Before the introduction of magnetic tape, radio shows and most recordings intended for broadcast were made on acetate-coated discs called "soft cuts" or "instantaneous" discs, or simply "acetates". They are a unique legacy from the early days of recorded sound and radio - and they require special care and attention to preserve them. Graham Newton discusses the preservation, storage and playback of "acetates" in an article beginning on page 2.

Also in this issue:

• Denis Gonet: "The Boy Caruso" by Jim McPherson
• Gleanings from Columbia Record Supplements (Part 3) by Claude Seary

Pictured are Edison Bell phonograph needle tins from the collection of Arnold Schwartzman, author of The Visual Paraphernalia of The Talking Machine. Schwartzman's book, previously reviewed in Antique Phonograph News, "reappears" in a list of recent (and not so new) books of particular interest to CAPS members in a feature beginning on page 6.

Also in this issue:

• What Dollar Value Do You Place on Old Records? (Forum) by John Freestone & P.G. Hurst
• More Gleanings from Columbia Record Supplements by Claude Seary
• Re-Issues of Early Recordings on CD, etc. by Barry R. Ashpole

The Berliner Gram-O-Phone Type GT 1746 has been identified as a "significant treasure" by the Canadian Federation of Friends of Museums. One is on display at The National Museum of Science and Technology in Ottawa, Ontario. The Museum's Curator, Communications, Ernie DeCoste, was the guest speaker at CAPS May meeting and took members on a pictorial "excursion" of its fine collection of sound recording and reproduction technology. A condensed version of his presentation begins on page 3.

Also in this issue:

• The Acoustical Recorder for Lateral-Cut Gramophone Records by Rolf Rekdal
• Gleanings from Columbia Record Supplements by Claude Seary

The first "talking pictures" to be a viable, commercial proposition in North America comprised of two distinctly separate elements: the image on a single reel of celluloid film, and the sound on a 12-inch or 16-inch shellac disc. Of the many thousands of these "film shorts" produced during a ten-year period beginning in 1926, only a handful survive complete. The Vitaphone project is an ambitious undertaking to recover and restore - and hopefully see re-issued - what remains of a priceless legacy from the earliest days of the film and sound recording industries. Barry R. Ashpole provides an overview beginning on page 3.

Also in this issue:

• Re-Issues of Early Recordings on CD by Gary A. Galo
• Canadian Record Labels: pre-1942 by Colin J. Bray

The combined creative and marketing skills of recording companies and book publishers inspired a remarkable series of children's records early in the history of the phonograph. Diana R. Tillson focuses on a number of outstanding examples in her own collection in a special feature article. The "quality albums" she describes are a unique collaboration of several art forms.

Also in this issue:

• The Starr Phonograph by Barry R. Ashpole with David Plumer and Jim Peck
• An Edison A-100's Paperwork by Norman Brooks
• Mr. Edison's Time Machine by John E. Rutherford

In a special feature beginning on page 3, CAPS member Harold Braker provides an invaluable guide to phonograph collectors in identifying Victor - Victrola motors. Listed and illustrated are most of the distinct variations of wind up motors used in front mount, rear mount, and enclosed-horn machines, the types most commonly found by collectors.

Also in this issue:

• Nipper's Descendants by John E. Rutherford