recording from 1878:
The world's earliest playable phonograph recording
still audible today after more than 140 years . . .