Skip to main content
This site contains historical content which may be upsetting or offensive to some visitors. Please see the content notice for a full statement.

Hearing the Americas

Edison brown wax cylinder beside its cardboard box, which reads "Edison Records ... All Over the World," with a paper slip labeled "Minstrel Record" tucked inside the lid.

Edison Brown Wax Cylinders

Title

Edison Brown Wax Cylinders

Description

The earliest form of commercial sound recording technology. Each cylinder was made of brown wax that would have sound recordings etched directly onto it.
The earliest form of commercial sound recording technology. Each cylinder was made of brown wax that would have sound recordings etched directly onto it.