Columbia Catalog of Recordings

 By Bruce Shawkey

 Found this fascinating 1954-1955 catalog of Columbia recordings on the Internet database of archived documents. It's a 340-page catalog of everything you could order from Columbia -- from records to phonograph needles to cleaning pads. Record care instructions are also given:

I. Do not handle the actual playing surface of the record. Slight grease can attract dust. 
2. Before playing an LP record always wipe the surface with a smooth, soft, damp cloth. A piece of linen, soaked in plain water and then thoroughly wrung out, serves admirably. Do not use a dry cloth, brush or cleaning pad. (Editor's note: Strange that Columbia sold cleaning pads, but then urged people not to use them.)
3. When extracting the record from its container, bow the container open as much as possible to prevent the record surfaces being rubbed. 
4. Keep records in an even, moderate temperature. 
5. Records should be kept in an upright position, but ensure that they are kept pressed lightly together. A record leaning over can become warped. 
6. When the record is not in use, keep it in its container and, generally, keep it out of the way of dust. 
7. 33i, (Long Playing) and 45 (7-inch) r.p.m. records can only be used on instruments equipped for these speeds. 

Some record samples illustrating emphasis on classical music, but also contemporary and even spoken word albums:



                                  




Columbia Records is the oldest surviving brand name in the recorded sound business. It was founded in 1887 from the American Graphophone Company, which was the successor to the Volta Graphophone Company. In 1894, the American Graphophone Company and the Columbia Phonograph Co. merged to form Columbia Records. 









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