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The Phonograph Shop

From Tin Foil to Stereo by Oliver Read & Walter L. Welch [Softback] (0672212056-O)

"Certified Original"

MED-BK-SFT-0672212056-O

$14.99 USD
$14.99 USD
Sale Sold out

These are original (used) parts and probably contain characteristics as such. Expect scratches, dullness, dents, dings, anything becoming a part over 100 years old. We make every effort to ensure they are functioning as expected and professionally clean for a no hassle installation.

"From Tin Foil to Stereo: Evolution of the Phonograph" by Oliver Read and Walter L. Welch is a comprehensive and authoritative history of sound recording, tracing the technological and cultural development of the phonograph from its earliest days to the mid-20th century.

📖 Overview

The book begins with Thomas Edison's invention of the phonograph in 1877, a device that could record and reproduce sound using tinfoil-covered cylinders. From there, it covers the key figures, innovations, and companies that shaped the sound recording industry, including Alexander Graham Bell, Emile Berliner, Eldridge R. Johnson, and Guglielmo Marconi, as well as major corporations like Victor, Columbia, and RCA.

🎼 Key Themes & Topics

  • Technical Advancements: The shift from tinfoil to wax cylinders, shellac discs, and ultimately to vinyl LPs and stereo sound.

  • Industry Evolution: The rise of the recording industry, format wars, and how the phonograph changed the way people experienced music.

  • Cultural Impact: The influence of the phonograph on popular music, broadcasting, and the broader entertainment landscape.

  • Collector’s Insight: Includes details on early machines, rare recordings, and historic advertisements, making it a favorite among vintage audio and phonograph enthusiasts.

📝 Style and Features

Richly illustrated with photographs, diagrams, and vintage ephemera, From Tin Foil to Stereo blends technical detail with engaging storytelling, making it both a valuable reference and an enjoyable read. The authors' deep knowledge and passion for the subject shine through, offering readers both historical accuracy and a nostalgic glimpse into the golden age of analog sound.

Dimensions:

  • Length: 5 1/4"
  • Width: 8 1/4"
  • Thickness: 1 1/4"
  • Condition: Good