Collection: Blue Amberol Cylinders

Edison Blue Amberol cylinder records were a type of phonograph cylinder introduced by Thomas Edison's company in 1912. These cylinders were an improvement over earlier wax cylinders, featuring a celluloid (plastic) outer layer, which made them far more durable and resistant to wear. They were designed to be played on Edison phonographs and provided a higher-quality sound reproduction compared to their predecessors.

Blue Amberol cylinders were known for their signature deep blue color and typically measured about 4.25 inches in length, playing for approximately four minutes. They featured a plaster core, which helped maintain structural integrity and reduce surface noise. The shift to Blue Amberol cylinders marked a significant advancement in recorded sound technology, offering better fidelity and longevity.

Despite their advantages, Blue Amberols faced competition from flat disc records, which were becoming more popular due to their ease of storage and mass production. Edison continued producing Blue Amberol records until 1929, when the company ceased its phonograph and record production.

Today, Edison Blue Amberol cylinders are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for their historical significance and the unique tonal quality of their recordings.

Attention: The Phonograph Shop only offers nicer Blue Amberol cylinder records for individual sell. For that reason, we leverage a very basic grading system. Please keep in mind that record grading is somewhat subjective and requires experience. All record grading decisions are at the discretion of The Phonograph Shop. We will not debate nuances with personal opinions or other grading systems. If you are a serious collector and feel our grading may be at odds with yours, please reach out before ordering.

All Blue Amberol grading is visual inspection only.  There will be no paster damage, splits or heavy scratches, regardless of the grade. We do not test fit or ream the cylinders because most collectors prefer to do themselves.

• Excellent: These records still retain a nice shine and should play well.
• Good: These records may show signs of typical wear, such as, graying or light scratches.