The Not-So-Compact Disc Player

In 1982, the modern compact disc or “CD” was developed with the first album being Billy Joel’s 52nd Street. The following year, CD players and discs hit the market in the United States and the rest of the world. But, some 100 years earlier, people were already listening to another type of disc player … except they were just a little larger and more expensive.

While simple music boxes had existed for many years, most were small and played just one tune. But, starting in the 1880’s, Symphonium boxes were made in Leipzig, Germany. They accepted different music discs, allowing one box to play more than one tune. A simple hand-crank provided the power to operate the machines.

Discs were made of zinc or steel and measured up to 18” in diameter. Soon, other manufacturers entered the market, among them the F.G. Otto Company of New Jersey. That company produced several lines, one of which was the Euphonia. All of these operated using punched or pinned metal disks which were “plucked” by the teeth of a metal comb.

Various manufacturers produced numerous disc sizes until the advent of World War I. At that point, all factories were converted to produce war material. And, afterwards, the economic depression of the 1920’s all-but-destroyed the industry. Finally, the advent of cheaper wind-up gramophones and phonographs virtually eliminated the music box industry.

Today, you can occasionally find an antique Euphonia music box for sale on eBay, usually listing for $4,500 or more. But, you can always view (and hear) one of these wonderful antiques at the historic Water Tower Museum in Western Springs. We’re open every Saturday morning between 10 a.m. and noon. And, best of all, there is never an admission charge!

Each week, the Western Springs Historical Society presents a “Blast from the Past”. To view prior stories, visit us at www.westernspringshistory.org or just click on the author’s name shown above.