[LB049008], Letter from Thomas Alva Edison to Kentucky Phonograph Co, R C Kinkead, April 15th, 1891
https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/document/LB049008
Transcription
April 15, 1891. R.C. Kinkead, Esq., President, The Kentucky Phonograph Company, No. 246 Fifth St., Louisville, Ky. Dear Sir:- I have your letter of 9th instant, in which you ask for information concerning the improved phonograph. In reply I take pleasure in informing you that a model of the new Phonograph has been made and tested, with very satisfactory results. This latest machine is the results of all the accumulated experience gained in connection with the regular instrument during the last few years. In addition to the present size of cylinder a mailing phonograph can also be used on the improved machine, the change from one to the other being effected by a single movement. The large size cylinder will hold about 1500 words and the mailing cylinder about 400. The instrument is a very handsome one-much finer looking than its predecessor; it is very easily operated and has been pronounced by experts in the business as perfectly satisfactory in every particular. In the machine are embodied all the improvements and additions that could be desired, such as a good stop and start arrangement, and a bell for indicating when the end of the cylinder is reached. In regard to the introduction of the new machine to the public, I am sorry I cannot give you any information on this point, as I have nothing whatever to do with the commercial side of the phonograph, my provinces being simply to manufacture the instrument. As you are aware the North American Phonograph Co. has charge of the marketing of the phonograph. What steps it is taking for the introduction of the improved machine, I do not know. I understand that there is some reorganization going on in the Company, but I have no information in regard to it. Of course I am very much interested in having the new instrument placed in the hands of the public, but as intimated in the foregoing I can do nothing in that direction, having no authority [illegible text] [illegible overstruck text] the New York Company. Yours very truly, (Signed Thomas Edison)