Object ID:
2001.225
Title:
SoundScriber
Description:
2001.225 - Soundscriber has a wooden cabinet, a turntable, a tone arm, an on/off switch, and a volume knob. A metal label on the front reads "Insert Listening Device, SoundScriber." Maker's mark on metal label attached to the back of the machine. The patent notices are printed on a piece of paper stapled to the bottom of the cabinet. Includes a black vinyl cover, with "SoundScriber" printed on the top, that fits over the machine. 2001.225.1 - Transformer that plugs into the back of the SoundScriber. It measures 5 3/4 x 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 in. The exterior is black metal. "A584" is painted on the bottom. 2001.225.2 - Control box that has one switch and plugs into the Soundscriber. It measures 2 3/4 x 7 3/4 x 3 in. The exterior is black metal. 2001.225.3 - One flexible, black vinyl disc without grooves; 7 in. diameter. 2001.225.4 - One flexible, green vinyl disc with grooves; 7 in. diameter.
Dimensions:
H-8.25 W-10.25 D-12.5 inches
Date:
ca. 1945
Made by:
The SoundScriber Corp.
Place of Origin:
New Haven, CT
Provenance:
"This machine was the first playback machine for volunteer-recorded books." --museum exhibit label. Originally developed as an office dictating machine, it used 6 to 7-inch plastic discs holding 12 to 15 minutes of recorded material.
Credit Line:
Gift of Roger Wahler, 2001.225