Exploring

Inherent Vice: Early Sound Recordings

Cylinders

Wax cylinders were made from a variety of materials, including wax, resins, soaps, and oils. This illustration shows a custom storage box.
Stephanie Lamson, University of Washington Libraries—Preservation

The first cylinder recordings consisted of a brass cylinder covered with tin foil. These were soon replaced with wax and plastic cylinders of various types, which could be either prerecorded or recordable. "Soft wax" cylinders are usually original (not-prerecorded) recordings. They were actually made from a variety of materials, including wax, resins, soaps, and oils. Colorants, plasticizers, lubricants, and/or hardeners were sometimes added. Prerecorded cylinders ("molded cylinders") were first made from hardened wax or metallic soap and later from celluloid plastic.

Characteristics of Deterioration

The grooved surfaces of cylinders (particularly wax cylinders) are very vulnerable to damage, so cylinders should be handled only using the holes at the end of the cylinder, and they should always be stored standing on end. Wax cylinders are also very susceptible to mold at high relative humidity. Finally, it is important to note that wax cylinders should not be touched when they are cold, since warmth can cause the cold wax to fracture.

Cylinders made from hardened wax, metallic soap, or celluloid can become very fragile and brittle over time. Exposure to light, particularly UV light, will accelerate this deterioration.